Kingston has become one of just two London boroughs certified with fully accessible bus stops.
Along with the City of London, Kingston has met the accessibility criteria, which states that all bus stops have to include a kerb high enough for a wheelchair ramp to fully deploy and for the step into the bus to be at a reasonable height for older or disabled people to board.
Councillor Terry Paton, portfolio holder for resident services, said: “Ensuring that disabled people and wheelchair users are able to readily access public transport is a basic right, and I’m thrilled that our borough has reached this important milestone.
“This kind of improvement not only benefits disabled people, but also those pushing prams, people with shopping trolleys, the list goes on.”
But disability campaigner Adam Lotun has challenged the claims saying that he has had problems accessing at least five bus stops in the borough.
He said: “I know several bus stops that are very dangerous. The Warren Drive South stop on the 265 route, for example.
“As a wheelchair user when the doors open I end up being backed into a wall and there are many other stops that are just as bad.
“Their bus stops are not fully accessible and I know this because I use them.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel