Lord Blunkett, a Labour Peer who is blind, is calling for an urgent review of London Underground platforms after suffering a serious injury while boarding a train at Westminster station last month. The 77-year-old former home secretary and health secretary experienced a dangerous fall that has highlighted significant safety concerns for visually impaired passengers.
While attempting to board a District line train with his guide dog, Lord Blunkett suddenly felt his feet disappearing into a gap between the platform and the train. In an instant, he was propelled forward into the carriage, landing face down on the floor. His legs were scraped out of the gap, resulting in significant injuries.
The incident is particularly concerning given Lord Blunkett’s recent medical history. Having recently suffered a heart attack, he must take blood thinners, which makes any bruising or bleeding potentially more dangerous. An X-ray confirmed “extraordinary bruising,” though fortunately no broken bones were detected.
Lord Blunkett expressed frustration with the current safety measures, noting that while passengers are repeatedly warned to “mind the gap” via announcements, there are often no staff members available to assist visually impaired travelers, especially during rush hours. He described some platforms as “death traps” with enormous gaps between the walkway and train that pose risks to all passengers, but are particularly dangerous for those with visual impairments.
He is now calling on Transport for London (TfL) to take several specific actions:
– Fill the widest gaps on platforms
– Ensure staff are always available to help passengers
– Conduct an urgent review of safety at the busiest tube stations
London Underground has responded to the incident, with Nick Dent, the director of customer operations, expressing deep regret. The organization has committed to meeting with Lord Blunkett to discuss how they could have managed the incident better and to learn from the experience.
Dent emphasized that customer and staff safety is their top priority, acknowledging that while such injuries are rare, they are committed to eradicating such incidents and making travel safer for everyone.
Lord Blunkett’s incident brings critical attention to accessibility and safety challenges faced by passengers with disabilities on public transportation. His proposed review could potentially lead to important improvements in platform design and passenger assistance, making the London Underground more inclusive and safer for all travelers.
The Labour Peer, who served as an MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough between 1987 and 2015, is known for his advocacy for people with disabilities. This personal experience underscores the ongoing need for enhanced safety measures and support for visually impaired commuters.
