§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about Railtrack's proposals to ensure that there is full access to railway stations for people with disabilities in wheelchairs. [3932]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Rail Regulator requires Railtrack, under the terms of their station operator's licence, to establish a Disabled People's Protection Policy. It is Railtrack's stated policy to meet the latest standards required when carrying out major refurbishment to stations or building new ones.
The Rail Regulator's recent statement on regulatory objectives for passenger train and station operators, which includes Railtrack, urged operators to set targets for significant improvements to accessibility for disabled passengers in the shortest possible timescale.
Access to railway stations is covered by the provisions of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act. There are specific provisions which deal with the removal of physical barriers to access where that is deemed reasonable.