THE challenges faced by disabled people trying to access the two railway stations in Yeovil have been highlighted by the MP for the area.

MP Adam Dance (Lib Dems, Yeovil) is calling for more stations across the south west to become step-free so disabled passengers, parents with pushchairs, and elderly travellers can navigate the rail network independently.

Yeovil Junction is classified as a step-free category C station, where steps lead to both platforms, and step-free access via a pedestrian level crossing is only available with staff assistance.

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At Yeovil Pen Mill access to Platform 3 requires navigating a footbridge when unstaffed or a barrow crossing when staff are present.

The station also lacks accessible ticket machines and toilets, which the MP says further compounds accessibility issues.

“These barriers aren’t just inconvenient—they’re unjust,” Adam Dance said.

“Accessibility is not a luxury; it’s a basic right.

“It’s unacceptable that only 2% of UK stations provide level boarding, and 40% lack tactile paving, a critical safety feature for blind and visually impaired passengers. Everyone deserves the dignity of being able to travel safely and independently.”

Plans for footbridge

The regional development manager (west) of South West Railway (SWR), which manages Yeovil Junction, Andrew Ardley said he shares Mr Dance’s ambition to improve accessibility at Yeovil Junction and looks forward to working with him and other stakeholders in making this possible.

Mr Ardley said it is SWR’s ambition to install a footbridge at the station, with movement on this expected in the coming months.

“We have already taken steps to improve accessibility at the station,” he said. “In 2024 we refurbished its toilet facilities and, as part of that work, installed an accessible toilet.

“We also have arrangements in place for colleagues to safely assist customers in crossing between platforms using the foot crossing.

“In the last 12 months we have successfully delivered nearly 1,000 passenger assists at Yeovil Junction.

“That includes both customers who have booked assistance in advance and those who have requested assistance at the time of travel.

“It is also a long-held ambition of ours to install a fully accessible footbridge at the station.

“In 2014 and 2019 we submitted applications to the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Access for All scheme to support this ambition, followed by a third submission in 2022.

“We are pleased to say that our latest application was included in the previous government’s list of 50 stations that are being considered for a new footbridge and lifts.

“We are hoping to hear the Department for Transport’s response in the coming months, before potentially moving forward to the design stage.”

A spokesperson for Great Western Railway (GWR), which manages Yeovil Pen Mill, said they apply for funding accessibility improvements, but as the money comes from the government, it means Yeovil Pen Mill is competing with other stations across the UK.

A GWR spokesperson said: “Over 20,000 less-abled customers every month make journeys with GWR and 80% of them did so spontaneously without booking assistance in advance.

“We will always try and do our best for our passengers and ensure their journey is as pleasant as possible.

“We recognise that the GWR railway network (including well over 200 stations across 10 counties) does include some stations that are not yet completely accessible, and we have been working hard with the DfT and Network Rail to make improvements and to invest in the railway.

“Where a station is not accessible we will take passengers to the nearest accessible station and deliver them home again.”

Adam Dance joined the call for change after his colleague Martin Wrigley (Lib Dems, Newton Abbot) led a debate on railway services in the south west on January 14.

In November, Adam tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament to draw attention to these issues and demand action.

The motion called for improvements to the Access for All programme and greater accountability for operators like Great Western Railway.

“Investing in accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s an economic necessity,” Mr Dance said.

The MP said he is committed to working with government colleagues, stakeholders, and community groups to push for investment in railway infrastructure.

“Our railways must work for everyone,” he added.

“This isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about fairness, dignity, and creating a society where everyone can thrive.”

According to the Lib Dems, 16.1 million people — 24% of the population — live with a disability, but only 75% of railway stations have step-free access and just 7% meet full accessibility standards.

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