HC Deb 06 December 1993 vol 234 cc23-4W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of new buses brought into service have access for disabled people.

Mr. Freeman

Over 90 per cent. of all new buses bought in the United Kingdom are now complying completely, or in part, with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee specification to help large numbers of elderly and ambulant disabled people travel by bus. This specification, which covers a wide range of simple low-cost measures including lower steps, better handrails and the use of colour contrasts, is being revised and tightened up and will be reissued shortly.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now make it his policy to ensure that all new buses brought into service have access for disabled people; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

I have no plans for this at the present time. We are, however, working closely with the European Commission on a draft construction directive for buses, which may provide for future generations of new buses to be more accessible. In the meantime, we are funding a low floor bus demonstration project in North Tyneside to encourage greater use of such vehicles. This is being monitored and the results will be made available to all operators. A similar trial involving 68 buses is being undertaken in London.