Campaigners have expressed profound dismay after a crucial disability access scheme at a Birmingham railway station was axed by the government in a cost-cutting move.
Project Cancelled Amid Financial Concerns
Small Heath station was one of 50 locations originally earmarked for step-free accessible routes under a project announced back in 2024. The initiative, known as the Access for All programme, aimed to create obstacle-free routes from station entrances to platforms.
However, the government has now confirmed that the scheme at Small Heath, along with 18 others across the country, will not progress. The decision was attributed to worries over affordability and ensuring value for money for both passengers and taxpayers.
Blind and Partially Sighted Passengers at Risk
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has strongly criticised the cancellation. Erik Matthies, the organisation's policy lead for travel and transport, warned that the lack of basic accessibility features directly increases the risk of injury for people with sight loss.
"Steps and stairs increase trip hazards and injury risk for blind and partially sighted people, even to the point of preventing them from using a station altogether," Matthies stated. He emphasised that the stress of navigating inaccessible stations is compounded by the frequent unavailability of staff to assist.
Matthies has called for a government U-turn, urging ministers to implement the promised changes at all stations lagging behind in modern accessibility standards.
Government Defends 'Rigorous' Decision
In a statement, the government defended its position. It noted that the previous administration's 2024 announcement of feasibility work on 50 stations had not indicated how the schemes would be funded, thereby raising significant expectations.
The current government stated it is committed to a "rigorous approach" and only making commitments it believes are affordable. Ministers selected which stations would progress based on specific criteria, including:
- The busyness of the station and the number of passengers who would benefit.
- A geographical spread across Wales, Scotland, and England.
- The presence of pre-existing technical work or third-party funding contributions.
The cancellation leaves the future of accessible travel at Small Heath station uncertain, with campaigners vowing to continue their fight for inclusive infrastructure.
