A dumbwaiter is a small service lift that is traditionally used in hotels and large mansion houses to transport food to upper floors and to return dirty dishes. It can also be used to transport other small loads up to 100kg that are too heavy or awkward to carry up or down stairs.

As well as saving the time and labour of carrying items back and forth, dumbwaiters were a means to avoid disturbing the patrons of large houses with noise and food smells, hence the memorable name. The servants could use the device to go about delivering meals silently and unobtrusively when extra privacy was required.

These days, dumbwaiters are a multipurpose lift and are commonly used in hospitals, pharmacies, offices, and factories to transport small loads between floors. However, they are not intended to carry people.

When was the dumbwaiter invented?

It may surprise you to learn that the first recorded use of a dumbwaiter dates back to the era of the Ancient Romans, around 200 BC. Of course, these weren’t the sophisticated mechanical devices that we are familiar with today. Rather, they were operated with a system of ropes and pulleys and some old fashioned man power!

The first mechanical dumbwaiter was invented in New York by George W. Cannon in 1883. They soon became popular throughout North America and Europe for use in the hospitality trade, and also in larger private homes with wealthy owners who kept servants. The service lift was used to move laundry as well as dishes or food.

Modern dumbwaiters

Today, the dumbwaiter is electronically driven and can be fitted with intercom systems and security locks. They are still used in hotels and larger private homes, as well as care homes and other residential settings. Pubs and restaurants that store beer kegs in the basement often use dumbwaiters to transport them up to the bar.

If you are looking for a goods lift company, please get in touch with us today.

Plumstead Station in south east London is undergoing a £4.6m upgrade that will include step free access and the installation of new CCTV cameras. Network Rail media centre reports that two new 16-person capacity lifts will be installed to help passengers with disabilities and those with luggage, pushchairs, prams, and bicycles to have step-free platform access.

Hodan Hassan, Network Rail’s commercial scheme sponsor, said: “We’re really pleased to be carrying out another project to continue making the railway more accessible for passengers. This is a key commitment for us at Network Rail and we’re glad to see this project get underway.”

He added: “Throughout the works we will work closely with our partners at Southeastern, the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council and the local community to ensure we minimise any disruption to passengers and local residents. Plumstead station will remain open to passengers throughout the work and rail services will not be affected.”

Kevin Warn, Southeastern's area manager, said: “We know that our customers will be keenly awaiting the completion of these improvements, and so we’re delighted that Network Rail has started this work to make journeys easier for everyone who uses the railway."

Cllr Averil Lekau, Cabinet Member for climate change, environment and transport at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “This investment in Plumstead station will significantly improve access for the local community, making life easier for people who have disabilities, or a pram or a bike, to use the station.”

He added: “I’m delighted to see work getting underway. This will also complement improvements we’re planning around Plumstead station, which aim to make it easier, safer and more attractive for people walking and cycling.”

The work is expected to be completed by spring 2024. It is part of the Department for Transport’s wider ‘Access for All’ scheme, which is seeing similar station upgrades across the southern region.

If you are looking for bespoke platform lifts, please get in touch today.

In what may be a surprise, the world’s tallest passenger lifts are not actually found in the world’s tallest building.

Despite the many records and accolades the almighty Burj Khalifa holds, including the highest elevator installation and longest travel distance, the tallest lift in a building is in the Shanghai Tower, the fourth largest building in the world.

However, whilst this accomplishment is hotly contested amongst huge skyscrapers and tests the principles of lift construction to their very limits, there are other ways to be the world’s biggest lift as the impressive lift in the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, India demonstrates.

Weighing 16 tonnes and with a total size of 25.78 square metres, the passenger lift at the Jio World Centre can carry up to 235 people at a time across five floors of its convention centre and gardens at a speed of one metre per second (2.2mph).

This impressive feat is possible through the use of a pulley beam system that aids the 9 ropes and 18 pulleys to lift the panoramic glass lift up, with a four-panel glass door system to allow people to enter and exit quickly.

This design was planned with large wedding parties in mind but is also suited for large volumes of exhibition and conference guests, for whom a major issue has always been traversing conference centres with multiple floors due to a lack of capacity.

It also follows the luxury lift trend of making the floor travelling experience as much of an event as the events themselves, with a crystal-studded light in the ceiling, an elegant lotus theme and two large information screens with updates and building news as appropriate.

The issue with trying to break this record is that to do so will require extensive planning at the beginning of construction to ensure the extensive lift systems are factored into the building’s design from the very start.

You may not think that a lift can be particularly strange or unique, but there are several that stand out from the crowd and stray from what we know to be a typical passenger lift.

While none of these quite live up to the standards of the great glass elevator, as seen in the Roald Dahl book, they are still extremely interesting and distinctive in their own way.

The Aquadom in Berlin’s Radisson Blu Hotel is an amazing cylindrical aquarium that houses over 1,500 fish. It is largely regarded as the largest freestanding aquarium in the whole world, but the most amazing past may be the fact that it houses an elevator.

A transparent glass elevator sits at its centre, allowing passengers to travel up through this incredible aquarium and see the fish face to face.

Another incredible lift is the one that travels up the Burk Khalifa. This is the tallest building in the world and the lift which transports you to the top is the fastest lift in the world! Reaching speeds of 22mph, it is able to travel the height of the tower in just 90 short seconds.

The Hammetschwand Lift in Switzerland may look like the skeletal remains of old scaffolding, however, it is actually a lift that transports passengers to a breath-taking viewpoint looking out over Lake Lucerne.

This lift is Europe's highest outdoor elevator and allows passengers to see some of the most beautiful views in the world. The 153m high structure was first opened in 1905 and remains functional to this day.

The Bailong Elevator is an otherworldly lift located in China. Made entirely of glass and sitting at an insane 305m high, this lift is the tallest outdoor lift in the world. Upon reaching the top, you can look out across the magnificent Zhangjiajie Forest National Park.

Potentially terrifying but almost definitely worth it for the views, this lift is likely the closest we will get to the great glass elevator!

In 1964, the concept of passenger lifts that were made entirely of glass and could not only go up and down but from side to side as well was so impossibly futuristic that it was immortalised in one of the most famous works of pure imagination in literary history.

The book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl in 1964 was surprisingly prophetic, as not only would lifts made of structural glass become increasingly popular for skyscrapers, but even the concept of a lift that could travel sideways became possible as well.

Simply known as Multi by the German company ThyssenKrupp, the lift system does not use the standard system of pulleys and cables to move the lift but instead uses a series of motors and magnets inspired in part by those used on high-speed magnetic levitation railways.

Originally unveiled in 2014 as the biggest development in lift technology since Elisha Otis cut the cable and unveiled the safety elevator nearly two centuries ago, Multi was said to reduce power demands by up to 60 per cent and increase transport capacity by half compared to conventional lifts.

It also could be more easily expanded, allowing for faster lifts that could travel further and increase the potential for even greater skyscrapers than buildings like the Burj Khalifa, but its biggest achievement was that thanks to rotating tracks it could travel sideways, allowing for a revolution in building design.

It was installed inside Rottweil Test Tower in 2017 and was apparently set to be installed in East Side Tower in Berlin, although as of 2023 that plan has changed and little has been heard since.

The issue is that currently only one company offers the system and a building has to be designed around its smaller but specific form factor. If it turns out not to be the right decision, it is impossible to retrofit a conventional lift as the shafts are far too small.

It has only been six years and given the long development times for skyscrapers, there is a chance that a developer would commit to it.

Lifts provide a vital service in the modern world. They help to make buildings and other areas far more accessible to the general public and can make travel much faster and more efficient.

It is rare these days to enter a building which has multiple floors and not find a lift. They come in many shapes and sizes depending on what they are used for and can help transport people, goods and machinery much easier than stairs can.

Often, you will not realise how much you rely on lifts until they are out of order and you have to take the stairs. This can be frustrating however there are several ways you can ensure your lift is always in working order.

By looking out for these signs, it can alert you to any potential issues so you are able to solve them before they worsen.

Firstly, if any machinery starts to make strange or unusual sounds, it is usually not a good sign. This is the same for lifts. Any rattling, squeaking or banging sounds are a good indicator that there is a fault with the lift.

It is best to call a mechanic out as soon as possible if you notice any abnormal sounds and they can often indicate a serious and sometimes dangerous problem with the mechanics of the lift.

If the lift is moving less smoothly than it should, this can be a sign of several issues. This may just indicate that the cables need some extra lubrication or that the load in the lift is too heavy, however, it is best to have this checked in case of serious underlying issues.

If your lift is slowing down, this can indicate that repairs are needed. It is normal for a lift to move a little bit slower over time as it ages, however, there should never be a significant delay between floors or between doors opening and closing.

Frequent use of a lift, such as in a shopping centre, a hotel, office building, or even a home lift can lead to it slowing down. This is also true for lifts in warehouses which consistently bear heavy loads. However, it is important that you seek the advice of a mechanic if you notice delays.

While it may not be a sign of a serious issue, it is always best to have a professional assess the lift to ensure it is still in full working order and to avoid any problems from arising.

Finally, if you find that the lift is experiencing frequent issues, is breaking down often or you are calling a mechanic for help more than is normal, it may be time to consider upgrading or replacing your lift.

It is normal for machinery to deteriorate as it ages, however, constant repairs and servicing can be very expensive and often it will be cheaper, in the long run, to replace the lift entirely than to keep having frequent repair work done.

Lifts that are provided for use in the workplace must adhere to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and businesses will need to assume responsibility for safety, carrying out routine maintenance and inspections. More information can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website.

Motspur Park railway station in Merton, London, is undergoing an upgrading programme that will include a new step-free footbridge. The covered bridge will provide full access to the lifts and stairs on the central platform, London News Online reports.

New security cameras and lights will be installed around the lifts and bridge as part of the improvements carried out by Network Rail, who are working in partnership with South Western Railway and Merton Council. 

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, cabinet member for transport at Merton council, said: “I’m 

delighted that we’ve been able to bring improvements forward for Motspur Park station. 

“Delivering step-free access here will hugely benefit the local community, allowing those with mobility impairments to travel further and more freely as well as bringing safety improvements for all travellers.”

The step-free footbridge is being installed as part of the Government’s Access for All programme, which was launched in 2006 to help address the problems faced by disabled railway users, as well as those with heavy luggage or pushchairs. So far, over 150 have been upgraded with new lifts and ramps to improve platform accessibility. 

The scheme is divided into the main programme, the mid-tier programme, and small projects. Mid and small scale improvements include handrails, tactile paving, toilets, automatic doors, and customer information screens. 

Loraine Martins, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail, said: “Most of the railway was designed during the Victorian era, but today we have a better understanding of how we should provide wider access and inclusion for everyone.”

“Thanks to the Access for All programme, we now have step-free, accessible routes at more than 200 stations across Britain, having just recently completed some improvements at Hebden Bridge station in West Yorkshire as part of a £2.2 million investment to upgrade access.”

The Motspur Park Footbridge is expected to open to the public in 2024.

If you are looking for lift companies in Canterbury, please get in touch today.

We rely on lifts a lot in the modern world. They help us to transport goods and machinery, make buildings more accessible and can make travelling between floors much easier and quicker. But when was the first lift invented and what was it used for?

From pulley systems for transporting stone to super-speed elevators that take us hundreds of meters in the air, the lift has developed and advanced so much over the course of history.

A lift can be found on almost anything. Machinery often has lifts to allow them to transport goods, buildings have lifts to transport people and some vehicles also have lifts to enable them to manoeuvre objects around. But how did the lift come to be?

To discover this, we must travel back in history to around 200 BC. Archimedes was a Greek mathematician who is originally credited for inventing the beginnings of what we now know to be the modern lift.

However, similar contraptions date back even further to Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used hoists akin to lifts to help transport rocks and stones when building the pyramids and these were often driven by men or even animals.

While the lift today is a long way off these ancient contraptions, it is clear that their basic mechanics are the same. A rope, or cable, which uses a pulley system to move upwards and downwards in order to transport a load.

In Ancient Rome, a form of lift was used in the colosseum, and they have also been noted as being fashionable and prevalent in royal palaces and castles.

It wasn't until the industrial revolution that this really caught on and became a widespread and commonly used mechanism though. During this period, steam-driven lifts were used in order to carry heavy loads that could not be handled manually.

In the early 19th century, the first hydraulic lift was made. Although during this time, they were still mainly used for the transportation of goods. People carrying lifts were not commonplace due to a lack of safety regulations and fear of the unknown.

It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the passenger lift was invented in New York. The Equitable Life Building was the first in the world to have functioning passenger lifts. The first electrical lift followed not ten years later in 1880, being created in Germany.

Many people were still wary of lifts at this time and chose not to use them, however it is still incredible to think that they were invented so long ago. Although technology has advanced since then, the basic mechanics of the lift remain much the same, showing it to be a historical design.

Lifts have helped to revolutionise the way we live. We are now able to travel up skyscrapers that sit hundreds of metres in the sky in just a few short seconds. It is definite that we take them for granted and don’t truly appreciate just how much easier they have made life.

Lift technology has advanced in leaps and bounds in recent years, and they are now smoother, safer, and more efficient than ever before. There are many benefits to refurbishing or even replacing an aged lift that is slow, poorly lit, and possibly unreliable. Here are some reasons why it can be a great move.

Modern lifts are more energy efficient

Lifts which rely on old and outdated mechanisms often have a high energy consumption. A new system is likely to be far more energy efficient than an older model, saving money on electricity bills.

Compliance with the latest health and safety standards

Older lifts can be a hazard, particularly if they have been poorly maintained. Even an aged lift with a full service history will not have been manufactured to modern standards of health and safety, which is a very important consideration, especially if the lift is in a public place.

Reduced maintenance costs

Outdated lifts require frequent maintenance and servicing. It may be necessary to replace certain parts on a regular basis, and it may even be difficult to track down the right parts for older models of lift. These costs can mount up over time, and ultimately it may be more cost effective to replace it.

Better quality of user experience

Older lifts can be unreliable, clunky, noisy, and jerky. Modern lifts are designed to give a quiet and smooth ride, and are user friendly. The interior will be clean and bright and pleasant and comfortable to travel in.

 Modern lifts are often available in a range of finishes for both interior and exterior, so you can order a bespoke lift that will fit in well with your company branding or domestic interior design scheme. It may also be possible to make more efficient use of space with a sleeker design.

If you are looking for bespoke platform lifts, please get in touch today.

The modern passenger lift has what can only be described as an eclectic history, but one of its strangest chapters was when a PR company made a lift that tastes like Jaffa Cakes when you lick it.

In one sense, this is not necessarily surprising, as lifts and Jaffa Cakes seem to be attracted to bizarre events. One of the lift’s most defining moments, after all, was when inventor Elisha Otis took an axe to the safety rope of his lift prototype and highlighted how safe it was.

Meanwhile, the famous tangy cake had to prove it was not a biscuit in court in a case that somehow actually happened to the shock of people over three decades later.

Somehow, to celebrate the 85th birthday of the famous cake brand (as determined in court), a London-based marketing company was conscripted to celebrate the occasion by giving a perfectly ordinary office lift at the offices of Engine a tangy twist.

Called the Lickable Lift, the wallpaper has 1325 individual Jaffa cakes, each featuring the chocolate, cake or orange zest flavour the brand is known for that could literally be licked off of the walls, although exactly how hygienic that would be beyond that initial run of office workers should not be thought about.

It was inspired in no small part by the lickable wallpaper from the popular children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which in itself has its own interesting connection to lifts through its sequel, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.

The eponymous lift has somewhat strange capabilities, with it being able to travel sideways, through the roof of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory and even into outer space, where the book suddenly turns from childish whimsy into a science fiction tale.

Such is the uniqueness of the story of lifts that somehow the concept of lickable wallpaper can be connected to the elevator twice.

A new station in Essex is being built with lifts to ensure it provides access to all passengers when it opens. 

Essex County Council recently revealed a contract has been signed with Network Rail for a station located in the Beaulieu Park area of Chelmsford.

Construction is due to start at the beginning of 2023 and the local authority hopes it will be open to the public by the end of 2025.

Martin Leech, managing director of strategic land and major projects at developer Countryside Zest, said the new project will “not only significantly improve the transport connections for the residents at Beaulieu, but also the wider Chelmsford Garden Village community”. 

Everyone has been considered when it comes to the design of the facility, as developers are planning to build step-free access to all the platforms by installing two lifts. 

There will also be accessible toilets and baby change facilities, while five per cent of its 700-car parking bay will be designated for Blue Badge holders. 

Consequently, Adam Simpson, director of project management and development at L&Q, said the partnership between Network Rail and the council “will enable us to improve not only local transport connections, but also the lifestyle of thousands of residents”.

This comes after Bond Street station on the Elizabeth line finally opened to the public in October, providing step-free access with elevators. 

Transport for London said the station, which has the capacity for 140,000 people a day, will “relieve congestion at Oxford Circus and make the area more accessible”, reported the BBC.  

If you want to install a commercial wheelchair lift at your business premises, contact us to discuss your options. 

Over the centuries-long existence of the modern passenger lift, there have been many advances, evolutions and developments that have come as a result of ingenuity, technological advances and in the wake of unfortunate tragedy.

One of the most unusual causes for lift development, however, came in 1945 when lifts were developed with features that seemed as unthinkable as flying an aircraft without a pilot.

Once lifts became a common part of increasingly tall buildings, people were needed to operate what were at the time somewhat complex machines that could be potentially dangerous in the wrong hands.

This led to the rise of the lift attendant, who would not only operate the machinery but provide a friendly demeanour, clearly articulate the floor they were on and information about the businesses held on it, along with taking requests.

It was a largely thankless job, with attendants working long hours (84-hour weeks were not uncommon) for low pay, no meals, no protection under employment laws of the era and at the risk of exploitation.

Infamously, female lift attendants had to attend “charm school” for up to eight weeks in some stores, dye their hair and wear mandated makeup, cosmetics and uniforms.

The working conditions led to countless strikes from the 1920s until the 1940s to petition for better working conditions. Several people who tried to operate the lifts themselves died in accidents as a result.

Whilst it would take quite some time, unions such as Local 32-B eventually won limits to the number of hours they had to work in a week as well as union recognition.

However, after a strike in 1945 that involved 15,000 lift attendants in New York City alone, lift manufacturers started to work on solutions that would allow lifts to run on their own, with safety features such as an emergency stop button, telephone and automated voice aiding the transition.

This effectively ended the wave of lift strikes largely by eliminating the need for lift operators completely, although there are still some found in theme parks and more prestigious department stores primarily focusing on marketing, making announcements and working as customer greeters.

A public consultation has been launched into the proposed £1.5bn redevelopment of Liverpool Street Station, the BBC reports. The new plans include better step-free access for customers to the platforms. The developers are Sellar, who were also responsible for the landmark Shard project.

The owners of the site, Network Rail, are working with Sellar and architects Herzog & De Meuron to upgrade the current facilities, which are prone to overcrowding. At present, there is only one wheelchair platform lift for disabled travellers, and the developers propose adding a further seven lifts.

Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail, said: "The plans would transform Liverpool Street station into an exciting mixed-use destination in its own right, whilst sensitively restoring and showcasing the station's heritage architecture.”

He added: "We're delivering it through a public and private partnership, which will provide long-lasting benefits for the local community and the region."

However, the Victorian Society have raised objections to the scheme, arguing that it will damage the heritage and character of the listed Victorian era station. It was constructed in the 1870s, and is now one of London’s busiest transport hubs.

Victorian Society Director, Joe O’Donnell, said: “It is extremely disappointing that a proposed redevelopment of a major Victorian station has got this far without speaking to the Victorian Society - especially where public bodies such as Network Rail and TFL are involved.”

He added: “As a statutory consultee, it makes sense to speak to us at an early stage. However, despite our writing to TfL and Network Rail months ago, asking to be involved in discussions, we heard nothing until the plans were announced. Consequently, we cannot comment on the details of the plans.”

Sellar also plan to construct a 10-storey hotel and office complex next to the station, with adjacent public green spaces.

Disability rights campaigners have criticised plans by the Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan to close the majority of rail ticket offices. At the recent Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Ms Trevelyan said that she will ask the rail industry to launch UK-wide consultations into ticket office provision.

However, the plans have led to a key member of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) to resign in protest. The Disability New Service (DNS) reports that Matthew Smith has called the government’s transport policies ‘discriminatory.’ It is feared that the proposals could see up to four-fifths of ticket offices closing.

There has already been a steep rise in unstaffed stations and driver-only trains over the past few years, particularly in the South-East of England. This effectively makes the train service inaccessible to the majority of wheelchair users, who require assistance with ramps to board and disembark from trains, and to use platform lifts. 

A section of the Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) was described in a report by the DPTAC as having staffing levels which were “completely inadequate to deliver an accessible railway”. The ticket office staff are often the only members of staff on hand at some stations, and their loss may leave rail operators in breach of the Equality Act. 

A DfT spokesperson said: “We would like to thank Matthew Smith for his five years of service as a member of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee.”

They added: “We’re committed to transforming accessibility across the UK rail network, and have dedicated £383 million for such improvements at rail stations which will deliver more than 100 accessible step free routes and smaller scale access enhancements at 124 stations.”

However, the DNS reports that disabled people’s safety is being compromised, as they often rely on trained staff members to help them with route planning, navigating the rail station, using wheelchair ramps, and accessing lifts and toilets. 

It is feared that the quality of life for wheelchair users will be reduced if the planned cuts to station staff go ahead. Many disabled people rely on public transport to access healthcare services, shop, and socialise. Without the required support in place, the effect will be greater isolation and poorer health outcomes. 

A spokesperson for the Equality and Human Rights Committee (EHRC) said in response to Mr Smith’s resignation: “We are aware of the concerns Mr Smith raises in his resignation letter to the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, and we are carefully considering the most appropriate regulatory response.”

They added: “The EHRC is committed to upholding disabled people’s right to equal travel. We know that many disabled or older passengers rely on station staff and ticket offices to access rail services. Under the Equality Act, all service providers must make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people are not unfairly disadvantaged”.

The rail worker’s union, RMT, is campaigning against the closures, according to The Independent, describing the proposals as unacceptable.

If you would like some advice about a commercial wheelchair lift, please get in touch today.

Plan to improve step-free access to the London Underground may be delayed or cancelled due to the lack of funds, the BBC reports. Transport for London (TfL) who are responsible for managing the Tube, suffered a sharp fall in revenue during the pandemic, and have received a series of government bailout deals since.

TfL have recently published the results of an extensive public consultation, which found that two-thirds of respondents would use the Tube more if there were more step-free stations. Although there are almost 200 step-free stations across the network, plans to add at three more have currently been put on hold. 

Fazilet Hadi, head of policy at Disability Rights UK, said it was "not acceptable that people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users continue to be denied access" on public transport. TfL said that it would "continue to work with third parties and developers to identify funding".

Measures to help wheelchair users access trains on the new Jubilee Line are currently being trialled, as Rail Advent reports. A special bridging device is being used to give wheelchair users more support and confidence when crossing the narrow gap between the train and the platform edge, which will be available at participating stations until February 2023.

Mark Evers, Transport for London’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Making our transport network more accessible and inclusive is a top priority for us, as we know that a more accessible public transport network benefits everyone.”

He added: “The response to the consultation shows how important accessibility is for encouraging more people to use public transport. The bridging device has been designed to improve customers’ confidence and experience of using the network and I hope as many people as possible try it out during the trial period.”

Customers are being encouraged to leave feedback about their experience of using the bridging device. 

If you are looking for a platform lift company, please get in touch today.

Disability rights campaigners have criticised plans by the Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan to close the majority of rail ticket offices. At the recent Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Ms Trevelyan said that she will ask the rail industry to launch UK-wide consultations into ticket office provision.

However, the plans have led to a key member of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) to resign in protest. The Disability New Service (DNS) reports that Matthew Smith has called the government’s transport policies ‘discriminatory.’ It is feared that the proposals could see up to four-fifths of ticket offices closing.

There has already been a steep rise in unstaffed stations and driver-only trains over the past few years, particularly in the South-East of England. This effectively makes the train service inaccessible to the majority of wheelchair users, who require assistance with ramps to board and disembark from trains, and to use platform lifts. 

A section of the Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) was described in a report by the DPTAC as having staffing levels which were “completely inadequate to deliver an accessible railway”. The ticket office staff are often the only members of staff on hand at some stations, and their loss may leave rail operators in breach of the Equality Act. 

A DfT spokesperson said: “We would like to thank Matthew Smith for his five years of service as a member of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee.”

They added: “We’re committed to transforming accessibility across the UK rail network, and have dedicated £383 million for such improvements at rail stations which will deliver more than 100 accessible step free routes and smaller scale access enhancements at 124 stations.”

However, the DNS reports that disabled people’s safety is being compromised, as they often rely on trained staff members to help them with route planning, navigating the rail station, using wheelchair ramps, and accessing lifts and toilets. 

It is feared that the quality of life for wheelchair users will be reduced if the planned cuts to station staff go ahead. Many disabled people rely on public transport to access healthcare services, shop, and socialise. Without the required support in place, the effect will be greater isolation and poorer health outcomes. 

A spokesperson for the Equality and Human Rights Committee (EHRC) said in response to Mr Smith’s resignation: “We are aware of the concerns Mr Smith raises in his resignation letter to the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, and we are carefully considering the most appropriate regulatory response.”

They added: “The EHRC is committed to upholding disabled people’s right to equal travel. We know that many disabled or older passengers rely on station staff and ticket offices to access rail services. Under the Equality Act, all service providers must make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people are not unfairly disadvantaged”.

The rail worker’s union, RMT, is campaigning against the closures, according to The Independent, describing the proposals as unacceptable.

If you would like some advice about a commercial wheelchair lift, please get in touch today.

The new Bond Street Station on the Elizabeth Line has finally opened, the BBC reports. Delays in the building work mean that it was not able to come into operation when the line was officially opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in May 2022. Commuters have welcomed the new facility, which offers step-free access via elevators and walkways.

The new station has capacity for 140,000 passengers per day and trains will run at five-minute intervals. The design of the long-awaited Elizabeth Line, formerly known as the Crossrail project, has been widely praised by both critics and commuters for its spacious proportions, and well-thought-out details.

Andy Byford, London's transport commissioner, said: “[ it would be the] jewel in the crown of the West End's transport provision. It is truly spectacular and will provide a highly significant new link to one of the busiest shopping districts in the UK, enabling even further connectivity to jobs and leisure for people across London and the South East."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan added via a Tweet: "so proud to be at the opening…This station is spacious, stylish and step-free and a huge boost for retail and hospitality in London.” Bond Street is a key station for access to central London from Reading to the east, and Heathrow to the East. 

The Elizabeth Line is still not operating to the final timetable, which is due to take effect no later than May 2023. Older people and disabled people can use the service for free with a Freedom Pass, and other customers have the option of using railcards, Oyster Cards, or paper tickets purchased from machines or ticket offices.

If you would like to discuss the purchase and installation of a commercial wheelchair lift, we would be happy to talk to you today. 

Wheelchair uses face extra challenges when navigating everyday spaces such as homes and offices. It is a requirement that reasonable efforts are made to ensure that all buildings are accessible to wheelchair users, and in many cases, this means installing a platform lift to travel up and down steps and stairs. 

Here are some factors to take into account when choosing a wheelchair platform lift. 

What is the distance of travel?

For access to heights of up to three metres, an open platform lift may be the best solution. They can provide step free access both internally and externally, in homes and public buildings. The open design requires no pit, so it can be added to a building with the minimum of alterations. 

For heights of over three metres, an alternative might be a vertical platform lift, which has a maximum travel height of 13 metres. Another option is the inclined platform lift, which is designed to travel along a stair rail.

What are the space requirements?

Open platform lifts take up the least room. Incline lifts will need unobstructed space along the stair rail, which may be an issue on narrow staircases. Vertical platform lifts require more space to install. In some cases, the lift may be installed as an external extension to the building. 

If you are unsure if you have sufficient space for a lift, it is best to contact a lift installation company who will be able to advise you on the best solutions.

How is the lift operated?

Many wheelchair users like to retain a sense of independence when using a lift, and want to be able to operate it themselves. If this is the case, check how easy it is to use the operating panel at wheelchair height, and if the safety and alarm systems can be easily activated by a wheelchair user.

If you own a lift or are responsible for keeping one in good working order, you will know how important it is to make sure it is safe and reliable. A regular service and maintenance schedule is the best way to ensure that the lift remains at its optimal level of performance, to minimise hazards, and prolong the life of the lift.

Regular inspections can pick up small faults before they turn into major headaches, so it’s important to choose your lift maintenance company carefully. Here are some points to look out for.

Do they have the correct equipment for your type of lift?

There are various types and models of lift, and different tools and equipment may be needed for each. Check to see if they have experience with the particular type and make of lift you have, such as passenger lifts, bespoke platform lifts, stair lifts, service and goods lifts, and so on. High-rise lifts may also need more specialist tools and equipment.

Do they have an experienced and well-trained workforce?

Lift service and maintenance is a highly skilled job, which should be carried out by an experienced lift engineer. Ask about the training and qualifications of their staff, and if they work to Lift Cert standard and follow the relevant guidance and regulations. The more skilful and knowledgeable your engineer, the less likely it is you will need return visits.

Do they offer to give advice and supply you with a report?

A good service company will be willing to offer training and advice to the person responsible for the day to day running of the lift, to spot early signs of trouble, and improve its performance. They will also supply you with an engineer’s report to comment on the overall condition of the lift, and make recommendations for future action if necessary.

Lifts are an essential part of modern life, making buildings more accessible to us all and helping us to make our way around and about. It’s easy to take them for granted, however, and it can be very inconvenient when they do start operating at less than maximum efficiency.

As such, it can be useful to familiarise yourself with some of the most common signs that your lift is starting to fail, so you can take preventative action quickly before the problem becomes urgent.

One of the biggest indications that there is an issue somewhere is, of course, regular breakdowns. Beyond this being a nuisance and offputting for clients and customers, it can also be quite expensive, with callout fees, repair costs and parts all adding up quickly. It could be worth having a survey carried out to see if there’s a problem somewhere.

It can also pay to be vigilant where the noise of the lift is concerned. If you’ve started hearing strange sounds during lift operation, it is important not to ignore it. Lifts should always be relatively quiet while working, as long as they’ve been installed properly and are serviced regularly.

Also look out for the lift stopping randomly on the wrong floor, as this can also suggest there’s an issue that needs attending to. If you’ve noticed this, make sure you call out an engineer to come and check it out.

Even the very best maintained lifts will start to show their age at some point, so if you know yours is on the older side, it may well be that it’s time to consider lift refurbishment or even investing in a new appliance to ensure seamless operation.