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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Jackie Ballard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance has been issued to train operating companies with regard to the number of wheelchair spaces which should be provided on trains. [48745] Ms Glenda Jackson: The Railways Act 1993 imposes an obligation on the Rail Regulator to publish a Code of Practice which offers practical advice and guidance on the special needs of disabled people to those engaged in the delivery of railway passenger services. The Code of Practice "Meeting the Needs of Disabled Passengers" was published in July 1994. The specifications, which suggest a minimum of two wheelchair spaces per train, contained in the Code are not mandatory but provide a reference point for train operators, who are required to take into account the Code when producing their Disabled People's Protection Policies for approval by the Regulator, in accordance with the requirement of their operator's licence. In addition, we will be using powers under Part V of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to require all new trains first brought in to use after 31 December 1998 to be accessible to disabled people. We have recently completed a consultation exercise on draft Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations. This included a proposal for a minimum of two wheelchair spaces for trains consisting of between two and eleven vehicles and four wheelchair spaces for longer trains. We are currently reviewing this and other proposed requirements in the light of the responses received from the rail industry and from disability organisations. The final regulations will be published later this year when they have been approved by Parliament.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

315 c470-1W; 48745

Session

1997-98

Subjects

Disability Mobility Travel Trains Train operating companies Wheelchairs

Contains statistics

Yes