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29/11/2004
All trains to accommodate disabled passengers by 2020
Transport Minister Charlotte Atkins revealed today that by 2020 all trains in the UK will accommodate disabled passengers.
The announcement follows the recent introduction of the Disability Discrimination Bill in the House of Lords and continues the government's efforts to provide a transport system which respects the needs of all travellers.
Ms Atkins said: "Trains are a vital link in the accessible transport chain and it is important that disabled people have confidence that, when travelling by rail, the train that arrives will be accessible to them. I am therefore pleased to announce our proposals to make all trains accessible by 2020 and our intention to make existing trains more accessible when they are refurbished."
Since 1 January 1999 all new trains have had to comply with accessibility regulations, including wheelchair accommodation and accessible toilets.
There are now some 1,900 new, accessible vehicles in service with another 700 more expected in the next 18 months.
Although older trains do not fully meet with the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998, many do provide some facilities to assist disabled people.
Parents with pushchairs and those with heavy luggage will also benefit from the improvements.
(mmcg/sp)
The announcement follows the recent introduction of the Disability Discrimination Bill in the House of Lords and continues the government's efforts to provide a transport system which respects the needs of all travellers.
Ms Atkins said: "Trains are a vital link in the accessible transport chain and it is important that disabled people have confidence that, when travelling by rail, the train that arrives will be accessible to them. I am therefore pleased to announce our proposals to make all trains accessible by 2020 and our intention to make existing trains more accessible when they are refurbished."
Since 1 January 1999 all new trains have had to comply with accessibility regulations, including wheelchair accommodation and accessible toilets.
There are now some 1,900 new, accessible vehicles in service with another 700 more expected in the next 18 months.
Although older trains do not fully meet with the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998, many do provide some facilities to assist disabled people.
Parents with pushchairs and those with heavy luggage will also benefit from the improvements.
(mmcg/sp)
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