The Problem

This picture shows the steep slope down to platform 4 at Brentwood station.  It also shows the TfL sign on Brentwood station.  When the station was improved ready for Crossrail (now called the TfL Elizabeth line) a lift was installed on every platform - except platform 4.  Platform 4 is where all the trains from the direction of London arrive.  

No lift on platform 4 means using and especially exiting the station, is almost impossible for anyone in a wheelchair or with mobility difficulties.  That includes parents with children in pushchairs or with toddlers, older passengers and those with long term health conditions such as arthritis, angina and long Covid. Or someone who was perfectly fit when they left for London but return with, say, a twisted ankle!

The only ways off platform 4 to reach the bus stops you can see in the picture are (1) climb a steep flight 30 concrete steps or (2) walk up a long steep slope, dodging taxis, then risk a hairpin turn up an uneven 4’’ plus kerb at a busy road junction. Tthis route is unsuitable for anybody who is elderly or has mobility or visual impairment or with children.  It cannot ever be safely traversed in a wheelchair. 

The Tube map, famous around the world, installed on all TfL stations, tube trains and the Elizabeth line trains, uses the ‘suitable for wheelchair users’ symbol for Brentwood station. Why? Play fair, Mr Mayor – print the truth on the maps.

What is the solution?

In June 2023 TfL stated they have a £220million ULEZ windfall to improve public transport.  Mr Mayor, you run TfL and TfL runs Brentwood station.  Fulfil your obligations now as the station licence holder and under the Equalities Act 2010.  Mr Mayor, make Brentwood station accessible - install a lift from the platform 4 level to the concourse level. (That will save you reprinting all those maps.) 

The people of Brentwood are good neighbours to London. We helped when you built the Crossrail terminal in our Borough. Now you won’t let us use it.

I am starting this petition as Chair of the Brentwood Access Group. Please sign this petition now!!

The formal wording:

We the Undersigned require Network Rail and Transport for London, as the holders of the licence to operate Brentwood Railway Station, to jointly and severally comply with their statutory, contractual and legal obligations under the Station Operating Licence issued by the Department of Transport as modified by the Dept of Transport Design Standards for Accessible Railway Stations regulations (May 2015) and the Equalities Act 2010 to enable access for all from platform 4 to the ticket office, the other platforms and bus stops by installing a lift from the platform or on the land by the taxi rank adjacent to the platform to the concourse level.