Some people have noted that the trains are very busy and there isn't always space for everyone. What we are asking for is the same access to services as everyone else.

We want the opportunity to get to the train and see if another disabled user has taken the dedicated mobility assistance space before us and then we can ask to board the next train. That is the same level of service as everyone else receives.

It is the policy that needs to change. They can and do accommodate scooters. Obviously if a scooter arrives that is huge and cannot safely use a ramp or physically fit through the door and onto the carriage then that is something that can be handled with polite customer service and an explanation of this. However, most of the scooters are small and able to safely use a ramp. The ones that this petition highlights certainly are.
They have done.

What should not be happening is what took place last week where a disabled customer was refused access to even the platform unless she agreed to carry her scooter onto the train. There are ramps available which they have previously provided for many other customers to use safely.

Some of the customers have even been moved out of disabled spaces and, on one occasion, threatened with removal from the train. all while being publicly humiliated. Let me explain this... they have used the ramp, got through the doors, turned the scooter and parked in the dedicated disabled bay and are ready to travel.

One lady transferred to a nearby seat where her partner folded their scooter down. At this point they have then been made to move for a pram or told to leave the train as 'it's company policy'. This is not about safety. They were on the train and safe to travel. This is about blindly enforcing an illegal policy that denies service to disabled customers. It is about equality and making sure all staff are suitably trained to work with all members of our society and making sure that nobody is bullied into leaving a train or humiliated for being less physically able than the next customer.

And by the way, you can still book rail assistance for a non-foldable scooter to enter Northern Rail's trains at any point. Today, on Northern's website, you can book a journey from Blackpool North station and ask for a ramp to get your scooter on the train. But when you get there, don't expect them to honour the booking, to assist you in any way or to make other arrangements...

Let's make a change.