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Tottenham Court Road Underground Station - Boarding the Northern Line

Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1DD

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Access Guide

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Summary - Boarding (the Northern Line)

  • This Access Guide details the accessible route from the ticket hall to the Northern line platforms.
  • There are 4 access points to the ticket hall from street level, two of which have lifts available.
    The sections in this Access Guide describe the journey from these access points to the Northern line.
    The route uses lifts and is approximately 25 metres from the closest access point.
    There is access via lift from the ticket hall to the Northern line platforms.
    Having taken the lift down, turn right for the Northern line westbound platform (3) or left for the Northern line eastbound platform (4).
  • The shortest distance (step free) to the Northern line platforms from the Oxford Street/Charing Cross Road access point is approximately 45m.
  • The shortest distance (via steps) to the Northern line platforms from the Tottenham Court Road/New Oxford Street access point is approximately 45m.
  • The shortest distance (step free) to the Northern line platforms from the Charing Cross Road/New Oxford Street access point is approximately 25m.
  • The shortest distance (via steps and escalators) to the Northern line platforms from the Charing Cross Road access point is approximately 25m.

Station Access Summary (Boarding the Northern Line - Take an Access Point Down to the Ticket Hall)

Ticket Hall (Boarding the Northern Line - Proceed Through the Northern Line Lift Ticket Barrier, Then Turn Left Towards the Lift)

  • Ticket Hall Access and Barriers View
    • The ticket hall is located on level -1, at the foot of all access points.
    • There is level access throughout the ticket hall.
    • The width of the standard barriers is 60cm.
    • The ticket slot heights for the standard barriers are 90cm (insert ticket) and 104cm (remove ticket).
    • The Oyster card reader height is 98cm for the standard barriers.
    • The width of the wider access barriers is 105cm.
    • The ticket slot heights for the wider access barriers are 90cm (insert ticket) and 104cm (remove ticket).
    • The Oyster card reader height is 98cm 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, Northern line maps, Central line maps, service update screens, digital display(s) for train times, Night Tube and London Overground maps and bus route maps in the ticket hall.
    • Signage in the ticket hall includes; directional to lines, directional to lifts and directional to exits.
    • There is directional signage to ticket machines.
  • Other Features and Facilities View
    • There are 5 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; 102cm (emergency) and 110cm (information).
    • The Oyster machine controls/screen heights vary between 76cm and 105cm.
    • Announcements in the ticket hall are audio and visual.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the ticket hall fair.
    • Seating is not available in this ticket hall.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ticket Hall)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located off the ticket hall, between Petit Pret and the exit 2 stairs.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the New Oxford Street/exit 3 lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 176cm x 260cm (5ft 9in x 8ft 6in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 144cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 92cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • There is no directional signage in the ticket hall to the toilet.
    • For those who do not have their own radar key, the toilet is opened for disabled people, older people, pregnant women, and people who are ill etc at the discretion of staff.

Lift (Boarding the Northern Line - Take the Lift Down to the Northern Line Platforms)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located between the ticket hall and Northern line platforms.
  • 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 -1 (ticket hall), -4 (intermediate level) and -5 (Northern line).
  • 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 poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 99cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 125cm x 220cm (4ft 1in x 7ft 3in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in 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.

Platform(s) (Boarding the Northern Line - Reach the Northern Line Northbound Platform (3))

  • Access to Platform View
    • There are 3 access points onto this platform.
  • Platform Information View
    • This is a straight platform.
    • There is a slope to and from a raised section in the centre of the platform.
    • 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 24cm.
    • There are tube maps, tube and rail maps, Northern line maps, digital display(s) for train times and Night Tube and London Overground maps on this platform.
    • Signage on this platform includes; directional to other lines, directional to lifts, directional to way out and level access boarding.
    • Announcements on this platform are visual.
    • There are 3 help points on this platform.
    • The help points are fitted with hearing loop systems.
    • The height of the buttons at the help point(s) are; 103cm (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 48cm.
    • 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 fair.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • Some of the benches have the left-hand seat marked as priority for disabled people or others who need to sit down.
      In the raised boarding area, the platform is level with the train and there is a 10cm gap between the train and the platform edge.
      All the entrance and exit points and access to the lift connect through to platform 4 Northern line southbound.
      There is also a walkway with a direct connection.

Platform(s) (Boarding the Northern Line - Reach the Northern Line Southbound Platform (4))

  • Access to Platform View
    • There are 3 access points onto this platform.
  • Platform Information View
    • This is a straight platform.
    • There is a slope to and from a raised section in the centre of the platform.
    • 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 24cm.
    • There are tube maps, tube and rail maps, Northern line maps, digital display(s) for train times and Night Tube and London Overground maps on this platform.
    • Signage on this platform includes; directional to other lines, directional to lifts, directional to way out and level access boarding.
    • Announcements on this platform are visual.
    • There are 3 help points on this platform.
    • The help points are fitted with hearing loop systems.
    • The height of the buttons at the help point(s) are; 103cm (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 48cm.
    • 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 fair.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • In the raised boarding area, the platform is level with the train and there is a 10cm gap between the train and the platform edge.
      All the entrance and exit points and access to the lift connect through to platform 3 Northern line southbound.
      There is also a walkway with a direct connection.

Station Access Point (Oxford Street/Charing Cross Road)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located at the junction between Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road.
    • This access point is signed with 'TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD STATION'.
    • There is access via lift or escalators at this access point.
  • Escalator(s) View
    • Escalators can be used to access other floors.
    • The escalator(s) is/are located leading down from the access point.
    • The escalators only go down.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are 0 (street level) and -1 (ticket hall).
    • 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 good.

Lift (Oxford Street/Charing Cross Road)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left, beyond the access point.
  • 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 (street level) and -1 (ticket hall).
  • 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 poor.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 200cm (4ft 7in x 6ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in 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 good.

Station Access Point (Tottenham Court Road/New Oxford Street)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located on the east side of Tottenham Court Road, at the junction with New Oxford Street.
    • This access point is signed with 'PUBLIC SUBWAY - UNDERGROUND - TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD'.
    • There is stepped access at this access point.
    • There are bollards at this access point.
    • The bollards have visual identification bands.
    • The minimum width between the bollards is 120cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located leading down from the access point.
    • There is/are 38 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 17cm.
    • 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.

Station Access Point (Charing Cross Road/New Oxford Street)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located on the east side of Charing Cross Road, at the junction with New Oxford Street.
    • This access point is signed with 'TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD STATION'.
    • There is access via lift or steps at this access point.
    • There are bollards at this access point.
    • The bollards have visual identification bands.
    • The minimum width between the bollards is 120cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located leading down from the access point.
    • There is/are 36 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 17cm.
    • 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.

Lift (Charing Cross Road/New Oxford Street)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right, beyond the access point.
  • 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 (street level) and -1 (ticket hall).
  • 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 poor.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 200cm (4ft 7in x 6ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in 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 good.

Station Access Point (Charing Cross Road)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located on the east side of Charing Cross Road.
    • This access point is signed with 'TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD STATION'.
    • There are escalators or stepped access at this access point.
    • There are bollards at this access point.
    • The bollards have visual identification bands.
    • The minimum width between the bollards is 120cm.
    • The bollards are only located at the top of the stairs.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located leading down from the access point.
    • There is/are 15+ 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 18cm.
    • 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.
  • Escalator(s) View
    • Escalators can be used to access other floors.
    • The escalator(s) is/are located leading down from the access point.
    • The escalators only go down.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are 0 (street level) and -1 (ticket hall).
    • 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 varied.

Boarding the Northern Line - Alternative Route from the Ticket Hall to Northern Line Platforms

  • Comments View
    • The approximate distance of this route is 100 metres (not including steps and escalators).
    • The route includes; 20 steps followed by escalators.
    • The steps are clearly marked with handrails on both sides.
    • There is a help point available along this route.
    • Step 1: Proceed through the Northern line ticket barriers, then take the escalators down to the passageway.
    • Step 2: From here, continue ahead for approximately 20 metres before taking the second opening on the right (signed 'Northern Line').
    • Step 3: Continue ahead for a further 20 metres towards the steps.
    • Step 4: Take the steps down to the Northern line platforms.
    • Step 5: At the bottom of the stairs, turn left to access Northern line northbound platform 3, or right to access Northern line southbound platform 4.
    • The alternative route to the Northern Line platforms uses escalators and steps.
    • After the ticket barriers, there are escalators down to a lower concourse level.
    • From here, there is a walkway to the right, signposted to the Central Line and Northern Line.
    • There is a right turn at the end of the walkway, then 30 steps down with a level landing halfway to the Northern Line platforms.
    • At the bottom of the stairs there is open access to the Northbound and Southbound lines.
    • From the platforms there are access points connecting to the Central Line.
  • Comments View
    • The approximate distance of this route is 100 metres (not including steps and escalators).
    • The route includes; 20 steps followed by escalators.
    • The steps are clearly marked with handrails on both sides.
    • There is a help point available along this route.
    • Step 1: Proceed through the Northern Line ticket barriers, then take the escalators down to the passageway.
    • Step 2: From here, continue ahead for approximately 20 metres before taking the second opening on the right (signed 'Northern Line').
    • Step 3: Continue ahead for a further 20 metres towards the steps.
    • Step 4: Take the steps down to the Northern Line Platforms.
    • Step 5: At the bottom of the stairs, turn left to access Northern Line Northbound Platform 3, or right to access Northern Line Southbound Platform 4.
    • The alternative route to the Northern Line platforms uses escalators and steps.
    • After the ticket barriers, there are escalators down to a lower concourse level.
    • From here, there is a walkway to the right, signposted to the Central Line and Northern Line.
    • There is a right turn at the end of the walkway, then 30 steps down with a level landing halfway to the Northern Line platforms.
    • At the bottom of the stairs there is open access to the Northbound and Southbound lines.
    • From the platforms there are access points connecting to the Central Line.