AN MSP has demanded action after new figures revealed over two-thirds of train stations in West Dunbartonshire are not fully accessible for people with disabilities.

Scottish Labour MSP Katy Clark was speaking as research conducted by rail operator ScotRail showed 69 per cent of train stations in the area didn't provide the accessibility levels required.

The region - which has 13 train stations overall - had four classed as step-free access, eight labelled as having "a degree" of step-free access and one which had no step-free access at all due to being made up of stairs leading to an island platform (Dumbarton East).

Responsibility for improving accessibility at Scottish stations is shared by both the UK and the Scottish Government and West of Scotland MSP Ms Clark branded the figures as a "scandal" - demanding immediate action from both.

She said: “It is shameful that disabled people are still being locked out of train stations in West Dunbartonshire.

“This is an issue I have raised with both governments previously. The West of Scotland continues to be shamefully overlooked when it comes to infrastructure investment.

“Public transport in the 21st century should be fully accessible to all.

"Our two governments must work together to design a real plan to end this scandal and ensure rail travel is accessible to everyone."

Transport Scotland and Network Rail make improvements to stations through investment in schemes such as the UK Government funded ‘Access For All’.

The Access for All programme was launched in 2006 to provide step-free access and remove barriers faced by disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility (such as heavy luggage, expectant mothers, or those travelling with buggies and prams) when using railway stations in the UK.

Ms Clark added: "A change must include reviewing ‘Access for All’ funding, which despite its name is failing to ensure all stations are abiding by their legal duties.

“West Dunbartonshire deserves a modern, accessible rail network so our communities can thrive.”

In Scotland, funding is used to attempt to create an obstacle-free, accessible route from the station entrance to the platform. 

This generally includes providing lifts or ramps, as well as associated works needed to create an accessible route.

However, access limitations within the historic rail network mean there are some situations where providing the ideal customer journey is not possible.

In these instances, ScotRail's Passenger Assist service is there to provide help to customers who may need it.

The Passenger Assist System can be used by disabled people who require extra help when getting on or off trains and can be booked within an hour of their journey.

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “ScotRail is committed to making sure that all rail users have equal access.

"We enable tens of thousands of assisted travel journeys each year and many more spur-of-the-moment trips.

“Our ‘Accessible Travel Service’ provides free assistance to people who need a little extra help, whether it has been booked in advance or not.

“We’re committed to building on the success of this service, which includes listening to and acting on feedback from our customers, and we’ll continue to work with our stakeholders at all levels to ensure that everyone can travel on Scotland’s Railway with confidence."

National Rail has been approached for comment.