Carlisle MP, John Stevenson has backed a campaign to have tactile surfaces installed on platforms at Carlisle Railway Station due to significant safety concerns.
The charity Guide Dogs, began the campaign following a fatal accident in February 2020 where a visually impaired passenger fell from a platform edge at a station in South East England and was struck by an approaching train. A recent RAIB investigation found that the platform had not been fitted with tactile surface markings intended to help visually impaired people, and that this was a possible cause of the accident.
John Stevenson said, “This is a very real concern and a significant risk for those who are visually impaired who use Carlisle railway station, whether as a commuter or a visitor. I have written to the Chair of Network Rail Sir Peter Hendy, to ask that tactile surfaces are installed on platforms as part of the considerable regeneration works at Carlisle Station, being funded by the Government’s Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. I have also written separately to the CEO of the Rail Delivery Group, Jacqueline Starr, to ask what steps she and her members will be taking to ensure the safety of visually impaired passengers in the meantime.”
David Morton, Carlisle City Councillor and guide dog user added, ‘I’m grateful for the support of our local MP, John Stevenson with this campaign. Any measures that increase the safety of visually impaired passengers are beneficial to us all.’