#LiftOutOfOrder Campaign

The Issue

  1.  A 48-hour maximum repair time, with a 24-hour target wherever possible.
  2. Live public reporting and tracking of accessible lift status widely available to travellers (working like train delays)
  3. Policies improved for when lifts are out of action which include pre-paid taxis.

Inaccessible railway stations remain a significant barrier for people who depend on lifts. This is not just confined to those with mobility problems or disabilities, in fact many people need to access lifts on a regular basis for safety reasons such as the elderly, parents with young children or pushchairs and those with heavy luggage. When lifts are out of order, these groups can find it nearly impossible to access platforms and services, leading to unnecessary delays and distress.

Railway travel should be inclusive, ensuring that everyone can access transport with ease and dignity. Statistics from Transport Focus highlight that nearly 1 in 5 rail stations in the UK has accessibility issues due to faulty or poorly maintained lifts. A recent example of an ‘out of order’ lift for me didn’t just cause unnecessary distress on my journey but cancelling my job... again.

I would like legislators to impose strict guidelines stating that all faulty railway station lifts are to be repaired within 48 hours of being reported. This legislative action would ensure that accessibility is prioritised and maintained as a key aspect of our public transport infrastructure.

Clear protocols and timelines for repairs must be established for railway operators, alongside penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, providing consistent updates on progress and offering alternative assistance while lifts are under repair will be part of this legislation to improve the lifts networking the rail networks in the U.K. 

Please, support this petition to make railway stations more accessible and inclusive for everyone. It will demand immediate legislative action towards maintaining operational and reliable lifts at all railway stations.

(Please note, by ‘railway’ we include London Underground) 

1,088

The Issue

  1.  A 48-hour maximum repair time, with a 24-hour target wherever possible.
  2. Live public reporting and tracking of accessible lift status widely available to travellers (working like train delays)
  3. Policies improved for when lifts are out of action which include pre-paid taxis.

Inaccessible railway stations remain a significant barrier for people who depend on lifts. This is not just confined to those with mobility problems or disabilities, in fact many people need to access lifts on a regular basis for safety reasons such as the elderly, parents with young children or pushchairs and those with heavy luggage. When lifts are out of order, these groups can find it nearly impossible to access platforms and services, leading to unnecessary delays and distress.

Railway travel should be inclusive, ensuring that everyone can access transport with ease and dignity. Statistics from Transport Focus highlight that nearly 1 in 5 rail stations in the UK has accessibility issues due to faulty or poorly maintained lifts. A recent example of an ‘out of order’ lift for me didn’t just cause unnecessary distress on my journey but cancelling my job... again.

I would like legislators to impose strict guidelines stating that all faulty railway station lifts are to be repaired within 48 hours of being reported. This legislative action would ensure that accessibility is prioritised and maintained as a key aspect of our public transport infrastructure.

Clear protocols and timelines for repairs must be established for railway operators, alongside penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, providing consistent updates on progress and offering alternative assistance while lifts are under repair will be part of this legislation to improve the lifts networking the rail networks in the U.K. 

Please, support this petition to make railway stations more accessible and inclusive for everyone. It will demand immediate legislative action towards maintaining operational and reliable lifts at all railway stations.

(Please note, by ‘railway’ we include London Underground) 

The Decision Makers

United Kingdom Department for Transport
United Kingdom Department for Transport

Supporter Voices

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Petition created on 24 July 2025