Transport Committee report reveals “inadequate” accessible transport legislation for disabled people
A report by the Transport Committee has made it clear that current legislation doesn’t do enough to support disabled people who need to safely use buses, trains or even pavements to get around and live their lives.
The Committee published written evidence received as part of its inquiry into the laws and rules that govern access to transport for disabled people and people with other access needs.
Among the 72 organisations and individuals who submitted evidence were Transport for All, the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety and Wheels for Wellbeing.
The submissions have focused on various aspects of the inquiry’s terms of reference, expressing a consistent view that accessibility is poor throughout the transport sector and that regulations need to be updated to reflect modern travel and equipment.
The evidence also cited inadequate enforcement of accessibility legislation, regular and repeated breaches of the Equality Act and confusion around rules governing the provision of accessible transport.
The cross-party Committee launched a survey to capture the experiences of people with accessibility needs when using transport services, and their experiences of attempting to complain or seek redress. A summary of the results will be released before the first oral evidence session, due to take place soon.
Transport Committee Chair Iain Stewart MP said: “The huge amount of written evidence we received on accessible transport has made it clear that current legislation doesn’t do enough to support disabled people who need to safely use buses, trains or even pavements to get around and live their lives.
“Many people are denied the ability to travel as easily as they should and end up avoiding going out altogether, causing them to miss out on socialising and work opportunities.
“The evidence has also shown the importance of our inquiry investigating legal obligations and enforcement of accessible transport legislation. Currently, the enforcement of accessibility rules and laws is inadequate, and passengers shouldn’t shoulder the expensive and stressful burden of bringing court action against operators when they are mistreated.”
In October 2022, Transport for All launched its first annual Accessible Transport Survey, offering the chance for deaf and disabled people to have their say about England’s transport and streets and the barriers they face.
