Young campaigner says local transport is failing disabled people

Steve Ledbrook says local transport is failing a generation of disabled people. Credit: ITV West Country

A young campaigner from the West says local transport is failing a generation of disabled people.

Steve Ledbrook from Weston-Super-Mare took part in a nine month undercover investigation which revealed a bleak picture of young disabled people turned away from journeys, facing abuse and left stranded.

His findings contributed to a report by Muscular Dystrophy UK - which will be discussed in Parliament.

The End of the Line report shares disturbing experiences across buses, trains, taxis and the underground.

The UK-wide report found:

  • Shocking accounts of abuse and threats from staff and passengers.

  • A disabled passenger hospitalised by the dangerous design of a bus.

  • Two thirds denied from boarding a bus due to the negative attitude of the driver or public.

  • A third of disabled people left stranded after taxis refused pick-up because of their disability.

  • A quarter unable to use their nearest train station and having to travel miles in a costly taxi to an accessible one.

Steve said he was outraged disabled people were being refused travel due to a lack of train staff Credit: ITV West Country

Steve, who has Becker muscular dystrophy, said he was outraged disabled people were being refused travel due to a lack of train staff.

He added that just a simple addition of lifts at train stations would give disabled people the freedom to travel enjoyed by others.

Following the report Muscular Dystrophy UK Trailblazers will call for:

  • Taxi operators to increase the number of accessible taxis in the UK and ensure any app-based technology provides an accessible service.

  • The Government to work with groups such as Trailblazers to ensure the transport needs of disabled people are met.