Forum Topic

Court of appeal ruling for Disabled people

I often travel by buses and overcrowding is a big problem. As the population increases, we can only expect more overcrowding on tubes and buses.I have witnessed how difficult it is for mothers with prams and shopping bags to use buses especially when the buses are full. It is not possible to take a baby out and fold a pram when you are alone.So i wait with anticipation to find out what the court ruling says about Disabled wheelchair users having first priority over mothers with prams. Does that mean that mother and child get thrown of the bus in order to make way.I can see this leading to big problems and the driver having to get of the bus everytime to intervene and thus delaying passengers.I do not think that buses have been designed properly to cater for the increasing population.

andy ● 4101d3 Comments

"I can't help but feel that motability needs a bit more credibility as a means for genuine freedom rather than politically motivated ethical dictat."I could not agree more. However some 30% of those assessed for PIP and who have their awards 'downgraded' immediately lose their entitlement to their Motability vehicle.I have a friend, Edward, who is an ambulant (on artificial legs) double amputee but who was told at assessment that he had an 'acceptable range and distance of movement' and his DLA was reduced. Naturally is was restored on appeal but a worrying time.I would prefer it is the bus drivers if they already have the limited disabled space occupied simply refused boarding 'on safety grounds' to anyone needing that space.

Nigel Brooks ● 4100d

The problem is there is only a driver.With a laden bus he/she should not leave the position at the wheel in a live road.It's only the fact that people feel awkward when a situation arises that things have not boiled over.  The recent huge increases in passengers really has become noticeable and underlines that in no way can the infrastructure cope and most certainly cannot be all embracing as it has been for a short while just a few years ago. The cost will never be sustainable.The other problem is not the bus design. It is pushchairs.As long ago as the 1950s folding Pushchairs had to conform to a standard design with maximum dimensions. This was to ensure they would fold and fit into a space found on buses and trains at the time. Hence the rather staid range. Then the trend went to even more lightweight and compact designs - Like the McLaren buggy.However, like cars, Baby Buggies have increased in size and are really prams in disguise.It won't make an iota of difference what they do to a bus,  baby buggies will keep changing with fashion and not conform to a regulatory standard.Likewise some wheelchairs are clearly unsuitable for the bus. A different situation as the wheelchair is often designed for it's particular user. Having been injured twice on a bus by an errant wheelchair ( the price of giving one's seat up to another more needy passenger in both cases!! ) one wonders about the safety to other passengers and if there was an emergency on the bus.Pragmatically, we live in a rich enough society that any wheelchair user who can, should have a fund assisted car. A door to door means and those who can't , a taxi scheme.But as campaigners have insisted, it is all about emancipation rather than the practicalities.  All very well and understandable, but if I were in a wheelchair, the last thing I would want to do is travel by bus or train, especially in winter.As a relative of a younger wheelchair user, I would rather he puts his views over. But he has mixed feelings with regard to those organisations who help him.He does now drive and won't use public transport not because he cannot  -he can. But he really does not want to. His car makes him feel 100% independent.I can't help but feel that motability needs a bit more credibility as a means for genuine freedom rather than politically motivated ethical dictat.

Anthony Waller ● 4100d

Nothing wrong with the design. Everything wrong with the one mum who refused to move to vacate the space for a man in a wheelchair. That's called common courtesy and doesn't need a redesign.Totally the responsibility of the driver to manage the space on his bus taking into account the needs of the passengers and their safety.

Nigel Brooks ● 4101d