The petition of residents of the constituency of Tunbridge Wells in Kent,
Declares that an online petition on the matter of improving accessibility at High Brooms station has generated a lot of interest; notes that under the previous Government's Access for All scheme, plans were drawn up for High Brooms featuring three new lifts, a footbridge, and several other critical improvements; and further declares that now the current Government has committed extra capital funding for transport, these plans must be implemented.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take into account the concerns of the petitioners and take immediate action to ensure that High Brooms Station receives the funding required to improve accessibility.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mike Martin, Official Report, 15 July 2025; Vol. 771, c. 267.]
[P003092]
Observations from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood):
I would like to thank the petitioners from Tunbridge Wells for raising this important issue regarding accessibility at High Brooms station.
Accessibility is an integral part of our rail reform programme, and I am committed to enabling all passengers to travel easily, confidently, and with dignity. We want to make it as easy and accessible as possible for everyone to get around, and I am proud that the Government’s Access for All programme has already delivered step-free accessible routes at over 260 stations across the country.
In May 2024, the previous Government agreed to the publication of a list of 50 stations selected for initial feasibility work for potential future Access for All funding. I can confirm that High Brooms station was included in this list. Network Rail has recently completed these feasibility assessments, and we expect to provide an update shortly on which of these stations will be progressing to the design phase.
In the meantime, please be assured that whenever the rail industry installs, replaces, or renews station infrastructure, this work must meet current accessibility standards. The Office of Rail and Road monitors compliance, and enforcement action can be taken where those standards are not upheld.
Given the wider funding pressures around accessibility, I would also encourage local stakeholders to explore alternative sources of funding, such as developer contributions through section 106 agreements. This would accelerate accessibility improvements at these locations.
The Department will continue to look for further opportunities to make our railway more accessible for all passengers. I would like to thank petitioners for their continued patience and interest in this matter, and I will provide a further update soon.