§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions have been held between his Department and officials from bus and coach operating companies regarding(a) disabled access to buses and (b) facilities available at bus stops; and what guidelines have subsequently been issued. [74059]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe have had extensive discussions with bus and coach operators on our proposals for accessibility regulations under the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to ensure that in future new vehicles will be fully accessible to disabled people, including wheelchair users. We will be publishing draft regulations for public consultation around Easter. We shall be seeking the further views of the bus and coach industry on these draft regulations.
In collaboration with the Passenger Transport Executives, guidelines were published by the Department several years ago on the design of accessible public transport infrastructure, including bus stops. We have recently commissioned consultants to review that material and to draw up comprehensive guidance for transport operators and local authorities to help them to introduce good practice in making infrastructure accessible both to optimise the transport provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act and to prepare for the full introduction of Part III of the Act which covers access to goods, services and facilities.
§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions have been held between his Department and officials from Railtrack and the rail operating companies regarding disabled access to trains and railway station facilities; and what guidelines have subsequently been issued. [74051]
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§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe had extensive and regular discussions with both Railtrack and the rail operating companies in developing the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998 which were introduced on 1 November 1998. Those regulations, which apply to new rolling stock coming into service from 1 January this year, will ensure new trains and trams are accessible to disabled people, including those who need to travel in a wheelchair. We remain in regular contact with the rail operating companies, working with them to ensure their new design of vehicles meet the regulations.
We also work closely with Railtrack on a wide range of issues affecting the needs of disabled rail travellers. Access to stations and other transport infrastructure will be covered by Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 which covers access to goods, facilities and services. My Department (in collaboration with representative bodies of local authorities and the professional institutions) is producing advice for service providers in the transport sector on best practice in meeting the needs of disabled people. That guidance will be available later this year.