2 November 2023

Statement in response to scrapping of plans to close rail ticket offices in England

Councillor Simon Werner, the Council Leader, said: “This announcement, asking rail companies to withdraw their poorly-considered plans to close rail ticket offices, is the best possible outcome, because clearly this move would’ve disadvantaged many vulnerable passengers in the Royal Borough and elsewhere.

Councillor Simon Werner, the Council Leader, said: “This announcement, asking rail companies to withdraw their poorly-considered plans to close rail ticket offices, is the best possible outcome, because clearly this move would’ve disadvantaged many vulnerable passengers in the Royal Borough and elsewhere. 

As a council, we submitted a strong objection during the official consultation period, raising significant accessibility concerns on behalf of our borough’s local residents and visitors, joining the chorus of objectors calling for a national re-think. 

These proposals were premature, not fully developed and would’ve imposed unnecessary barriers to widespread and easy rail access for those many elderly passengers and rail users with a disability or learning difficulty. 

The council is pleased to have championed our communities in this matter and played a part in helping decision-makers to understand the full considerations.”


Visit here for more about the concerns raised by the council during the consultation - Royal Borough objects to closure of train station ticket offices | Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (rbwm.gov.uk)