Ministers have been accused of using an obscure EU law to avoid fitting lifts in train stations, despite the UK having left the European Union.
The government is still applying regulations that state lifts are not obligatory for stations with a daily average of fewer than 1,000 passengers, or with an accessible station within 31 miles on the same route.
This rule remains part of the National Technical Specification Notice even after Brexit.
Of the UK's 2,500 mainline stations, about 1,500 do not meet the passenger footfall criteria for mandatory lifts.
The government is still using regulations that state lifts are not obligatory for stations
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As of 2023, only 491 of the stations that meet the passenger threshold had at least one lift.
At least 500 stations meet the threshold but are not accessible for disabled passengers.
Disability campaigners have been told there is no obligation to make these stations step-free, as the EU clause about proximity to other accessible stations is still being applied.
Simon Lightwood, the local transport minister, told The Times that Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander had "no plans" to change the guidance.
Lightwood said: "My department has not made a specific assessment of the impact of Appendix B on the availability of step-free access at stations, but we keep all National Technical Specification Notices under regular review."
At Harlington Station, Julian Vaughan was informed that the stipulation did not require the construction of lifts to assist passengers in navigating between the two platforms.
Network Rail informed him that Luton Airport Parkway, 13 miles away, was a "suitable" alternative, meaning that wheelchair users without cars would be forced to take a taxi to Luton Airport Parkway or make a two-hour trip on three buses, as opposed to a 12-minute train.
Sarah Gayton, a campaigner for the National Federation of the Blind of the UK, called the Government's decision "disgusting".
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As of 2023, only 491 stations have a lift that meets the passenger threshold
PAShe told The Times: "Allowing Network Rail and the Government to hide behind an outdated clause in an appendix of a regulation is absolutely madness.
"It means that when refusing a lift at a smaller station, they don't have to explain their decision; they can just say 'this is the rule'.
"It's clear Simon Lightwood is out of his depth in his new role, and clearly does not understand accessibility. His refusal not to change the rules is inexcusable and a total backwards step."
A Department for Transport spokesman defended the position, saying the clause does not prevent ramps or lifts from being installed.
The spokesman stated: "Accessibility is an integral part of our rail reforms, and we are committed to enabling all passengers to travel easily, confidently and with dignity.
"We are working to make it as easy and accessible as possible for everyone to get around, through programmes like Access for All, which has delivered step-free accessible routes at over 260 stations."
