Transport debate ‘excluded disabled delegates’

Disabled Liberal Democrat delegates voiced concerns that a transport policy motion, passed on Tuesday, failed to include detailed assurances that the needs of disabled travellers would be considered in the party’s proposed programme for rail expansion and a high-speed rail system.

Susan Clarkson, vice-chair of the Liberal Democrat Disability Association, was nearly in tears because she hadn’t been able to voice her opinions during the debate.

“Mobility impaired travellers are not treated fairly and that is an issue that is not covered in this document,” she said.

Jill Allen-King, a blind delegate, said she was alarmed that there was no mention of disability during the debate and that no disabled people had been called to speak.

“Visually-impaired people have a lot to be concerned about with public transport and it is important that is taken into consideration,” she said.

The motion does, though, state that transport systems should “minimise negative impacts such as lack of access”.