Mr Paul Kohler

Mr Paul Kohler

Liberal Democrat — Wimbledon

Speaking in the House of Commons on 18 March 2025

Debate

Stations: Step-free Access

Contribution

Yes, I agree. It is not just about the physical provision, but having staff available, which I will come on to later in my speech. As I was saying, accessibility is a problem not only for wheelchair users but for those with other mobility issues, including those with pushchairs or luggage, so we need to address the problem of step-free access. The Government have made some progress on this in recent years—though by no means enough—via the Access for All scheme. Since its inception in 2006, it has provided step-free access to around 300 stations, something that should be acknowledged. I was very proud to recently cut the ribbon at the new Motspur Park station, which is now fully step-free for the first time in its 100-year history. After a decade-long campaign by local Lib Dems and efforts by my predecessor, we finally achieved what local Tories in Wimbledon said was impossible: delivering a station of which all users could take advantage.

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