Written Question · S2W-07220 · Session 2
Which ports operating ferry services have adequate disabled access; whether there are any plans to address any lack of adequate disabled ac…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive which ports operating ferry services have adequate disabled access; whether there are any plans to address any lack of adequate disabled access to ports and, if so, when these will be implemented; who will meet the cost of any upgrade or enlargements, and what information it has on what action will be taken against any service not offering adequate facilities.
The answer
Passenger terminals and publicbuildings at ferry ports are covered by Part III of the Disability DiscriminationAct (DDA). The DDA is a reserved matter. Part III of the act deals with access togoods, facilities and services and imposes specific duties on service providers.These duties have been introduced incrementally since 1996, with the remainder tocome into force by October 2004. Transport infrastructure, including ports, is alreadycovered by these provisions.
As the duty will be placed onthe harbour authority to comply with the law, any costs incurred in so doing shouldbe met by the harbour authority. Any claim of discrimination under part III of theDDA would ultimately be a matter for the courts.
As the duty will be placed onthe harbour authority to comply with the law, any costs incurred in so doing shouldbe met by the harbour authority. Any claim of discrimination under part III of theDDA would ultimately be a matter for the courts.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-07220 by reference.