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Disabled demand transport access

DISABLED transport users protested yesterday at the lack of lifts and step-free access at London Underground (LU) stations.

Occasions when lifts have been closed have more than doubled since 2012, campaign group Transport for All said.

Fewer than one in four Tube stations have step-free access because of breakdowns and maintenance works, it added.

Spokeswoman Lianna Etkind said: “Millions have been invested in making these stations accessible and preventing disabled people from using them is not acceptable.

“Avoidable staff shortages shut lifts and stops disabled and older people being able to get to work, education, and to see friends and family.

“All we want is to be able to use the Tube with the same freedom and independence as everyone else.”

Campaigners targeted Oakwood station, saying it had had 13 lift closures in July and August.

London Underground blamed the closures on industrial action.

But transport union RMT “warmly welcomed” the protest, calling on LU to ensure adequate staffing to allow proper disabled access to transport.

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