Efforts to deliver step-free access to Platform 6 at Upminster Station have taken a significant step forward, following confirmation from the Government that it will now proceed with feasibility studies for the project.
The confirmation comes after months of uncertainty following the post-election spending review, which placed several transport infrastructure projects on hold. Platform 6 at Upminster Station remains inaccessible for passengers with limited mobility, despite longstanding calls for improvement.
Mrs Lopez has campaigned for better accessibility at Upminster Station since her election in 2017. Prior to the General Election, the previous Conservative Government committed to supporting a feasibility study. Since entering opposition, she has continued pressing the Government to honour that commitment.
In response to the latest update, Mrs Lopez said:
“Improving access at Upminster Station has been a long-standing priority for me and I welcome the decision to move forward with this important first stage.
“This announcement means that the case for step-free access at Platform 6 can now be properly assessed, with detailed technical work to follow.
“I will continue working with ministers and local stakeholders to make the strongest case for full delivery.”
Mrs Lopez is also pursuing step-free access at Hornchurch Station, which was shortlisted in a recent Transport for London review of stations with potential for accessibility upgrades.
