A spokesperson for Disability Action Haringey said ‘the idea of bringing people out of the ticket offices has been shown not to work’, reports Olivia Opara

The local disabled community held a demonstration at Tottenham Hale Station last week as part of a national campaign against the closure of ticket offices.

On Wednesday (2nd August), Disability Action Haringey (DAH) hosted a protest outside of Tottenham Hale Station calling on the government to scrap the proposal to close staffed rail ticket offices. They also hoped to raise awareness of an ongoing national consultation. Last month, railway companies announced the closure of more than 150 railway station ticket offices across London – four of which include Tottenham Hale, Alexandra Palace, Bowes Park and Hornsey railway stations.

DAH, a deaf and disabled persons’ organisation, was joined by the Haringey Community Action Network and Haringey Labour as well as other members of the community.

Phil Stevens, CEO of DAH, told HCP that staffed ticket offices are “invaluable” for ensuring the independent travel of people with disabilities.

Phil said: “The impact on the deaf and disabled communities of the proposed closure is going to be profound and the idea of bringing people out of the ticket offices has been shown not to work.

“It is essential for the deaf and disabled communities to be able to request advice and support at the ticket offices. It is more than just buying tickets for our community.”

DAH and Haringey Council have written a joint letter to the Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, secretary of state for transport, urging him to rethink the proposal. After nationwide backlash and threat of legal action, the government was forced to extend the previously suggested 21 day consultation to 1st September.

Cllr Mike Hakata, cabinet member for climate action, environment, and transport, told HCP that the proposal to close ticket offices is an “attack” on vulnerable people’s safety.

“[The proposal] is another example of making cuts to services in order to increase the profits of private companies at the expense of normal people and vulnerable rail users. This is going to impact vulnerable rail users the most, especially people with disabilities and elderly people – as well as single women and those who may feel intimidated at night and even during the day,” said Cllr Hakata.

“Having a manned station is really important and having people in that station that can act as reassurance is absolutely essential. This is a real attack not just on people, especially people with disabilities who often need assistance, but also on people’s safety – vulnerable people’s safety.”

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