Plans to potentially introduce step free access at Upminster Station’s platform 6, the only platform at the station without such access, are now unclear following a lack of firm commitment to the project from the new Labour Government.
Back in May, the Department for Transport announced funding under the Access for All (AfA) programme to pave the way to Upminster Station becoming completely step-free for people with mobility issues, pushchairs and children after a long-running local campaign by Julia Lopez MP.
Recently, Mrs Lopez tabled a written parliamentary question asking the new Secretary of State for Transport when feasibility works to make platform 6 at Upminster station step-free would begin.
Mrs Lopez was informed by the new Local Transport Minister that the new Government’s approach to the Access for All scheme may change, meaning the campaign now hangs in the balance.
Mrs Lopez has now written to the Government’s new Rail Minister to seek clarity on the future of AfA, and to re-emphasise the importance of getting step-free access at platform 6.
Since 2018, the MP has worked closely with c2c to support their AfA applications. In doing so she secured the support of Havering Council, disability groups, and over 1,100 residents who signed a petition in favour of the project.
In the letter, Mrs Lopez asked whether the Government’s commitment extends to Upminster.
