Access for All

The Department for Transport’s Access for All (AfA) programme aims to provide an obstacle free, accessible route onto and between train station platforms.

Launched in 2006, AfA has so far provided 200 stations with better access across Britain’s rail network. Around 100 more projects were completed by 2024, as part of a £300m fund announced in 2019.

The continued success of the programme, and accessibility improvements delivered as part of other station enhancement projects, means that more than 75% of rail journeys are now through stations with step-free access, compared with around 50% in 2005.

At Southeastern we have worked in close partnership with Network Rail to deliver a number of AfA schemes at our stations including Bromley South, Canterbury East, Chatham, Gravesend, Lewisham, St Mary Cray and Swanley.

Below is a list of our current AfA projects
Battle – in detailed design*
Bexley – lifts now open
Deal – new road with blue badge parking and platform level access project complete
Herne Bay – lifts now open
High Brooms – in detailed design*
Hither Green – due to complete in autumn 2027, visit the Network Rail website for more details
Kidbrooke – in detailed design*
Maidstone West – in development**
Marden – in detailed design*
Petts Wood – lifts now open
Plumstead – lifts now open
Shortlands – lifts now open

*It was announced on 15 January 2026 that these four schemes are being progressed to detailed design.
** This scheme has not progressed to detailed design but remains in development. You can read full details on the GOV.UK website.