§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what responsibilities are placed on rail operators to ensure disabled access to stations; and if he will make a statement. [140108]
§ Mr. HillAccess to railway stations for disabled people is covered by Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Since October 1999, service providers have been required to take reasonable steps to change practices, policies or procedures which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service. From 2004, service providers will have to take reasonable steps to remove, alter or provide reasonable means of avoiding physical features that make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service.
In addition, the Rail Regulator is currently revising his Code of Practice, "Meeting the needs of Disabled Passengers", which is aimed at helping protect the interests of disabled users of railway passenger services and station services.
Railtrack are committed to ensuring that all stations are fully accessible to disabled people within 20 years to enable them to meet their DDA obligations. I understand 376W they are currently developing and prioritising a detailed implementation programme in consultation with train operators, local disability organisations and local authorities.