Published Article

HeadlineKnightsbridge station to have step-free access by 2020

Short HeadlineKnightsbridge station to become step-free

Standfirst

The £12 million renovation will include step-free access.

By 2020 there will be lifts to take passengers from street to platform.

Two new entrances will be built and the surrounding pavements widened, providing additional space for pedestrians.

It will become the 72nd tube station to undergo the transformation.

The start of the Knightsbridge development follows the completion last week of the major upgrade of Bond Street station, also now step-free.

There are plans to make another six tube stops step-free in the next few years.

Nineteen million passengers use Knightsbridge station each year and it’s hoped the changes will bring even more people to the popular shopping area.

Inaccessible tube stations

Many citizens and visitors to London avoid certain parts of the capital due to inaccessible tube stations.

People with mobility problems struggle to navigate the network of stairs.

Yet, it isn’t just wheelchair bound travellers that struggle.

Philip Connolly, from Disability Rights UK, says it’s time London transport becomes more accessible for people with all types of disabilities.

According to Age UK, there are 980,000 people aged over 65 living in London and this number is expected to increase to 1.2 million by 2024.

Yet, Gordon Deuchars from Age UK London says there are other accessibility issues alongside step-free problems.

Transport for London have promised an additional £200 million to boost accessibility in the capital which will help achieve Sadiq Khan’s goal of 40 per cent of tube stations with step-free access by 2022.

Other commuters will benefit too. The availability of lifts will help with heavy luggage, shopping and buggies.