Petition Issue guidance on handling specialist disability buggies on public transport
Government to issue national guidance on how specialist disability buggies used as essential mobility aids must be handled on public transport, including mandatory staff training and consistent policy across operators. There should be no difference in priority between these aids and wheelchairs.
More details
In our experience, disabled children who rely on specialist disability buggies for safety, postural support or behavioural needs are frequently refused access to wheelchair spaces because they are treated as ordinary pushchairs. Many of these children cannot safely be removed from their mobility equipment during travel. We believe that inconsistent interpretation and “driver discretion” create unsafe situations, distress and barriers for the users of such aids to access transport to, for example access education, healthcare and community life. Clear national guidance could prevent conflict, improve safety and ensure equal treatment under the Equality Act 2010.
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Related activity
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Transport accessibility for disabled people: debate in Parliament
On 26 March, MPs debated transport accessibility for disabled people.
This was a Backbench Business debate led by Ruth Cadbury MP. Transport Minister Keir Mather MP responded on behalf of the Government.
Explainer
Backbench Business debates give MPs an opportunity to debate a topic of their choice, and receive a response from the Government.
They are a way to:
- raise awareness of an issue
- seek to influence government policy
- put the views of backbench MPs, political parties, and the Government on record.
They do not generally involve a vote on a particular action or decision.
See our visual explainer on how these debates work.
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