Transport accessibility campaigners give evidence to Committee
The Transport Committee questions transport accessibility campaigners, including Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, in the first session of its inquiry into Accessible Transport. This inquiry investigates the variety of legal obligations that apply to public transport operators and local licensing authorities to ensure services are accessible for disabled people and people with other access needs.
Meeting details
The cross-party Committee received written evidence expressing a consistent view that accessibility is poor throughout the transport sector. MPs will likely question the witnesses on their own experiences with transport accessibility, the Government’s priorities, as well as the impact poor accessibility has on people’s lives.
A survey the Committee launched as part of this inquiry showed that respondents who made complaints about accessibility to public transport operators and regulators were overwhelmingly unsatisfied with the responses they received. Questions could also be asked about avenues for complaints, whether regulatory bodies are proactive enough in dealing with these and if complaints from people with less visible disabilities are equally understood.
There will likely be questions on whether existing legislation governing transport accessibility, such as the 2010 Equality Act, is adequate and the challenges in enforcing these regulations.
Policy initiatives including the Inclusive Transport Strategy and the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee may also be discussed.