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London Blackfriars Underground Station - Alighting Eastbound and Westbound

Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4DY

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • The Blackfriars Underground Station is located on the Circle and District Line.
  • There is step-free access from the platform to the concourse via lifts.
  • The Queen Victoria Exit provides step-free access to the north side of the River Thames.
  • There is step-free access via lift to the south bank by crossing the Blackfriars National Rail station platform.
  • There is no charge for using the platforms to cross the River Thames to access the south bank.

Platform Exit (Platform 1 - District and Circle Line (Westbound)

  • Exit View
    • This information is for the exit located to the far right of the platform as you alight.
    • This exit is signed with ''Way Out' and 'Blackfriars''.
    • There is step-free access at this exit, via lift.
    • There is an open gap to exit.

Platform(s) (Platform 1 - District and Circle Lines (Westbound)

  • Access to Platform View
    • There is step-free access to the platform, via lift, from the Queen Victoria Street Entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the platform, via lift, from Thameslink Main Line Platforms (1, 2, 3 and 4).
    • There are 1 access points onto this platform.
  • Platform Information View
    • This is a straight platform.
    • The platform is flat throughout its length.
    • There are tactile markings along the platform edge, throughout its length.
    • The edge of the platform is clearly marked.
    • The maximum gap between the platform and train when boarding/alighting is 8cm.
    • There are tube maps, tube and rail maps, Circle line maps, District line maps and digital display(s) for train times on this platform.
    • Signage on this platform includes; directional to lifts, directional to way out and directional to mainline station.
    • Announcements on this platform are audio and visual.
    • There are 3 help points on this platform.
    • The help point is fitted with a hearing loop system.
    • The height of the buttons at the help point(s) are; 100cm (emergency) and 110cm (information).
    • There is fixed bench seating with armrests on this platform.
    • The height of the seating is 45cm.
    • The width of the majority of seats is 53cm.
    • The colour contrast for the seating is good.
    • Perch seating is not available on this platform.
    • The colour contrast between the wall and platform is good.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Access from the Platform View
    • There is step-free access from the platform, via lift, to the Queen Victoria Street Entrance.
    • There is step-free access from the platform, via lift, to Thameslink Main Line Platforms (1, 2, 3 and 4).
    • There is/are 1 exit point(s) from this platform.

Lift (Platform 1 (Westbound) to Station Concourse and Exits)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located just off the platform.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0 (platform) and 1 (ticket hall).
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
  • The clear door width is 109cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 200cm x 140cm (6ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

Escalator(s) (Platform 1 (Westbound) to Station Concourse and Exits)

  • Escalator(s) View
    • Escalators can be used to access other floors.
    • The escalator(s) is/are located just off the platform.
    • The escalators have overhead signage for the Circle line and the District line.
    • The escalators go both up and down.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are 0 (platform) and 1 (concourse).
    • The escalator(s) steps are not clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalator(s) are not clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are moderate to good.

Step(s) (Platform 1 (Westbound) to Station Concourse and Exits)

  • There is a/are step(s) located just off the platform.
  • There is/are 42 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a second lower handrail.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

Platform(s) (Platform 2 - District and Circle Lines (Eastbound)

  • Access to Platform View
    • There is step-free access to the platform, via lift, from the Queen Victoria Street Entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the platform, via lift, from Thameslink Main Line Platforms (1, 2, 3 and 4).
    • There are 1 access points onto this platform.
  • Platform Information View
    • This is a straight platform.
    • The platform is flat throughout its length.
    • There are tactile markings along the platform edge, throughout its length.
    • The edge of the platform is clearly marked.
    • The maximum gap between the platform and train when boarding/alighting is 8cm.
    • There are tube maps, tube and rail maps, Circle line maps, District line maps and digital display(s) for train times on this platform.
    • Signage on this platform includes; directional to lifts, directional to way out and directional to mainline station.
    • Announcements on this platform are audio and visual.
    • There are 3 help points on this platform.
    • The help point is fitted with a hearing loop system.
    • The height of the buttons at the help point(s) are; 100cm (emergency) and 110cm (information).
    • There is fixed bench seating with armrests on this platform.
    • The height of the seating is 45cm.
    • The width of the majority of seats is 53cm.
    • The colour contrast for the seating is good.
    • Perch seating is not available on this platform.
    • The colour contrast between the wall and platform is good.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Access from the Platform View
    • There is step-free access from the platform, via lift, to the Queen Victoria Street Entrance.
    • There is step-free access from the platform, via lift, to Thameslink Main Line Platforms (1, 2, 3 and 4).
    • There is/are 1 exit point(s) from this platform.

Platform Exit (Platform 2 - District and Circle Lines (Eastbound)

  • Exit View
    • This information is for the exit located to the far left of the platform as you alight.
    • This exit is signed with ''Way Out' and 'Blackfriars''.
    • There is step-free access at this exit, via lift.
    • There is an open gap to exit.

Lift (Platform 1 (Eastbound) to Station Concourse and Exits)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located just off the platform.
  • There are signs indicating the accessible route to the lift from the concourse.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0 (platform) and 1 (concourse).
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
  • The clear door width is 109cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 200cm x 140cm (6ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

Escalator(s) (Platform 1 (Eastbound) to Station Concourse and Exits)

  • Escalator(s) View
    • Escalators can be used to access other floors.
    • The escalator(s) is/are located just off the platform.
    • The escalators have overhead signage for the Circle line and the District line.
    • The escalators go both up and down.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are 0 (platform) and 1 (concourse).
    • The escalator(s) steps are not clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalator(s) are not clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are moderate to good.

Step(s) (Platform 1 (Eastbound) to Station Concourse and Exits)

  • There is a/are step(s) located just off the platform.
  • There is/are 42 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a second lower handrail.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

Concourse (Underground Concourse/Ticket Hall)

  • Access View
    • The ticket hall is located after exiting from the Eastbound and Westbound Platforms.
    • There is step-free access to the concourse, via lift, from the platforms.
    • There is level access throughout this concourse area.
  • Barriers View
    • The width of the standard barriers is 61cm.
    • The ticket slot heights for the standard barriers are 91cm (insert ticket) and 102cm (remove ticket).
    • The Oyster card reader height is 97cm for the standard barriers.
    • The width of the wider access barriers is 105cm.
    • The ticket slot heights for the wider access barriers are 91cm (insert ticket) and 102cm (remove ticket).
    • The Oyster card reader height is 97cm for the wider access barriers.
    • Staff are available to provide assistance at the barriers.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There are tube maps, tube and rail maps, TFL maps, service update boards, digital display(s) for train times and Network Rail passenger information screens in this concourse area.
    • Signage in this concourse area includes; TFL/tourist directional, directional to mainline station, directional to mainline platforms, directional to lines, directional to underground station, directional to lifts and directional to exits .
  • Other Features and Facilities View
    • There are 2 help points in this concourse area.
    • The help points are fitted with hearing loop systems.
    • The height of the buttons at the help point(s) are; 110cm (emergency) and 100cm (information).
    • The Oyster machine controls/screen heights vary between 107cm and 145cm.
    • Announcements in this concourse area are visual.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor in this concourse area is fair.
    • Seating is not available in this concourse area.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Station Access Point (Exit to Queen Victoria Street)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located at the rear of the concourse .
    • This access point is signed with 'Way Out'.
    • There is step-free access at this access point.

Concourse (Thameslink Ticket Hall)

  • Access View
    • The ticket hall is located to the left after exiting the ticket barriers from the platform.
    • There is step-free access to the concourse, via lift, from the platforms.
    • There is level access throughout this concourse area.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There are digital display(s) for train times and London and South East Rail Services maps in this concourse area.
    • Signage in this concourse area includes; directional to exits, directional to underground station, TFL/tourist directional, directional to lifts, directional to mainline station and directional to mainline platforms .
  • Other Features and Facilities View
    • There are 2 help points in this concourse area.
    • The help points are fitted with hearing loop systems.
    • The height of the buttons at the help point(s) are; 110cm (emergency) and 100cm (information).
    • The ATM controls/screen heights vary between 91cm and 130cm.
    • Announcements in this concourse area are visual.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor in this concourse area is fair.
    • Seating is not available in this concourse area.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is an accessible toilet available off this concourse. There are also male and female standard toilets, as well as a baby changing facility, available off this concourse.

Access To (South Bank via Blackfriars Station National Rail Platforms 1, 2, 3 and 4 from Blackfriars Underground)

  • There are 15+ steps .
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail in the centre.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
  • The escalator(s) is/are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The escalators go both up and down.
  • The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are G, 1.
  • The escalator(s) steps are clearly marked.
  • The foot and head of the escalator(s) are clearly marked.
  • The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are moderate to good.
  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width of the lift is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 160cm (5ft 3in x 5ft 3in).
  • There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

Access Across Blackfriars National Rail - Platforms 1,2 3 and 4

  • There is no charge for using the platforms to cross between the north and south side of the River Thames.
  • The crossing give access to the north side of the river including the Blackfriars underground station or on the south side of the river including South Bank and Bankside.
  • There are ticket barriers to access the platforms.
  • The ticket barriers have a barcode ticket scanner which is 80cm high.
  • The ticket barriers have card tap point which is 100cm wide.
  • The width of the standard barriers is 60cm.
  • The width of the accessible barriers is 105cm.
  • There are staff located next to the tickets barriers to provide assistance is required.
  • There is step-free access between the north and south sides of platforms 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • Halfway along platform 1 and 2 there is short steep slope which leads to a raised area, which is used for passengers boarding the national rail services.
  • There is no slope along platforms 3 and 4.
  • There is clear directional signage along the platforms.
  • There is clear yellow markings and tactile markings at the edge of the platform.
  • There is bench seating at regular intervals.

Access To (South Bank from National Rail Platforms 1-4)

  • There are 15+ steps .
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a second lower handrail.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left or right of the ticket barriers.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1 ,2.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width of the lift is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 160cm (5ft 3in x 5ft 3in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

Station Access Point (Exit to South Bank - Queens Walk)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located to the left and right of the ticket barriers.
    • This access point is signed with 'Way Out'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this access point.
    • There are ticket barriers before exiting the station.
      The ticket barriers have a barcode ticket scanner which is 80cm high.
      The ticket barriers have a card tap point which is 100cm wide.
      The width of the standard barriers is 60cm.
      The width of the accessible barriers is 105cm.
      There are staff located next to the ticket barriers to provide assistance if required.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located at the access point.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.