Think tank calls on political leaders to close the transport accessibility gap
Barriers to transport curtail the ambitions and potential of disabled people, proving costly to the country, which misses out on their valuable contribution to society and the economy, according to a charter by cross-party think tank Policy Connect and the Accessible Transport Policy Commission.
‘Closing the transport accessibility gap: Making transport accessible for disabled people’, is a charter that calls for local and regional political leaders to eliminate barriers to travel.
The Accessible Transport Policy Commission is part of the National Centre for Accessible Transport, launched by the Motability Foundation, and regularly meets at Parliament to bring together parliamentarians, disabled people, transport professionals, and policymakers to improve public policies and everyday practices.
According to the Motability Foundation, disabled people take 38 per cent fewer journeys than non-disabled people. It says the Transport Accessibility Gap ensures that disabled people’s journeys tend to take longer, require more planning, and often result in indignities or injury.
Inadequate services, inaccessible stations, and disorderly environments have all contributed towards disabled people being left behind by the UK’s transport system. Meanwhile, our streets are made impassable for many by uneven pavements, and a shortage of level crossings and tactile signage, says the National Centre for Accessible Transport.
The charter calls for local and regional political leaders to boost productivity and economic growth by closing the Transport Accessibility Gap and ensuring all residents can lead independent and fulfilling lives.
It commits both current and prospective councillors and mayors from across the UK to include disabled people in the governance and delivery of transport services through the appointment of a disabled people’s champion to key transport public decision-making bodies.
Additionally, it requires them to support local transport authorities and operators to set up accessibility panels composed of Disabled people and organisations.
Finally, promoting community transport services and accessible public transport, and making our streets accessible, inclusive, and safe for disabled people are included in the commitments.
Clive Gilbert, Head of Accessible Transport at Policy Connect, commented: “I am delighted to launch our Charter for local and regional elected leaders today.
“Local government is where many of the key decisions about the future of the transport system are made. Local and regional transport policy makers are crucial actors in our country’s transport system.
“They are therefore vital partners in our mission to eliminate barriers to transport for disabled people across the UK. We hope councillors and mayors will sign up to the Charter’s four actions and help us close the Transport Accessibility Gap.”
Transport for London has published an ambitious new customer plan to help create a fairer, more accessible, and inclusive transport network for everyone.
