Tactile Paving

Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM moved, and Elly Baker AM seconded the following motion:

“This Assembly notes the Rail Accident Investigation Branch report into the fatality of Cleveland Gervais, a blind passenger struck by a train on 26 February 2020 after falling from platform 1 of Eden Park station in Beckenham.

This Assembly further notes that between 9% and 15% of people falling on railway tracks are blind or partially sighted according to Rail Accident Investigation Branch statistics.

This Assembly notes that the lack of tactile paving at train stations is widespread, with around one third of Network Rail platforms across the UK not having this basic safety measure in place. Lack of provision includes numerous stations across London managed by Network Rail.

This Assembly recognises Network Rail’s commitment to ensure all train platforms have tactile paving by 2029, but believes this commitment is far too slow and that urgent action is necessary.

This Assembly welcomes the work that Transport for London has put in place and notes that all Transport for London rail platforms have tactile paving, with the exception of Iver and Hanwell which Network Rail owns. Furthermore, this Assembly notes that every London Overground station has tactile paving on all London Overground platforms, with the exception of Clapton, which Transport for London is currently rectifying.

This Assembly urges the Mayor to use his influence with Network Rail to ensure the remaining Crossrail and London Overground stations have tactile paving installed on all platforms. This Assembly also calls on the Chair of the London Assembly to write to both the Secretary of State for Transport and the Chair of Network Rail calling for a detailed timetable for the 100 per cent provision of tactile paving at all Network Rail stations in London within a timeframe of no more than four years.

This Assembly also requests that Network Rail regularly reports to the Transport Committee on progress in making the railways accessible in London.”

Following debate and upon being put to a vote, the motion was agreed unanimously.