Labour councillors will call for change to transport policies as they say disabled people in Bristol “face barriers” getting around the city. A bus pass for disabled people, for example, is not valid before 9am.
A debate at Bristol City Council will explore ways in how the city can be made more accessible. Options include a new website showing visitors they can access disabled-friendly facilities and allowing disabled drivers through bus gates.
A motion will be tabled by Labour Councillor Kelvin Blake, who himself uses a wheelchair after a motorbike accident left him unable to walk, during a full council meeting on Tuesday, October 8.
The motion says: “Disabled people continue to face a number of barriers in Bristol. While improving the lives of disabled people is clearly a cross-cutting issue, some of the most prevalent issues relate to transport. Bristol should aim to be the most accessible city in the country.”
One in six people in Bristol have a long-term health condition or illness that limits their day-to-day activities, according to the motion, while one in 12 people describe themselves as disabled, and having their day-to-day activities limited a lot.
If the motion passes a vote of all councillors, policy committees would be asked to discuss ways they could help make Bristol “the most accessible city in the country”. This would involve working with organisations representing disabled people, with progress reported back in 12 months.
The changes could include ensuring pavements have ramps at key crossings; encouraging First to upgrade its buses with at least two wheelchair spaces on each bus; and increasing the number of disabled parking bays across the city. The West of England Combined Authority would also be asked to make its Diamond Bus Pass valid 24 hours a day.
The motion follows a recent row about how major transport changes in the city centre will affect disabled people. Buses and taxis could be banned from the Horsefair and Penn Street, with many disabled parking spaces and bus stops being relocated. This is to allow for the city centre shopping street to be pedestrianised, with more space created for people walking or wheeling.