DISABILITY CAMPAIGNERS TAKE LEGAL ACTION

Disability groups, city mayors and passenger groups are to take legal action against the government following the Department for Transport’s (DfT) plans to close almost all ticket offices across the UK rail network.

The groups cite a number of inconsistencies in both the data coming from the DfT, and the discriminatory nature of the consultation which precludes many people with disabilities from taking part. There are also concerns that no staff on railway stations will mean disabled passengers will have no opportunity to board a train.

The government has instructed train operators to close nearly all ticket offices at the UK’s railway stations, claiming there is no longer a need for them – a fact disputed by passenger travel groups.