A campaign to have tactile surfaces installed at Carlisle Railway Station for blind and partially sighted people has been backed by the city’s MP.
Charity Guide Dogs began the campaign after a visually impaired passenger fell from a platform edge at a station in the South East and was struck by an approaching train.
A recent investigation found the platform had not been fitted with tactile surface markings intended to help blind people, and it could have been a possible cause of the incident.
Carlisle MP John Stevenson said: “This is a very real concern and a significant risk for those who are visually impaired who use Carlisle station.
“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 John Stevenson with this campaign.
“Any measures that increase the safety of visually impaired passengers are beneficial to us all.”
