Memorandum by Ruth Youngs (DAF 17)
DISABLED PEOPLE'S ACCESS TO TRANSPORT
I should like to make the following submissions,
mostly, but not entirely in relation to trains and cycles.
I am mobility impaired and walk with the aid
of a walking frame. I use the train fairly regularly and being
able to take my trike on the train would give me access to places
I wouldn't have considered going to previously on my own. If I
couldn't use my trike at the destination it would mean a lot of
planning with regard to buses or not being able to go there at
all if there were no connecting buses.
I have a friend who uses an electric scooter
which she is told she isn't able to take on the train as there
is insufficient space. This is her sole means of getting around
so that even going to the County town is impossible for her; allowing
trikes/tandems on trains would also assist her.
I have to use the Barrow crossing to get to
the other platform. Whilst this generally works out okay, it still
means that I have to get there early to get across the tracks.
A ramped bridge would help greatly by giving freedom to the disabled
person, and assisting those with prams or suitcases. It would
also mean that station staff could do other things.
Whilst low floor buses do generally help, their
usefulness is somewhat diminished when the bus doesn't get near
to the kerb. Although some buses are fitted with ramps, I have
never seen these being used; I believe that some drivers have
said it's against the Health and Safety Regulations.
I hope this is of some assistance.
19 November 2004
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