Written question asked by Parmjit Dhanda (Labour) on Monday, 28 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 April 2005. It was answered by Charlotte Atkins (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 April 2005 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to extend anti-discrimination legislation to make all public transport accessible to disabled people.

Answer: Mr. Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to extend anti- discrimination legislation to make all public transport accessible to disabled people. [224539] Charlotte Atkins: The Government are committed to an accessible public transport system in which disabled people have the same opportunities to travel as other members of society. We have already introduced regulations under part 5 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) to make all new trains, buses and coaches accessible and have announced our proposals for taxis. However, although associated infrastructure is covered, transport services are currently exempt from part 3 of the DDA which covers access to goods, services and facilities. The Government consider that to be an untenable position. Measures have been included in the Disability Discrimination Bill currently being considered by Parliament to allow for the removal of that exemption through regulations. We have completed consultation on draft regulations which would cover public transport--trains (including light rail, underground and trams), buses, coaches, taxis and private hire--vehicle hire, breakdown services and vehicles used in leisure and tourism transport services. Subject to the passage of the Bill, we intend to lift the exemption for those services in December 2006.

Secondary information