Abstract: A lift door control apparatus including a door locking mechanism and a release mechanism for releasing the door locking mechanism. The release mechanism comprises a release arm coupled to the shaft of an electromagnetic actuator. When the actuator is de-energized it is held in a first position in which the arm is engageable with a floor ramp when the lift car is at a floor. When the actuator is energized the arm is held in a second position in which it is held out of engagement with any floor ramp. Two finger members are mounted on the actuator shaft and arranged to be moved towards one another at their mounted ends so that their free ends engage one another and move outwardly away from the shaft when the actuator is de-energized and the release arm engages a floor ramp. This movement provides a release impetus to the door locking mechanism. The door locking mechanism may include a spring for mechanically operating the lift door operating mechanism in the event of power failure.