Persons with reduced mobility

Persons who are disadvantaged with reduced mobility (PRM) requesting to travel by way of public transport via air, land, sea or space as potential passengers, should have equal opportunities to travel as ordinary citizens. this means no such individual can be discriminated against by companies operating as travel providers. These companies are compelled to provide and install sufficient facilities to enable PRM's to enjoy similar comforts as enjoyed by ordinary passengers (within reason).[1]

A sign indicating the location of the wheelchair ramp and entrance.

In European union countries and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries), this is mandatory under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006, with any breaches covered by compensation regulation (EC) No 261/2004.[2]

Air travel

In the United Kingdom this is backed up by Civil Aviation (Access to Air Travel for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility) Regulations 2007.[3]

Rail infrastructure

The "Access for all" programme of rail infrastructure improvements began in 2006, designed to allow more accessible trains and stations for disabled passengers and passengers facing mobility restraints. Improvements include accessible WC facilities, automatic doors, tactile paving, lifts and ramps, and targets over 1500 stations in the Uk for completion in 2024. [4] Network Rail have put in place mobility assistance buggies at many stations and increased disabled car parking spaces, as well as installing induction loops for people with impaired hearing, and high contrast wayfinder signage for the partially sighted, in order to comply with their obligations under the Equality Act 2010. [5]

Ferry Travel

Unfortunately travelling by ferry is still a real problem for persons with disadvantaged / reduced mobility as most passenger ships currently operating, were designed prior to the current European and British legislation on equality for disadvantaged / reduced mobility persons.[6] Many ferry companies cannot provide adequate accessible facilities due to the design of the ship. Requests to travel from persons with reduced mobility, can be refused on the grounds of safety, under a legal requirement that all passengers need to be evacuated from a vessel in less than 30 minutes.[7]


See also


References

  1. ↑ "Persons with reduced mobility (PRM) - legislation in force since 2007". Europa EU. 11 October 2012.
  2. ↑ "Rights of people with reduced mobility". Europa EU. 11 July 2011.
  3. ↑ "Making transport more accessible to all". Gov.uk. 2012-10-31.
  4. ↑ "Access for All: funding to improve accessibility at rail stations". gov.uk. 2018.
  5. ↑ "Disabled people's access policy". Network Rail. 2017.
  6. ↑ "Disabled passengers travelling with Brittany Ferries". Brittany Ferries. 2018.
  7. ↑ "Rights of disabled Persons and persons with Reduced mobility Policy". Stena Line. 2018.
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