The UK government has announced the latest decisions on the Access for All (AfA) programme, providing an update on which railway stations across Britain will receive step-free accessibility
improvements. The initiative aims to make rail travel easier for passengers with mobility challenges, highlighting the government’s commitment to a more inclusive transport network.
Since its launch in 2006, the Access for All programme has delivered step-free routes at more than 270 stations nationwide. In May 2024, the previous government announced feasibility studies for 50 additional stations. However, no funding commitments were made at the time, creating uncertainty for local communities and rail users.
This government has now carefully reviewed these proposals and identified which stations will progress based on key criteria, including passenger demand, geographic spread across England, Scotland, and Wales, pre-existing technical work, and the availability of third-party funding contributions.
Stations moving to delivery
Eight stations have been approved to move directly into the delivery phase:
- Ash Vale
- Colchester
- Port Sunlight
- Thirsk
- Walton (Merseyside)
- Bellgrove
- Aigburth (already in delivery)
- Rock Ferry (already in delivery)
Stations progressing to detailed design
Twenty-three stations will enter the detailed design stage:
Battle, Bodmin Parkway, Bredbury, Castle Cary, Dalston Kingsland, Dorchester South, Esher, Falkirk Grahamston, Flowery Field, Gunnersbury, Hedge End, High Brooms, Kew Bridge, Kidbrooke, Marden, Newton for Hyde, Raynes Park, Ruabon, Shotton, Swanwick, Ulverston, Wymondham, Yeovil Junction.
Stations not progressing at this time
Nineteen stations will not move forward under the current programme:
Bushey, Chinley, Church and Oswaldtwistle, Dudley Port, Dumbarton Central, Inverurie, Leagrave, Ledbury, Maidstone West, Neath, Sileby, Sleaford, Small Heath, South Croydon, Stamford, Stroud, Upminster, Whitchurch (Shropshire), Wivelsfield.
The Rail Minister has contacted MPs representing all 50 stations to explain the rationale behind these decisions, offering meetings to discuss the 19 projects that will not progress at this stage.
Future access for all projects
A new round of AfA funding may be included in the next spending review, potentially enabling upgrades at additional stations. Third-party funding will play a crucial role in future decisions, with guidance being developed in collaboration with Network Rail to showcase best practices for local funding packages.
Legacy projects
The government has also reviewed five legacy AfA projects from previous administrations:
-Beaconsfield: Deferred to 2029–2034 to align with planned drainage works.
- Brondesbury: Deferred to 2028–2029 for platform renewal alignment.
- Cricklewood: Indefinitely deferred due to cost and disruption concerns.
- Ockenden: Indefinitely deferred as the station is already largely accessible.
- Palmers Green: Indefinitely deferred due to cost and operational disruption.
The Rail Minister has offered to meet MPs representing these stations to explain the decisions.
As Great British Railways is established, the government plans to reform the AfA programme to ensure efficient delivery, value for money, and maximum benefit for passengers across Britain. Photo by Faeden1 at English Wikipedia.
