Local railway stations inaccessible to disabled people

12.00.00am GMT Fri 27th Mar 2009

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has voiced his concern at the number of local railway stations that are inaccessible to disabled people.

His concerns are based on research by the Multiple Sclerosis Society Cymru who found that only 45% of railway stations across Wales have access for people in wheelchairs or provide access to the train. Sixteen of the region's 19 Welsh railway stations have accessible toilets, 5 lack complete wheelchair access to the train and platforms. Seventy Nine per cent of local stations are unstaffed, leaving disabled people without anybody to assist them..

Multiple Sclerosis affects approximately 85,000 people in the UK and one third of them will need a wheelchair. Many more rely on other pieces of mobility equipment, such as crutches or a walking frame.

Peter Black said:

"It is unacceptable that so many stations are inaccessible to disabled people. Allowing disabled people to travel is important as it enables them to keep their independence. Many people with a disability are also unable to drive and are more reliant on public transport than other parts of society."

"There is also evidence to suggest that this is putting disabled people off using public transport for fear of being stranded. Vulnerable people should not be unable to access facilities because of fear, it is simply unfair."

"The Government and Welsh train operators must bring forward an action plan for how they will deal with this problem to ensure that all parts of our society are able to make full use of public transport facilities, regardless of their mobility."

ENDS

The research found the following criticisms for stations in Neath, Port Talbot, Bridgend and Swansea

Neath Port Talbot

Baglan - Unstaffed, no accessible toilets.

Briton Ferry - Unstaffed, no accessible toilets.

Neath - Only wheelchair access to part of the platform during staffed hours.

Port Talbot Parkway - Only wheelchair access to part of the platform during staffed hours, no accessible toilets.

Skewen - Unstaffed, no accessible toilets.

Swansea

Gowerton - Unstaffed, no accessible toilets.

Llansamlet - Unstaffed, no accessible toilets.

Pontarddulais - Unstaffed, no accessible toilets.

Swansea - No criticisms.

Bridgend

Bridgend - No criticisms.

Llanharan - Unstaffed, no accessible toilets.

Pyle - Unstaffed, no accessible toilets

Maesteg - Unstaffed, no wheelchair access to platforms, no accessible toilets.

Maesteg Ewenny Road - Unstaffed, no wheelchair access to platforms, no accessible toilets.

Pencoed - Unstaffed, no accessible toilets.

Pontyclun - Unstaffed, no accessible toilets.

Sarn - Unstaffed, no wheelchair access to platforms, no accessible toilets.

Tondu - Unstaffed, no accessible toilets.

Wildmill - Unstaffed, no accessible toilets.