Putney Bridge Station to Be Assessed for Step-Free Access
Campaigners celebrate confirmation of feasibility study
Ben Coleman on the steps at Putney Bridge station . Picture: Ben Coleman/Facebooks
October 6, 2025
Transport for London (TfL) has announced that Putney Bridge station will be one of 17 Underground stations undergoing feasibility studies for step-free access, marking a significant milestone in a long-running campaign by Fulham residents and local politicians.
Putney Bridge station has long been criticised for its lack of accessibility. The station currently has no lifts, making it difficult for disabled passengers, parents with buggies, elderly travellers, and those carrying luggage to use the service safely and comfortably.
The campaign to improve access at Putney Bridge dates back more than a decade. Former Chelsea and Fulham MP Greg Hands was a vocal advocate for step-free access during his time in office, repeatedly raising the issue with TfL and the Department for Transport. He argued that the station’s proximity to Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Park, and the Thames Path made it a vital link for both residents and visitors, and that its inaccessibility was a barrier to inclusion.
His successor, Labour MP Ben Coleman, has continued to press the case. Speaking after TfL’s announcement, Mr Coleman said, “Putney Bridge station is a key gateway for Fulham residents and visitors alike. I welcome TfL’s decision to assess it for step-free access, and I’ll be working to ensure the feasibility study leads to real improvements. Accessibility should not be a luxury—it’s a basic right.”
TfL confirmed that feasibility studies will begin later this year, with Putney Bridge among the 17 stations selected. The studies will examine the technical and financial viability of installing lifts and other accessibility features. However, TfL cautioned that further funding will be required to move from feasibility to design and construction, and that projects will be prioritised based on available resources.
Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said, “Making more Tube stations step-free is a major part of our work to make the transport network more accessible. We’re working towards the Mayor of London’s ambitious target for 50 per cent of the Tube network to be step-free by 2030.”
Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance added, “London is for everyone, and the Mayor and I are committed to making our transport network as accessible as possible. This work is essential to building a better, fairer, more inclusive city.”
While East Putney station—located on the other side of the river —is also included in the feasibility programme.
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