§ 47. Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the percentage of railway stations which have adequate disabled access. [54377]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonRailtrack are currently conducting a survey of all stations which will include a review of access arrangements.
Access requirements cover many different facilities including toilets, visual and audible information and the use of colour contrast and tactile platform edging. There 1095W are no comprehensive statistics available currently covering all these features but Railtrack estimate that some 40 per cent. of stations can currently be classified as having unassisted wheelchair access.
Railtrack will be identifying the priorities and timescales for providing adequate access at all stations. Access to stations will also be covered by Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 the provisions of which will start to come into force in October next year.