Bob Seely MP has welcomed moves to ensure that disabled passengers are set to have more accessible journeys at sea.
New accessibility guidance for maritime operators has been issued by the Maritime Minister, Nusrat Ghani, which calls on operators to improve journeys for disabled passengers and staff.
The Minister announced the publication of the Passenger Rights toolkit during a recent visit to Liverpool on 22nd January.
The toolkit provides operators in England and Wales with a high-level guide on what they must do to comply with passenger rights regulations, as well as recommendations on how maritime transport can be made more accessible.
Nusrat Ghani said:
“I am delighted to be launching our Passenger Rights toolkit which shows how making small changes has the potential to make a huge impact on the lives of disabled passengers.
“This is one of the commitments set out in our Inclusive Transport Strategy, and I am proud we are leading the way with this work to complement the UN’s sustainable development goals – helping make the world more inclusive for disabled people.
“I encourage as many operators as possible to support our vision to make sure disabled people have the same access to transport as everyone else.”
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Bob has said:
“This is good news for ferry passengers. I support the move by the Minister to enable disabled passengers better access to ferries.
“I urge all ferry operators to access the toolkit which will support them to comply with the regulations. I will be seeking assurances from our ferry operators that their services meet the aspirations of the toolkit and asking them whether there is any other assistance they require from Government in order to ensure disabled passengers are able to travel as freely as those without mobility issues.”
The toolkit covers the whole journey experience, from accessing information at the booking stage through to arriving at the final destination. It highlights the challenges disabled people can face in travelling by sea, whether their disabilities are visible or hidden.
Seely trying to win more Brownie points where none are available…..
Have the ferrys running on time and reliable would help
Seely (to Isle of Wight Ferry Operators): “is there any other assistance you require from Government in order to ensure disabled passengers are able to travel as freely as those without mobility issues?”
Isle of Wight Ferry Operators (to Seely): “Yes… financial assistance for modifications and equipment required to enable us to comply with the regulations”
Seely (to Nusrat Ghani): “The Isle of Wight ferry operators would like financial assistance for modifications and equipment to enable them to comply with the regulations”
Nusrat Ghani (to Seely): “Shut up Seely”
Seely (to Nusrat Ghani): “Yes Mam”
The lifts working to the North Lounge on Red Funnel ships would be a start.