Green Party pledge to make third of Tube 'step-free'

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London's Green Party mayoral candidate said she would make a third of the Tube network step-free by 2018, if elected.

Jenny Jones visited Stockwell Tube Station, in south London, to launch her "accessibility manifesto".

Ms Jones said: "We need to aspire to an inclusive transport system, where no-one is prevented [from] using London's public transport."

Of the 270 stations on London Underground, 64 are step-free from street to platform.

"In the year that the Paralympics will be held in London, it is shameful that the overwhelming majority of the Tube system is still inaccessible to hundreds of thousands of people," Ms Jones added.

"This is nothing short of transport apartheid."

Accessibility manifesto

Transport for London said the number of step-free access stations had increased by 70% since 2000.

It said the number of stations with step-free access would rise to 66 by the Olympic Games, as Wembley Central and Farringdon become step free.

The Green Party issued a Tube map showing only inaccessible stations, highlighting the limited journeys that can be made.

The party's accessibility manifesto also includes pledges to make bus stops accessible by 2018, for 15% of new homes wheelchair accessible and to ensure everyone can access parks and play spaces.

The London mayoral election takes place on 3 May.