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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to require that all main line railway stations are equipped with lifts to enable disabled people to cross between platforms. [142244] Mr. Hill: Access to railway stations for disabled people is covered by Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Since October 1999, service providers have been required to take reasonable steps to change practices, policies or procedures which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service. From 2004, service providers will have to take reasonable steps to remove, alter or provide reasonable means of avoiding physical features that make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service. In addition, the Rail Regulator is currently revising his Code of Practice, "Meeting the needs of Disabled Passengers", which is aimed at helping protect the interests of disabled users of railway passenger services and station services. Railtrack is committed to ensuring that all stations are fully accessible to disabled people within 20 years to enable them to meet their DDA obligations. I understand they are currently developing and prioritising a detailed implementation programme in consultation with train operators, local disability organisations and local authorities. Our 10-year transport plan, "Transport 2010", published in July, demonstrates the Government's continued commitment to improving accessibility. The rate and level of new investment will ensure that improvements in the accessibility of transport are brought forward more quickly. The plan is also clear that building in accessibility for disabled people in all investment is a condition of public money being spent.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

359 c75-6W;359 c73-4W; 142244

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Access Disability Equality Public transport Railway stations

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk