Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the heights of station platforms above rail at all stations where Crossrail trains are planned to stop; whether there are any differences from the standard height of 915mm for Network Rail stations; how will assistance to those with mobility difficulties be provided where there are different heights; and whether the Office of Rail and Road authorised any such derogations.

At the following stations on the Crossrail route the platforms will be built at a height of 1100 mm above rail level to achieve level boarding and enable full accessibility from street to train without the need for a ramp:

• Paddington
• Custom House
• Canary Wharf
• Woolwich
• Bond Street
• Tottenham Court Road
• Farringdon
• Liverpool Street
• Whitechapel
• Abbey Wood (Crossrail platforms only)

All other stations on the Crossrail route will have legacy platforms already in place which are at an average height of 1000mm in the eastern section and an average of 850mm in the western section. These stations will be step-free to platform level and will be staffed at all times that the trains are running, and provide a turn up and go service for anyone needing a ramp to get onto trains.

A derogation is unnecessary as the Secretary of State for Transport issued a dispensation against the relevant notified national technical rule under regulation 46 of the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011. The national rule height of 915 mm is set out in the UK’s notified national technical rule (Railway Group Standard GI/RT 7016: Interface between station platforms track and trains).