|
Disabled Denbigh woman refused on bus in case wheelchair 'blew up'
Elaine Powell, from Denbigh, was refused entry to a bus in case her battery-powered wheelchair blew up.
A DENBIGH woman refused entry to a bus in case her battery-powered wheelchair blew up, is still waiting for an apology.
Elaine Powell, 40, from Denbigh was left stranded after the driver refused to let her on the bus.
"I went to get the bus from Denbigh to Rhyl, I was going shopping with my son," said Ms Powell.
"But the driver refused to let me on and said my wheelchair could blow up.
"I tried to get his driver's number but he refused and drove away.
"I have no other way of transport, I don't drive and I can't afford taxis all the time.
"I haven't had an apology from Arriva yet personally, but apparently a letter is on its way."
Ms Powell, who had a stroke nine years ago, said she began championing disability rights after a similar incident five years ago.
"This has happened to me before, before the Disability Discrimination Act had come out," said Ms Powell.
"That is when I decided to become a volunteer at the Denbighshire Disability Forum, but nearly six years on nothing has changed, including attitudes."
A spokesman for Arriva Cymru said: "We apologise for the distress this incident has caused Ms Powell.
"Our policy on such matters is clear, any wheelchair that can fit safely into the wheelchair space will be allowed on to the bus, this includes electric motor wheelchairs with sealed batteries. We are investigating the matter fully with the driver concerned."
Current legislation requires all buses in the UK to be wheelchair accessible and fitted with ramps by 2017.
"Many of Arriva's buses already have ramps fitted, but some buses used are not yet wheelchair accessible," added the spokesman.
"We are fully committed to making all of our vehicles fully accessible as quickly as possible, and through continued investment, the percentage of low-floor buses in our fleet is currently well ahead of Government targets.
"In 2007, 21 new vehicles were introduced into the Welsh fleet, representing a total investment of £2.5m.
"This figure is set to rise during 2009 with the introduction of 17 new buses, a further investment of £1.75m, giving a £4.25million total investment over three years."
_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin
|
Login
Register
FAQ
