Rail Network Accessibility 2020-09-17
2020-09-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Railway stations across the UK need better accessibility to accommodate disabled passengers.
What steps is he taking to improve accessibility for disabled people using the rail network?
The Government have recently made £350 million available to make accessibility improvements at a further 209 stations through the Access for All programme. We also require the industry to comply with current accessibility standards whenever it installs, replaces or renews station infrastructure.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The lifts at Luton Airport Parkway station have been undergoing repairs since July, affecting disabled individuals and families with young children.
Since July, the lifts at Luton Airport Parkway station have been in the process of being fixed. People in my constituency who are disabled, have mobility issues or have a family with children and buggies are not able to access the railway. I am pleased that Luton station has been granted Access for All funding. Will the Minister give me an update on the much-needed renovation of the station, the accessibility needs that have to be addressed and where we are now?
I know, from when I met the hon. Lady virtually during lockdown, how she aspires to a wider redevelopment of Luton station. At that meeting, I promised to get Network Rail to continue its work with Luton Borough Council to finalise a solution to deliver an accessible step-free route at the station by 2024. Since then, Network Rail has presented a number of options to the council which are currently being considered.
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Assessment & feedback
The question asked for updates on accessibility needs and renovation progress, but the answer focused mainly on the timeline and current state without detailed specifics about addressed needs or progress updates.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There are plans to stop free travel for under-18s in London, which affects students' ability to commute.
Will the Minister accept a wider definition of accessibility and comment on the plans to stop the free travel for under-18s? Is there a plan for the Government to assist Transport for London, given its financial situation, to bring back free travel from half-term for under-18s?
That is slightly beyond my brief and slightly stretching the accessibility definition to which I operate, so if I may I would like to write to the hon. Lady.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about free travel for under-18s was completely avoided in favour of a statement that it's beyond his brief and that he will write to the MP.
Beyond My Brief
Response accuracy