The Strategic Rail Authority has published a code of practice for train and station services for disabled passengers.

The code states that access for disabled people should be an underlying principle throughout the network.

All licensed passenger train operators and station operators are required as a condition of their licence to have due regard to this code and the SRA will monitor progress.

Forum Response: Leonard Cheshire

A spokesman for Leonard Cheshire told ePolitix.com: "Obviously we welcome the introduction of the code. However, we believe that the Strategic Rail Authority does not have a glittering track record so we will be maintaining a watching brief on this issue. The jury is very much out on how the code will be implemented."

Forum Response: Disability Rights Commission

A spokesperson told ePolitix.com: "The Disability Rights Commission welcomes the Strategic Rail Authority's Code of Practice on Train and Station Services for Disabled Passengers. The travel requirements of Britain's 8.5 million disabled people, and the ability of the industry to meet those requirements - together with it's obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, are aptly reflected in the development of the code.

"Once built, trains and stations are with us for a long time, so it is essential that we get the design right. Strategic planning therefore, is the only way to build a system that truly provides for everyone, particularly disabled people."