Network Rail has pledged to install tactile paving on all station platforms by 2025 after a campaigner lobbied for them following death of their blind partner in Eden Park.

A spokesperson for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) said that they had recently had confirmation that Network Rail would be “speeding up” the installation of tactile paving on all railway platforms in the UK.

The announcement came after the death of blind passenger Clevend Gervais, 53, who died after falling off the platform at Eden Park in February 2020.

According to the charity, findings showed that the lack of tactile paving was “likely a contributing factor” to his death.

RNIB campaigned alongside Gervais’ partner Sekha Hall for three years on this issue, increasing the number of tactile paving in mainline station platforms by 60 per cent.

The Minster for Transport, Huw Merriman MP, has said that tactile paving would be installed in all other remaining mainline stations by 2025.

Erik Matthies, RNIB Policy Officer, said: “We have recently had confirmation that Network Rail is speeding up the installation of tactile paving on all railway platforms in the UK.

“The Minister for Transport, Huw Merriman MP, also stated in January that tactile paving would be installed in remaining mainline stations by 2025”.

“We are pleased to see progress following our #RailSafe campaign following a report regarding the tragic death of blind passenger Cleveland Gervais from a train platform.

“The findings found the lack of tactile paving was likely a contributing factor to his death.

“Two years ago, only half of British mainline station platforms were fitted with tactile paving.

“Due to RNIB campaigning, this has now risen to 60 per cent.

“We will continue to monitor Network Rail’s progress until every train platform in the UK has tactile paving as a safety feature".

Network Rail says that the programme to install tactile platforms will continue with a financial backing of £75 million from the Government.

It added that the programme is “making progress” across England, Scotland and Wales where tactile platforms are “not” part of existing renewal plans.

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A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “Our programme to install tactile platforms continues, bolstered by £75 million that we were given by Government last year.

‘The programme is making good progress with cross-industry help from Train Operating Companies and covers England, Wales and Scotland at all stations where tactile platforms are not part of existing renewal plans.

“In addition, we are also using low-carbon concrete tiles in the North West and Central regions and Wales, which reduces and improves sustainability".