ACCESS FOR ALL

It has come to my attention that three UK train operators – Govia Thameslink Railway, Northern Rail and Grand Central – have a ban on mobility scooters, which leaves some passengers unable to travel. The ban has been blamed on the size and age of trains. Govia Thameslink says that doorways are too narrow and there is insufficient space inside the trains to turn. They thus require passengers to fold them up – something that isn’t possible for many members of the British Polio Fellowship, who are reliant on mobility scooters to have the freedom to travel like everyone else.

While it is welcome news that Govia Thameslink has pledged to replace its stock with more accessible trains, Northern Rail is reluctant to make similar moves. It is unacceptable that any company providing an essential public service should be so unwilling to accommodate disabled passengers. With operating profits of more than £17 million, it is surely not unreasonable to expect the changes necessary that would benefit many of our members. We urge train companies to improve access for all as a matter of urgency. Ted Hill MBE, chief executive of the British Polio Fellowship, Watford

GRAND CENTRAL RAILWAY REPLIES: We are in the process of refreshing our Disabled Peoples Protection Policy with the Office of Road and Rail. We recognise scooters come in a variety of shapes and sizes and try to accommodate these if they fit within the dimension of 70cm x 120cm, with a maximum weight of 272kg including the passenger. All of our trains have a legally compatible wheelchair space, but there is a limitation on the footprint available to allow access to it. Where the wheelchair or scooter is larger than these dimensions then these will not be able to access the coach from the vestibule area. Staff will help customers to board and provide assistance throughout the journey. We work closely with station operators to ensure a joined-up experience. We encourage customers wherever possible to pre-book assistance.

THAMESLINK AND GREAT NORTHERN REPLIES: Most of our trains can take wheelchairs and scooters that are within the dimensions prescribed in transport regulations (70cm x 120cm). The exception is the Gatwick Express, but this is soon to change. The 1980s Class 442s aren’t large enough for scooters unless they fold up. The doorways and ramp are too narrow (70cm and 69.5cm respectively) and there is not enough space to turn. But this spring will see these trains replaced with a fleet able to take scooters within the usual size and weight limits. Meanwhile, those with scooters can travel to Gatwick on our Southern and Thameslink services. We have invested heavily to make the railway more accessible with station projects such as lifts, ramps and low-level ticket office windows. We are introducing four new fleets that are compliant with the latest accessibility legislation.

This month’s Star Letter winner will receive a pass for ten visits of up to three hours at Plaza Premium Lounge in s selected locations. For your chance to win the Star Letter, email us at talktous@businesstraveller.com and include your f full postal address and daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters.