Issue - meetings

The Panel considered the report of the Service Director – Legal and Business Operations detailing an introduction to the inquiry’s context and background and noted the following presentations.

What contributes to good accessibility in transport and infrastructure from Disabled People’s Viewpoint? – Ian Loynes, Chief Executive, Spectrum CIL

·  A presentation was delivered by Ian Loynes, summarising the key issues raised at the Accessible Southampton Focus Group meeting. 

·  Key points raised in the presentation included the following:

o  On the whole things are improving with regards to the accessibility of transport in Southampton.  The ability for Disabled People to be spontaneous remains a challenge.

o  General principles to follow - Good Access should be built in at the design phase; Ask Disabled People – Co-produce is cost effective; Public transport should include all, segregated transport is not the answer (Dial-a-Ride) - expensive & exclusionary; Consider the whole experience - Booking / tickets, getting to the public transport destination, interchanges (car-taxi-bus-train); Proper consideration of pedestrians, particularly those who have impaired senses; It doesn’t matter how good/bad provision is, if customer service is wrong.

o  Buses & Coaches - All buses should have more than just one designated space for wheelchair users, as we need or wish to travel together with other wheelchair users.

o  Creative and flexible design of bus interiors

o  Importance of trained, aware and proactive drivers

o  Buses should have large clear and well-lit route numbering and destination signs

o  Sensible seating within bus shelters and bus timetables at bus stops in an accessible position.

o  Taxi’s - Generally wheelchair users have to book in advance, spontaneity not enabled except at Southampton Central.

o  All taxis should be accessible

o  Some taxi drivers are reluctant to pick up wheelchair users and allow assistance dogs on board.

o  Trains -Generally good at main stations, most rail staff tended to be happy to help.

o  Lack of spontaneity compared with non-disabled people - Supposed to book at least 24hrs ahead, although better at main stations.

o  Not so good when plans change

o  Car Travel / Car Parking- difficulty finding suitable accessible parking spaces, even outside of busy times

o  Some people with mental health conditions or learning difficulties also mentioned difficulties with getting 'Blue Badge' Parking Permits for people with non-mobility impairments.

o  Lack of consideration of the real needs of Disabled drivers - Design & placement of parking spaces and car parks needs to reflect variety of car designs with appropriate signage to reflect usage.

o  Entry/ticket barriers are not usable by many Disabled drivers, simply because they cannot reach the buttons without leaving the vehicle, even asking for help usually needs a button to be pressed - Design with Disabled People.

o  Civic Centre Car Park - These are the best spaces in the City that I can use [wheelchair user](not end to end parking) - Currently, if there's an event going on, the Civic Centre car park is usually closed.

o  Shopmobility - West Quay ShopMobility is still  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10