News Release

3rd November 2003

DISABLED ACCESS TO RAILWAY STATIONS DENIED

Michael Fabricant has reacted with disbelief to a letter he has received from the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Kim Howells which, Michael Fabricant says: "tells the disabled to catch a bus, if they can't get on the train!" Michael Fabricant adds "I had written to the Department of Transport when the Strategic Rail Authority said they had no plans to upgrade facilities at railway stations in the midlands for the disabled. I am particularly concerned with the situation at Lichfield Trent Valley railway station on the west coast main line. It is impossible for the disabled or those with heavy luggage to reach the London-bound platform without climbing then descending a steep open-air footbridge. Railtrack had planned to upgrade the facilities for the disabled and to provide proper waiting room facilities. These plans were slashed when Stephen Byers had to pay off Railtrack's shareholders.

"The Government caused the problem yet now seem to be washing their hands off the whole affair. How can they demand disabled access to customers of cash-strapped small businesses while ignoring their obligations to public transport? This is hypocrisy of the worst kind. Kim Howell's letter is typical of Labour ministerial double-speak and he has tried to pass the buck. In it, he suggests that disabled passengers take alternative routes including the bus! This would involve the disabled from Lichfield travelling from Lichfield City station and changing trains in Birmingham which would delay the journey by over an hour.

"I am now considering what steps to take next".

In his letter, Kim Howells wrote to Mr Fabricant:

"I should first explain that the Strategic Rail Authority's Modern Facilities At Stations programme, which had to be scaled down due to budgetary constraints, provides enhancements to stations such as waiting rooms, toilets, shelters, CCTV and improved customer information systems. Upgrading access to the station and platforms is not within the scope of this programme. However, the SRA is currently reviewing its Disabled Peoples Protection Policies (DPPPs). This will provide an opportunity to identify and prioritise accessibility improvements. As the SRA response highlighted, implementation of accessibility schemes will be subject to the availability of funding and is likely to take place over an extended period of years. As the priorities for improvements have yet to be determined it is not possible to predict if or when work on Lichfield Trent Valley Station will take place.

The SRA is working with the industry to improve the quality of service for disabled rail passengers, using all the levers at its disposal. This includes a determined effort to change staff attitudes and to encourage improved information and assistance. For example, the Authority is reviewing the system of booking and receiving staff assistance through the Disabled Person's Reporting System (DPRS). This will identify where the problems are and enable the SRA to promote best practice amongst train" operators.

The SRA is also supporting the development of a national map of accessible stations by the Association of Train Operators (A TOC). This will give disabled people independent access to information about station accessibility and help journey planning.

To make early progress and meet the needs of people with different disabilities, the re- franchising programme will promote small-scale improvements such as additional handrails, improved signage, and the removal of kerbs. It will also encourage the provision of alternative accessible transport (e.g. buses or taxis) where appropriate.