Consideration of wheelchairs during building works T the front of London Victoria station
Request ID: FOI-3370-2324 Date published: 18 January 2024
You asked
My simple enquiry has gone unanswered, so I am requesting details of the considerations that were made for wheelchair users when giving the go ahead for doing whatever's being done and who was ultimately responsible for signing it off.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-3370-2324/GH
Thank you for providing further information concerning building works at the front of London Victoria station.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
We undertook a number of meetings with local stakeholders to discuss the requirements to close the whole bus station for essential works. At these meetings, which included Network Rail, taxis and TfL Bus Operations, it was agreed that the feeder rank on Wilton Road would be used as the main taxi rank during the works. During a meeting it was highlighted to the project team that taxis were unable to use this rank for wheelchair/ accessible users as the kerb was not on the same side as the taxis ramps.
A proposal was put together to have a secondary pick up point on Buckingham Palace Road utilising the loading bay as a safe pick up point for passengers with accessibility needs. A TTRO was applied for and approved to enable this and the project team communicated with Bus Ops, taxis, LU station staff and NR station staff to ensure passengers were given correct information for their onward journeys.
The Bus Station Controller was briefed to ensure any passengers with restricted movement were made aware on the arrangement and to ensure he understood the location and the needs of the taxi passengers. Additional signage outside the station was also provided.
Please let me know if this is not the information you are looking for. If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
