§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will state what steps he intends to take following the report of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee on access for disabled people to buses and coaches; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe committee worked closely with my Department in drawing up its "Recommended Specification for Buses Used to Operate Local Services", published in June 1988. This includes features such as lower steps, textured and colour-contrasted handrails, bus stopping signs, step edge markings, and bell pushes which can be reached by seated passengers.
Among other initiatives to promote the use of the specification, my Department has produced a video, "Welcome Aboard", illustrating the features recommended by the committee and demonstrating the benefits to passengers with disabilities.
The main DPTAC recommendations have also been proposed by my Department for inclusion in a draft EC directive on bus and coach construction.