SWR cautioned on Liphook wheelchair access

South Western Railway must ensure that passengers using wheelchairs can board and alight trains at Liphook station by May 2021.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) ordered the operator to comply with the legal requirement on November 17, having identified that SWR was not providing a boarding device such as a ramp when required.

Most stations on the network cannot provide level access and so a ramp or other device is needed for wheelchair users.

Although most trains serving Liphook are accessible for passengers with a wide range of disabilities, the gap between the train and platform is such that passengers using wheelchairs cannot board or alight independently.

Passengers were left having to travel to another station, or not use the train.

“All passengers who need assistance to travel must be able to do so safely and with confidence,” said Stephanie Tobyn, ORR Deputy Director, Consumers.

She added that where better passenger assistance was not being provided, ORR would take action.