Erith station has been named the Southeastern station most in need of accessibility improvements, according to a News Shopper reader survey. Around 50 people responded to the survey, which asked passengers to identify stations across the network that present the biggest challenges for people with disabilities, reduced mobility, wheelchairs, or pushchairs.
Top five stations identified by readers
The five stations most frequently mentioned were Erith, Woolwich Dockyard, Lewisham, Falconwood, and Welling. Readers repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of step-free access at some stations, while others highlighted steep footbridges, large platform gaps, and difficulties moving between platforms independently.
Many respondents described journeys that require significant detours or assistance from railway staff, particularly across south-east London. The main issues centred on the absence of lifts, reliance on stairs and footbridges, difficulties for wheelchair users and people travelling with pushchairs, and platform-to-train gaps.
Lewisham's surprise inclusion
One surprise result was Lewisham's inclusion in the top five. Although the station already has lifts and step-free access, readers still ranked it among the stations they feel need improvements.
Responding to the findings, Southeastern said it recognised that some of its older stations still present accessibility challenges. David Wornham, customer experience director at Southeastern, told News Shopper: "We know how important it is that customers can use our railway as easily and independently as possible, and we recognise that some of our older stations still present accessibility challenges."
Southeastern's progress and future plans
Wornham added: "We've made significant progress in recent years, working with government to deliver nine Access for All schemes since 2021. Hither Green will become the tenth when its major step-free upgrade is completed next spring."
He said decisions on future accessibility projects are made with the Department for Transport and are based on factors including existing accessibility provision, passenger demand, feasibility, and available funding.
Southeastern said it has completed Access for All schemes at stations including Bexley, Catford, Plumstead, Petts Wood, and Shortlands, while a major step-free upgrade at Hither Green is expected to open in spring 2027.
