Final LTP March 2006

Our extensive work to date has identified that  generally accessibility to key services is not a significant problem. There are however opportunities to improve accessibility for particular groups of people, locations within our Area and to particular services.  The two headline targets in respect of access to centres and accessible transport serving hospitals reflect this.

The needs of different groups are increasingly recognised and our planning will be sensitive to the opportunities to enhance accessibility for each.  For instance, people with learning difficulties need easy-to-understand information, want to feel secure and safe from harassment, require training and support in the use of transport and help from frontline staff who understand their needs. They may also need more flexible, special transport services.

People with disabilities are particularly at risk of social exclusion, making transport arrangements an important issue.  We already have significant numbers of low-floor buses operating across our Area.  These make it easier for people with heavy shopping and/or children and push-chairs to use buses, as well as enabling people in wheelchairs access to buses.  All new buses now meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and the proportion of easy access buses will increase as operators renew their fleets. 

This LTP2 reinforces our existing commitment to ensure that the pedestrian environment, public transport and highway infrastructure is all designed to make mobility easier for disabled people.  We and our partners are also taking steps in recognition of different people's awareness and ability to cope with travelling with initiatives such as the production of travel information that is easy to find, see and understand.