Background information

Station/Infrastructure Accessibility

Access to transport infrastructure is covered by Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), which gives disabled people a "right of access" to goods, services and facilities. These rights have been phased in over the period 1996 to 2004:

• Since 1996 it has been unlawful for service providers to treat disabled people less favourably than other people for a reason related to their disability.
• Since October 1999, service providers have been required to take reasonable steps to change practices, policies or procedures that make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service.
• Since 1 October 2004, service providers have had to take reasonable steps to remove, alter or provide reasonable means of avoiding physical features that make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service.

Detailed guidance on achieving accessible rail infrastructure is given in the Strategic Rail Authority's 'Train and Station Services for Disabled Passengers - Code of Practice '. The Code was published in February 2002 and includes information on making all aspects of rail travel accessible.

Part 3 of the DDA is essentially a civil rights provision and so, until case law has been established, it is not possible to say what will or will not be deemed as "reasonable" in the eyes of the Courts. In the meantime we have published comprehensive guidance on best practice in the design of public transport infrastructure and the pedestrian environment. 'Inclusive Mobility' will help transport operators and local authorities in preparing to meet their new obligations under the DDA.

The SRA, in conjunction with the Rail Passenger Council, has also produced a series of maps showing which stations have access to platforms without the use of steps and giving an idea of staffing levels.

Secure Stations Scheme

The Secure Stations Scheme is designed to improve and standardise good security practices at overground and underground stations.

To become an accredited station, each station operator needs to work with their local British Transport Police Crime Reduction Officer to ensure that their station meets the national standards on design and management to cut down crime. Operators also have to conduct an independent passenger survey to see whether passengers feel safe at the station and provide evidence that crime rates are low. If successful, the station will be accredited as a Secure Station for two years. After the two years the operator may apply for reaccreditation.