Transport Needs of Visually Impaired People

HL Deb 03 November 1999 vol 606 cc92-3WA

Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration they have given to the Royal National Institute for the Blind's recent report Rights of Way; and what action he will be taking. [HL4396]

Lord Whitty

This report provides a useful overview of the transport needs of visually impaired people. The department has been working with blind and partially sighted people over many years to improve their independent mobility. It is clear that we are already tackling many of the issues which the report highlights.

For example, the regulations we are introducing under the Disability Discrimination Act requiring access for disabled people to buses, trains and taxis will include features to meet the needs of visually impaired people. The regulations covering access to trains were introduced from the beginning of this year and in the last few days we concluded the consultation on the draft accessibility regulations for buses and coaches.

We will continue to work with visually impaired people and their organisations to ensure that these improvements, together with greater emphasis on driver training and information, enable blind and partially sighted people to travel with confidence.