Camau cyfreithiol

Helping Network Rail to prevent discrimination against disabled people

Wedi ei gyhoeddi: 14 Ionawr 2021

Diweddarwyd diwethaf: 14 Ionawr 2021

I ba wledydd mae hyn yn berthnasol?

Manylion yr achos

Nodwedd warchodedig Anabledd
Mathau o hawliadau cydraddoldeb Gwahaniaethu yn deillio o anabledd
Llys neu dribiwnlys Arall
Rhaid dilyn y penderfyniad i mewn Lloegr, Alban, Cymru
Mae'r gyfraith yn berthnasol i Lloegr, Alban, Cymru
Cyflwr yr achos Parhaus
Ein cyfranogiad Gorfodaeth
Canlyniad Arall

Enw achos: Network Rail section 23 agreement

Network Rail’s North West route entered a legally binding agreement with us after it failed to make reasonable adjustments for disabled users during a refurbishment.

Mater cyfreithiol

Failure to make reasonable adjustments for disabled users.

Cefndir

While lifts were out of action during refurbishment works at Manchester Victoria station in September 2019, wheelchair users had to drag themselves up steps to access the station or use a stair-climber, which caused a number of disabled people considerable distress.

Before a refurbishment project at Manchester Victoria started, Network Rail failed to complete a Disability Impact Assessment and consult with disabled passengers or groups, to determine whether arrangements to replace the lifts were appropriate.

As a result, the assistance available was unsuitable. A lack of clear signage and communication also meant that disabled passengers were not aware of any support that was available. The EHRC considers that Network Rail breached its legal obligations to make reasonable adjustments for disabled users.

Pam roedden ni'n cymryd rhan

We have long-standing commitments to improving access to transport for disabled people; it has been a key part of our three year strategic plan for 2019 to 2022.

For many people, public transport can be their gateway to the world. It may well be how they get to school or work. It may be how they go to hospital or how they visit friends and family.

Transport operators have clear responsibilities in law to ensure travel is just as possible for disabled people as for everyone else.

When that doesn’t happen, the impact on disabled people can be disastrous.

Beth wnaethom ni

We worked closely with Network Rail to arrange a legal document, known as a section 23 agreement under the Equality Act 2006.

Beth ddigwyddodd

Network Rail willingly signed the agreement which means it has committed to:

  • make appropriate reasonable adjustments during refurbishment projects, following consultation and agreement with user groups and stakeholders
  • ensure that a Diversity Impact Assessment is carried out at an early stage of every refurbishment project life-cycle
  • implement a new Communications Plan to ensure that clear, concise and timely communications accompany lift renewal schemes in order to minimise the impact to passengers of reduced mobility.

Pwy fydd yn elwa

By signing this agreement, Network Rail has committed to improve its efforts to protect disabled people from discrimination when carrying out improvement works in stations, and we hope it prevents anyone experiencing the upsetting scenes at Manchester Victoria.

We will monitor Network Rail’s progress, to make sure the agreed actions are completed.

Phil James, North West route director said “Last year we replaced the lifts at Manchester Victoria station. Lack of available lift engineers forced led to us closing all three lifts at the same time during this work. This was the wrong thing to do and we are deeply sorry for the distress and inconvenience this caused mobility-assisted passengers.

“We’ve learnt from this and have worked collaboratively with the EHRC to put plans in place to consult with mobility-assisted passengers in advance of any future accessibility improvements at North West stations.”

Dyddiad y gwrandawiad

16 Chwefror 2022

Dyddiad dod i ben

11 Ionawr 2021

Diweddariadau tudalennau

Tudalennau cysylltiedig ar y wefan hon

Advice and support

If you think you might have been treated unfairly and want further advice, you can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

The EASS is an independent advice service, not operated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Phone: 0808 800 0082
 

Or email using the contact form on the EASS website.
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Call the EASS on:

0808 800 0082