To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what requirements there are for train operating companies to consult with disabled passengers and groups representing disabled people on the provision of signage and information as part of the development of those companies' Disabled People's Protection Policy; and if he will make a statement.
Answered on
10 February 2017
Train and station operators are required by their operating licence to establish and comply with a Disabled People's Protection Policy (DPPP). This sets out how they facilitate access to their services and is approved and monitored by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). ORR’s approval is based on compliance with published guidance, which requires operators to describe who they have consulted with; this could include customer panels or advisory groups. In addition, operators are expected to explain in their DPPP how they will work with local authorities to ensure that stations are clearly and consistently signposted.
Operators must also have due regard to the Department for Transport Code of Practice on ‘Design Standards for Accessible Railway Stations’. This code includes requirements relating to signage. As part of the approval process for each operator, ORR consults with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), Transport Focus, and London TravelWatch, where appropriate.