Update 7 August 2023 – Greg writes to Mayor Khan due to the exclusion of Parsons Green and Putney Bridge Tube Stations!
On 11 July 2023, TfL announced the next Tube stations to be prioritised for step-free access. Unfortunately, neither Putney Bridge nor Parsons Green Tube stations are included. Knowing how disappointing this will be for Chelsea and Fulham residents, Greg has written to the Mayor of London due to the exclusion of both Tube stations.
Since the announcement, Greg has also visited Putney Bridge Tube station, with Jill who is a concerned 93 year-old resident, to discuss the desperate need for a lift. Unfortunately, some residents are unable to use the stairs and must use the bus instead.
While Greg was at the station, he also discussed the issue with other tube users including a man using crutches and a woman with a pram. The only option for them is lengthy flights of stairs which can be very difficult.
Improving pedestrian accessibility, by installing lifts, at Putney Bridge and Parsons Green Tube Stations will benefit our whole community. No one should be forced to take another mode of transport; they should be able to comfortably access tube services. Fundamentally, everyone should be able to use our local transport services.
Step-free access at Putney Bridge and Parsons Green Tube Stations remains a key priority of Greg's and he awaits the Mayor of London’s response.
- Further update 28 September 2023 -
Greg received a response from the Deputy Mayor of Transport, which outlined that the viability of step-free access remains under review for all stations, including Parsons Green and Putney Bridge.
Step-free access at Putney Bridge and Parsons Green Tube Stations remains a key priority of Greg's and he will continue to raise this with TfL.
-Update ends-
Step-free access to the District Line at Parsons Green and Putney Bridge Tube Stations, or the lack thereof, has been a concern for many constituents, especially the elderly, those with restricted mobility, families with young children and those with heavy luggage.
Both Tube stations are the some of least accessible in the constituency of Chelsea and Fulham, with no lift at either, and Putney Bridge having lengthy staircases. The nearest step-free access station is Fulham Broadway Tube Station. However, Greg recognises that this may not be an easy transfer and can add considerable time to journeys.
Greg has been raising this directly with Transport for London (TfL) for many years. Greg organised and submitted two petitions to TfL, calling for improvements to passenger accessibility at Parsons Green and Putney Bridge Tube Stations. Greg highlighted the need for a lift at both stations. Currently, people are faced with flights of stairs to access the platforms, causing difficulty for many passengers. As these stations are above ground level, Greg believes that installing a lift would be significantly less costly, compared with underground stations.
Combined, the petitions together received almost 1,000 signatures, with the Parsons Green Tube Station petition receiving 418 signatures and the Putney Bridge Tube Station petition receiving 504 signatures. In response, the Managing Director of London Underground assured Greg that the calls for step-free access at both stations had been recognised and that they would be considered in future projects.
Knowing that pressure needs to be kept on TfL, Greg wrote to residents about the need for better pedestrian accessibility at both Tube stations and encouraged residents to take part in TfL’s Step-Free Access Consultation, and to share their personal views to shape TfL’s future approach for our local stations. Alongside many residents, Greg made a submission as the Member of Parliament for Chelsea and Fulham.
The consultation report was published on 16 November 2022, and TfL revealed that 5,583 responses were received. Greg’s submission was highlighted, as was the campaign to have step-free access at Putney Bridge and Parsons Green Tube Stations. However, with no direct action from TfL, the campaign for these two Tube stations continues!
Installing lifts at both Tube stations will benefit everyone and Greg will continue to prioritise step-free access at Putney Bridge and Parsons Green Tube Stations.
