Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 16 May (HL Deb cols 19GC–29GC) regarding the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023, how many other regulations related to the provision of access for disabled people are in force in London but not elsewhere; and what plans they have to ensure that the regulations for disability access is identical in London and elsewhere.

Transport for London has adopted a proactive approach to improving the accessibility of its transport network, which exceeds legislative requirements. Direct comparisons with accessibility interventions outside London, which may or may not be required by law, are therefore likely to be misleading.

To level up accessibility across Great Britain, we have introduced the “REAL” cross-modal disability awareness training syllabus, relaunched the Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme, and are requiring the provision of audible and visible information onboard local bus and coach services.

Disabled people should be able to use transport services easily, confidently and without additional cost wherever they travel. All transport authorities have an important role to play in supporting accessible services which reflect local need.