Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with Govia Thameslink Railway on the (a) safety concerns regarding the gap between the train and the platform and (b) length of the platform at Hackbridge station; and whether his Department plans to offer assistance in tackling those concerns.

The Department is aware that for Southbound services at Hackbridge station, there is a larger than usual gap between the platform and the front of the train resulting from the age of the station. Network Rail has secured funding to deliver a full renewal of the platform which will reduce the gap. This will include a new platform edge, resurfacing and wider works to the track and track drainage. The platform has been fitted with signage advising customers of the gap and encouraging the use of doors further along the platform.