An access means comprising at least one of the following expedients; a) ramp means (15) comprising a plurality of discrete ramp elements (17) and connecting means (C1-C3) flexibly connecting said elements together to provide a support part for a load. b) a short bridge member (40) comprising an outwardly facing support surface for a load and projecting therefrom on each of two transversely opposite sides thereof a plurality of longitudinally spaced locating parts c) a long bridge means (61) comprising a plurality of discrete bridge elements (62) and connecting means (65) flexibly connecting said bridge elements together to provide a support part for a load each bridge element being provided with mounting means whereby opposite end parts of a bridge element may be engaged with transversely spaced ramp means. d) an adaptor means (80) comprising a plurality of discrete adaptor elements (81) and connecting means (D1-D3) flexibly connecting said adaptor elements together to provide a support part for a load, wherein each adaptor element comprises a rail engaging means (90) for engaging a part of a railway rail (10) and access engagement means to engage a ramp means. e) a flexible mat comprising a plurality of flexible longitudinally extending elements and a plurality of flexible transversely extending elements, the longitudinally extending elements being connected to the transversely extending elements. f) a shield member (70) comprising a channel section element adapted to be mounted on a railway rail. g) filler means comprising a plurality of discrete filler elements and connecting means flexibly connecting said filler elements together to provide a support part for a load.