UK authorities have announced measures to improve transport for people with disabilities. The newly published draft accessibility action plan is the next step in the government’s commitment to removing barriers for millions of disabled people to be able to travel independently and confidently. The Department for Transport is now consulting on the plan to seek views and ideas on how to best improve accessibility on roads, rail, water and in the air.
From October, a pilot study will explore opportunities to increase the availability of accessible toilets on trains and improve their reliability through better tanking facilities. The Department for Transport is also working with the Rail Delivery Group to provide ‘alternative journey options’ – for example, if the only accessible toilet is out of use.
A competition will be launched jointly with the Rail Safety and Standards Board, to find solutions to reducing the cost of accessibility improvements at stations, including the availability of accessible toilets. It will also focus on supporting people with less visible disabilities.
The action plan also commits to reviewing Blue Badge eligibility for those with non-physical disabilities. Improvements could be made so that the criteria are more consistently applied across the country. In addition, the Bus Services Act 2017 includes powers to require bus operators to provide audio-visual route and next stop announcements on board their services, of particular benefit to people with impaired vision or hearing.
“This draft accessibility action plan is the next step in a much needed dialogue with disabled people, carers, transport providers and local authorities to identify new ways to improve travel. It sets out the government’s strategy to address gaps in our transport services which serve as a barrier to people with disabilities. I secured commitments from the rail industry earlier this year to help make things better for disabled people. It is absolutely vital that all people are able use transport,” Transport Minister Paul Maynard, who launched the plan in Leeds, said.
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