Access a minefield (From Wiltshire Times)

Access a minefield

6:00pm Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Letters

Regarding last week’s story about the disabled teenager’s transport problems: this is a story that is a Catch 22 as everyone is in a difficult spot.

Speaking as a bus driver and knowing the pressures of work, I know where the drivers are coming from. I do not agree with it, but what can a bus driver do if the space is already taken?

Firstly there is usually only one space for a wheelchair, that is abused by pushchair users. Secondly pushchairs nowadays are usually double and can’t be broken down.

It is not just pushchairs who invade this disabled space but people with walking aids. Or even shopping trolleys.

Most drivers do not like to deliberately try to turn customers away, whether it be with a wheelchair, shopping trolley or pushchair, however if the space is full you can’t allow the passageway to be blocked as then you are blocking the fire exit.

I always hope the wheelchair gets on first as the correct owner is then in that place, but often not. However most people are good and kind and will try and move to accommodate the wheelchair user.

But the space they now need to safely store their pushchair might be taken by another pushchair or shopping bags. So you have a Catch 22 situation again.

It is not nice to be in a wheelchair and the country has moved forward with the discrimination act, I think of 1993, however how many people know about this act?

As a member of the general public would I know I had a moral duty passed by government to allow a wheelchair access to travel?

I think information and education are the biggest issue here. Most people do not realise the wheelchair user has first choice to the space provided whether it be already taken.

However can you also as a driver allow the fire exit to be blocked or make someone who has paid their fare leave the bus? In bad weather do you want to see people waiting at bus stops because they do not have safe space to travel? No, is the answer.

The only times I ever refuse a wheelchair is if it weighs over 300 kg or if I already have a wheelchair in that space.

No one likes turning business away but bus companies do need the support from government if we are to overcome this problem. It is a total minefield and a true Catch 22.

Andrew Hungerford, Churchlands, North Bradley.