More Tube stations in north London could get step-free access to make travelling on the Underground more accessible for the elderly, disabled and parents with buggies.
Transport for London (TfL) has announced that 13 more stations on the Underground network will be step-free including including two in Brent, one in Camden and one in Barnet.
Work has started on the designs of three Piccadilly line stations in Alperton, Arnos Grove and Eastcote that would make them step free.
A further seven Tube stations will undergo assessment for step-free access feasibility; they are Croxley (Metropolitan line), East Finchley (Northern line), Neasden (Jubilee line), Northwood (Metropolitan line) and Turnham Green (District / Piccadilly lines).
Feasibility studies at Colliers Wood and Tooting Broadway come after an initial assessment of stations on the southern end of the Northern line.
TfL will examine benefits, costs, funding opportunities and the impact on customers.
The transport giant confirmed earlier this year that work was to start at Northolt Tube station on the Central line to make it step-free, and that design work will start at North Acton (Central line) and West Hampstead (Jubilee line).
Councillor Krupa Sheth, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure at Brent Council, said she was "delighted" to hear about the progress made.
“Our borough and the whole of London are for all to work, socialise and enjoy," she added.
"I look forward to the openings which will make our transport more accessible.”
TfL said progress will depend on deliverability and TfL’s future funding position, with schemes prioritised where there is third party funding available.
Deputy mayor for transport, Seb Dance, said: "I will continue to work with TfL to keep increasing this number, and build a better, fairer and more accessible London for everyone.”
More than a third of Underground stations across the city now provide step-free access, with the Mayor of London’s goal set at making the network 50 per cent step-free by 2030.
Cllr Jenny Yates, Wandsworth Council’s lead member for transport, said many journeys to and from Tooting Broadway were made by passengers travelling to nearby St George’s Hospital.
She added: "An accessible lift at Tooting Broadway would enable many more people to travel to their appointments or visit families and friends by public transport."
John McGeachy, campaigns manager for Age UK, added: “Step-free stations have the potential to transform the daily lives of older and disabled Londoners, as well as many others.
"Increasing the number will make life easier for people that have faced too many barriers for too long.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here