Community is campaigning for standardisation of the rail networks
The National Committee of the NLBD has received reports from branches and members with respect to difficulties being experienced, particularly by visually impaired and blind people in relation to access to the Rail Network. As a consequence of this the following letter was sent to the Minister: -
Dear Minister,
Disability Access to Rail Network
The National Committee of the National League of the Blind and Disabled (NLBD) have asked me to write to express concern at the current situation with respect to access to the rail network by disabled people, and in particular visually impaired and blind people.
We are aware that current Regulations come into force in full in 2020, and that all new stock has to comply in terms of disability accessibility.
The problem that is arising relates to possible deficiencies within the Regulations in relation to standardisation at this time. We understand that there is a standard that applies with respect to wheelchair access, however it transpires that different rail companies are responding in different ways in relation to their requirements to implement Regulations regarding other disabilities.
This does mean that blind people are finding that different networks have the operating buttons to access and exit coaches in different places and, indeed, audible signals are being used at different times in relation to when doors open and shut and when trains stop and start.
It has been identified that this is actually dangerous rather than just inconvenient and confusing.
We believe we do need some commonality here and a standard put in place that all rail companies should be aware of in relation to all disabilities.
No doubt others are raising the same issues, and we simply want to add our view to that debate.
I would therefore be grateful if you could identify what the Government's thinking is in relation to this difficulty.
With all best wishes
Yours sincerely,
Joe Mann MBE
National Secretary
Contained within the Minister's reply were the following paragraphs: -
' . . there can be a number of engineering reasons why door controls cannot always be placed in the same position on different trains. However, we do understand the benefit of greater standardisation, and an element of this has been introduced to Europe-wide train access regulations, which build on the requirements in the UK's RVAR and will come into force in the next couple of years.
'The RVAR is very clear about the application and duration of audible door enable and closure signals. I would be happy to investigate any cases of irregularity that your members could provide but is possible that older, pre-RVAR trains are involved . . .'
So this is just to confirm that if any members do find they are having difficulty in this area, then please do let us know and we will pass those cases of irregularity on for investigation by the appropriate department.