§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase accessibility to bus and rail services for the (a) elderly and (b) disabled elderly. [109248]
§ Mr. HillThe regulations we are introducing under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will ensure that in future all land-based public transport vehicles are fully accessible.
Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations have been introduced which apply to all new types of passenger rail rolling stock first introduced into service from 1 January 1999. Similar regulations dealing with new buses and coaches used on local and scheduled services will be introduced this year. The regulations cover a wide range of features which will improve access for older people as well as for disabled people: for example, improved handrails which will benefit those with poor dexterity and the use of colour and tonal contrasts to assist those with low vision.