NSW Transport Minister David Campbell has been referred to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission over the apparent inaccessibility of pedestrian bridges in Sydney.

It comes after the death of Arthur Waller, 85, on October 26 after he was hit by a car as he tried to cross Canterbury Road at Hurlstone Park, close to a pedestrian overpass with a lift that was not working.

Opposition spokesman for disability and ageing Andrew Constance said lifts at up to 10 bridges in Sydney are turned off between 6pm and 6am every day, forcing older people to cross at road level.

He said he believed the lift near to where Mr Waller died was out of order, not switched off, but added: "It still does not negate the fact the lift hours are from 6am to 6pm."

"This policy discriminates against those who require assistance in crossing some of Sydney's busiest roads."

Mr Constance said he felt compelled to refer Mr Campbell to the commission to investigate if there has been a breach of the law regarding accessibility of pedestrian overpasses.

Mr Waller was trying to cross the road with his walking frame when he was hit by a Mazda 323.

The motorist drove off after the incident.

A spokeswoman for Mr Campbell declined to comment.