A Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd has called on the Labour Government to address the obstacles disabled people face when attempting to use public transport.
South Wales East MS Peredur Owen Griffiths said the ‘Locked Out’ report from earlier this month highlighted the many ways in which disabled people in Wales are disadvantaged in their everyday life.
He raised the issue in plenary of transport for disabled people after hearing of the difficulty some constituents had when trying to book a family trip to London as two of them are wheelchair users.
During Business Questions, Peredur said: “Earlier this month, the 'Locked out' report commissioned by your Government was a wake-up call to many in authority, as it detailed how the pandemic had led to medical discrimination, limited access to public services and social support along with general weakening of basic human rights for disabled people.
“I know the Minister for Social Justice responded to this report with a Cabinet statement, which addressed some of the points raised.
“I'm keen to see if other recommendations of the report are being considered. This follows a case brought to my attention by constituents, which involved a disabled family attempting to travel to London by train, but not being able to because of a limit on wheelchairs on carriages.
“Despite pre booking their tickets well in advance, the family had to split up and travel on separate trains, which is unacceptable. This case resonates with the report's findings that your Government, and I quote: 'needs to address the restrictions on disabled people's mobility as a matter of urgency by increasing funds to enable disabled people to use 'safer' and accessible travel.'
“Can the Government provide an update as to how public transport is being made equitable for disabled people in our country as part of your response to the 'Locked out' report?”
In response, Lesley Griffiths MS, said there is “significant work to be done” but that it was “a bit premature” to bring forward a further statement.
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