§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to improve transport facilities for disabled people. [41095]
§ Mr. HagueI am keen to improve the accessibility of public transport services for disabled people. Under the Railways Act 1993, the Rail Regulator is responsible for protecting the interests of disabled rail passengers. All train and station operators are required to submit for the regulator's approval, a disabled people's protection policy, as a condition of being granted a licence to operate. In addition, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 provides my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport with powers to make regulations to require that new public transport vehicles are accessible to disabled people. The Act will apply to new rail vehicles, as well as to buses, coaches and taxis.
I understand that discussions are under way with the rail industry and the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee about the shape of the new regulations.