Member News
By Baroness Gardner of Parkes - 12th January 2011
A lack of guidance over a DfT study into disabled access on public transport has left passengers with disabilities "frustrated."
Since the early 2000s, all new public buses coming into use are fitted with ramps to enable wheelchair passengers to access services. By 2020 all public buses must be compliant. A large number of people with disabilities now use mobility scooters rather than wheelchairs and there has been confusion amongst bus operators as to whether or not to allow them to be carried.
In 2010, in the London area, a number of buses turned away passengers using mobility scooters. Many were regular passengers on those particular buses. The reason given by drivers was that their bus garage had issued instructions banning the transport of scooters. It was embarrassing for the drivers and a real hardship for those suddenly refused access to the bus transport. That problem was resolved when drawn to Transport for London's attention, and appropriate scooters are allowed to travel.
Bus companies have concerns about scooters' size and/or weight. This is appreciated. It means that there should be a clear definition of weight and size of scooters. Makers should know of these standards when designing new models, and there should be a clear indication on the vehicle so that there is no doubt as to which conform.
The Department for Transport commissioned a feasibility study in 2005, 'Carriage of Mobility Scooters on Public Transport', which was published on 16 August 2006.
The study made three main recommendations:
· That DfT amends the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations and Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations to widen the definition of the reference wheelchair to include 'mobility aids' such as mobility scooters;
· DfT to issue a guidance document outlining which mobility scooters are suitable for carriage on public transport vehicles to assist transport operators; and
· Transport operators should be required to transport the recommended mobility scooters.
Over four years on from the study, there has been no guidance issued and the lack of clarity continues to frustrate disabled passengers.
Baroness Gardner is to ask the government 'when they will publish the guidance on the dimensions and weight of mobility scooters suitable for use on public transport, as recommended in the Department for Transport's 2005 report Carriage of Mobility Scooters on Public Transport Feasibility Study'
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