§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make 239W a statement on the provisions in the Transport White Paper which will assist disabled people to be able to use public transport over the next 12 months [52872]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe White Paper sets the framework to promote better transport choice for disabled people. Measures include implementation of the transport provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, starting with the rail regulations which will apply accessibility requirements to rolling stock coming into service from 31 December 1998. Dates for implementation of the regulations requiring buses, coaches and licensed taxis to be accessible to disabled people will be set in the light of recent consultation.
Looking beyond the next 12 months, the new local transport plans will specifically address accessibility issues and the new Strategic Rail Authority will have a specific duty to promote the provision of accessible transport for disabled people.