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Walton-on-Thames station gains step-free access

BBC/Julia Gregory The footbridge connecting the platforms at Walton-on-Thames stationBBC/Julia Gregory
The bridge connects platforms 1 and 2 at the station

A station in Surrey has introduced step-free access for the first time since it opened in 1838.

Passengers with impaired mobility can now benefit from a new footbridge and lifts at Walton-on-Thames station.

The £6m programme, which started in September 2022, included a range of improvements such as new bridge, lifts and staircases, plus the widening of platform 1 and new CCTV cameras.

The scheme also aims to make it easier to travel for those with prams, heavy luggage or bikes.

South Western Railway has spent £6m improving accessibility. But what do users think?

Carinder Malhi, who lives in Walton and “loves going out and about”, said the new step-free access bridge will make “such a difference”.

Speaking at the formal opening, he said he often goes into Kingston or London but the new bridge will mean he can go to more places.

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), only a fifth of Britain’s 2,575 railway stations have step-free access to and between all platforms.

BBC/Julia Gregory A sign pointing to Platform 1 for trains to Surbition, Wimbledon and London to the right and pointing to the left for the liftBBC/Julia Gregory
The roofless bridge took several weeks to install as one piece

Walton on Thames is one of 73 stations included in the ‘Access for All’ scheme, reported the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Spanning across platforms 1 and 2, the roofless bridge took several weeks to install as one piece.

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