§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many recent representations he has received from(a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public regarding disabled persons' difficulties in accessing (i) train station platforms and (ii) London Underground platforms. [86517]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 9 December 2002]: Since April this year the representations I have received about the difficulties experienced by disabled people accessing station platforms are as follows:
From MPs Form the public Train station platforms 5 4 London Underground 0 2 The Strategic Rail Authority's new code of practice is expected to deliver improvements in the design of new stations and refurbishment of existing infrastructure.
Also, railway stations—and other transport infrastructure—are covered by the part III provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act. From 1 October 2004 station operators will have to take reasonable steps to remove, alter or find reasonable ways of avoiding physical features which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for a disabled person to access the service.