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Rights watchdog supports disabled access

This news post is over 4 years old
 

Body will support people to take action against those who fail disabled and elderly

Scotland's human rights watchdog says transport operators will face legal action if services fail disabled and older passengers.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) says operators often fail in their legal duty to ensure easy access and will support people who are challenging discrimination.

Financial assistance and legal support will be made available to help those taking operators to task.

EHRC Scotland said it will consider complaints involving a range of disabilities, including invisible impairments such as mental health conditions.

Professor Lesley Sawers, commissioner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland, said: "Transport operators must ensure equal access to public transport for all.

"They have clear responsibilities in law to ensure disabled people and older people travel with ease, but too often they fail to meet these obligations.

"Our Legal Support Project will provide funding and help to resolve complaints but, failing that, we will not be afraid to support a case to ensure that people can enforce their legal rights and seek redress.

"Older people and disabled people must be able to access and use public transport just like everybody else."