Show lessTfL Faces Criticism Over Slow Progress on Step-Free Access at Outer London Stations

Transport for London (TfL) has come under increasing criticism over its approach to step-free access, with campaigners and local politicians accusing the authority of neglecting stations on the edges of the capital.

Currently, 94 of the Tube’s 272 stations offer step-free access, with around 40 more either undergoing feasibility studies or in the design phase. TfL has previously committed to making around half of the network accessible by 2030.

However, Liberal Democrat representatives in outer London and neighbouring areas have called for the pace of progress to be accelerated, particularly for stations outside Greater London that fall under TfL control.

In a joint letter to TfL Commissioner Andy Lord and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, signatories—including London Assembly Member Gareth Roberts and local authority leaders from Watford and Three Rivers—raised concerns about inconsistencies in how stations are assessed for accessibility upgrades.

Stations highlighted include Bushey, Moor Park, Carpenders Park, Croxley, Rickmansworth, Watford High Street and Chorleywood, located on the Metropolitan line and the London Overground’s Lioness Line.

Of these, only Croxley has been approved for step-free improvements following a 2024 feasibility study recommending the installation of two lifts. However, no work has yet been delivered. Rickmansworth and Moor Park were previously assessed but not selected for upgrades, while several others have yet to undergo any formal study.

The group warned that the lack of progress risks undermining TfL’s commitments to accessibility and inclusive transport.

“Given TfL’s stated commitments to accessibility and equality of opportunity, the absence of even preliminary studies at certain stations is a cause for concern,” the letter stated.

Local councillors have been more critical, with Watford Borough councillor Callum Robertson describing the situation as a “dereliction of duty”.

“If you have a duty to make stations accessible, have the plans to do so but do nothing, that’s a dereliction of duty,” he said, pointing to delays in acting on existing studies.

Concerns have also been raised about accountability, with some arguing that communities outside Greater London have limited influence over TfL despite relying on its services.

In response, TfL said improving accessibility remains a key priority, but emphasised that feasibility assessments are a necessary first step before any construction can proceed.

“Making more Tube stations step-free is a major part of our work to make the transport network more accessible,” a spokesperson said. “We will continue to identify stations across the network to assess where step-free access is feasible.”