§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the total sum invested in measures specifically to improve access to stations for travellers with disabilities in each of the years between 1987–88 and 1997–98. [73103]
§ Dr. ReidInformation on specific expenditure on disabled access is not available for those years.
However, all new stations planned or in build will provide full unassisted wheelchair access. In addition, Railtrack are on course to meet the target, set in the Network Management Statement 1998, of providing unassisted wheelchair access at a further 119 stations this year.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what duties will be given to the Strategic Rail Authority in regard to improving access to the rail network for travellers with disabilities. [73102]
§ Dr. ReidSubject to Parliament's' consideration of the necessary legislation, the Strategic Rail Authority will have a duty to have regard, in particular, to the interests of disabled people. The SRA would also inherit the Rail Regulator's code of practice for protecting disabled railway passengers and a duty to revise it from time to time and encourage its adoption and implementation. The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998, which came into effect on 1 January this year, have set clear technical requirements for wheelchair access and a range of other features that will apply to all new rolling stock coming into service from that date.