§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to make all forms of public transport more accessible to people in wheelchairs.
§ Mr. FreemanWe are working on the development and introduction of low-floor buses that can accommodate wheelchair users on regular services. We hope to start trials of such vehicles later this year.
British Rail has already made considerable progress in making its rolling stock accessible. All new Intercity trains are accessible in both first and standard class carriages and are also fitted with accessible toilet facilities.
Access to public transport infrastructure is also being improved. Where new facilities are being provided, or when older ones are being refurbished, the public transport authorities are providing access wherever reasonably practicable.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to assist local authorities to 615W lower pavement heights and kerbs to enable people in wheelchairs to move freely along main public thorough-fares and footpaths.
§ Mr. FreemanIn 1986, the Department issued advice to local authorities on the provision of dropped kerbs to help wheelchair users in conjunction with tactile surfaces to guide blind and partially sighted people at uncontrolled crossings.
We hope to issue similar advice for uncontrolled crossings and side streets shortly.
In both cases local authorities can install these facilities as part of their planned maintenance programmes.