The Petition of the people of Croydon,

Declares that the slopes at East Croydon station can be an especial challenge for the frail and unwell.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage Network Rail to work to improve accessibility at East Croydon station.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr. Andrew Pelling, Official Report, 24 March 2010; Vol. 508, c. 348.]

[P000780]

Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport, received on Wednesday 31 March 2010:

The six existing ramps at East Croydon station have lengths between 38 metres and 75 metres and gradients of between 1:11 and 1:12. This falls outside the standards set out in the Department’s Code of Practice for accessible station design. Any major work being carried out to the ramps at East Croydon station would have to redress this, or apply to DfT for a dispensation from the Code of Practice.

However, I am advised by Network Rail that there are proposals to provide a new bridge and lifts at East Croydon station using third party land. This would create level stepfree access to and between platforms. Network Rail is working with Croydon Council on this and has secured funding from the HLOS (High Level Output Specification), with works scheduled to take place by 2014. The plan is currently at outline design stage. I also understand that, for people who have difficulty using the ramps, there is an electric wheelchair available at the station, as well as manual wheelchairs. If passenger assistance is needed, it is recommended to book it in advance using the train operator's customer services. Even if assistance has not been booked, East Croydon station always has staff available on platforms and at the ticket hall, who will be able to provide assistance where practicable.