Department for Transport

DfT seeks views on toughening discrimination laws for transport
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date 2 Dec 2002 00:00
source Department for Transport
type Press release

Refusing to allow someone to travel on the grounds of their disability could be outlawed under proposals outlined in a consultation launched today by Transport Minister David Jamieson.

The consultation invites views on whether transport services should be subject to anti- discrimination legislation; and whether the current exemptions in Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act should be lifted.

It proposes to:

- make it unlawful to provide a lower standard of service to disabled people and refuse to provide services on the ground of disability.

- require operators to review working practices, policies and procedures that make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for a disabled person to use transport services.

David Jamieson, Transport Minister said:

"This consultation is another step in delivering the Government's commitment to providing a better quality of life for disabled people.

"It is unacceptable that transport operators can still lawfully deny a person access to a vehicle for no other reason than that person is disabled.

"Whilst this sort of discrimination is becoming rarer, best practice is not universal. Removing the exemption will give disabled people the right to challenge transport operators to improve their services."

The consultation follows a recommendation from the Disability Rights Task Force in their report, "From Exclusion to Inclusion" and has been issued to the transport industries, disability organisations and other interested bodies. The consultation period runs from 29 November 2002 to 28 February 2003.

Notes to editors

1. The Disability Discrimination Act already provides for regulations to be introduced to ensure that disabled people, including wheelchair users, can travel in buses and coaches, trains and taxis. Regulations covering new trains, buses and coaches are already in place.

2. Copies of the consultation paper are available from the Department for Transport's Mobility and Inclusion Unit, 1/18, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, LONDON SW1P 4DR. email
miu@dft.gsi.gov.uk Copies are available in print, tape and in Braille. A summary version is also available for people with learning disabilities.

3. Disability Rights Task Force report, "From Exclusion to Inclusion" was published in December 1999. Copies are at www.disability.gov.uk

Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk

Railhub Archive ::: 2002-12-02 DfT-001