Eurostar allows bicycles to be stored in disabled toilets on overcrowded trains

Train company called 'disrespectful' for leaving passengers 'in distress' with temporary measures

Eurostar carries 80 per cent of the total passenger traffic between London and both Brussels and Paris (Getty)

A row has started over the use of disabled toilets on Eurostar trains as bicycle storage spaces, with disability campaigners describing the practice as “disrespectful” and the company arguing it was merely a “temporary arrangement”.

An anonymous train crew member from Eurostar said the company was “caving in” to pressure from cyclists and sending “a terrible message to disabled passengers” by allowing the facilities to be filled up with bikes, according to BBC News.

The source described seeing passengers with disabilities being forced to walk the entire length of the train to reach an accessible toilet, leaving them “in distress”.

It is believed several internal investigations have been launched after passengers complained to Eurostar about the lack of disabled facilities available on trains.

Alan Benson from the charity Transport for All called the action “inconsiderate” to disabled passengers and criticised the “extremely poor design” of the Eurostar trains which caused passengers to “suffer”.

However, Eurostar responded by saying it was only an “interim solution” to tackle storage space concerns, and “would only happen when no passengers have requested the facilities through booking a wheelchair space or assistance”.

A spokesman for the company told The Independent: “We are in the process of modifying the luggage space on our new trains to include additional accommodation for larger items including fully assembled bikes. This should be completed by the end of the year.

“As a temporary measure whilst the modifications take place, one of the two disabled toilets that we have on board may occasionally be closed and used to securely store a passenger’s bike.

“We take great care in looking after all customers requiring special assistance, and have a dedicated service designed to support them throughout their journey.

“Of course, any passenger needing wheelchair facilities including the accessible toilets would always be given priority, irrespective of whether they request special assistance in advance or on arrival.

“This temporary arrangement hasn’t had any impact on passengers with reduced mobility.”

Eurostar continues to encourage cyclists to use bike boxes and fully assembled bikes are put on old-style trains when available.

The company confirmed it is in the process of modifying the luggage space on the new trains to include space for larger items including fully assembled bikes.