Heatherdale station disabled toilets inadequate, says action group

A DISABILITY campaigner says the toilets at a new train station in Melbourne’s outer east are not open often enough and pose a danger to users.

Fiona Hand outside the toilets at Heatherdale station. Picture: Stuart Milligan

LIMITED access to toilets at the long-awaited revamped Heatherdale train station has angered members of an action disability group.

Woody Marriott, chairman of Disability Action Group — Eastern Region, said the station doesn’t cater for people with disabilities.

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“When I went to see the toilets, they did not appear to be accessible ... they were locked when I saw them but hinged and opening inward, without a handle on the outside,” Mr Marriott said.

He also criticised the toilet doors.

“These doors are not good for people with disabilities because doors must never open inward as the person inside could fall against the door.

“If the person is alone and in a wheelchair, they would also have great difficulty opening the door outward.”

Mr Marriott said the station should be staffed at all times to assist people with disabilities.

He said there were similar issues with Bayswater train station.

Public Transport Victoria spokesman Nicholas White said the new station at Heatherdale had two accessible toilets and one ambulant toilet.

“As a host station, toilets are only open during hours the station is staffed, which includes in the morning peak,” Mr White said.