Draft Disabled People's Protection Policies (DPPPs)

prepared during autumn 2002

3. Statement of Policy (Section 6 of the Guidance)

6.1 This statement of policy will be generally available to the public and will contain:

(a) an endorsement and commitment to adopting the services, standards and guidance contained in the Authority's code of practice;

(b) a commitment to seek dispensation from the code from the Authority at an early stage in the design process but only after every effort has been made to ensure facilities are designed to meet the standards in the code in relation to;

(i) the refurbishment of existing rolling stock
(ii) new, renewed or enhanced facilities at stations and transport interchanges
(iii) services provided at stations and on trains

(c) a summary of the detailed arrangements contained in the DPPP (Section 7) and a matrix of accessibility at each station.

3.1 The first part of the Guidance is asking for a simple, clear statement of acceptance and endorsement of the SRA Code of Practice for Train and Station Services for Disabled Passengers. This statement must demonstrate that operators have read, understood and adopted the SRA Code and will work towards its implementation. More broadly it should demonstrate a commitment to the spirit of the legislation.

3.2 In deciphering draft Policies, it is clear that most do not contain such a statement with many not making reference to the SRA Code at all.

3.3 We find the lack of an overall commitment to work towards the objectives of the SRA Code one of the most disappointing, and telling, aspects of the whole process.

3.4 With no overall statement relating to the Code it is not surprising that most operators do not make reference to seeking dispensation from the Code only after alternative options have been considered and discounted.

3.5 The summary of the detailed arrangements in the Policy was missing from all the drafts received. This was disappointing as it would have summarised the approach adopted and provided the basis for the consumer versions operators will be producing after approval of their Policies.

3.6 The matrix of accessibility at each station will be a useful addition to provide an overview of current facilities and services. It was not provided in any of the drafts reviewed but this might have been expected as the information will take time to collect and tabulate.

3.7 However, as this information is not verified by persons competent in access issues it should not be held up as or used in any way to provide reassurance to disabled people that a station will meet their needs. Detailed works and enhancements will require a more formal access audit to recognised standards.

Published: 17 February 2003

Top of page