The Government is still issuing dispensation letters to train operating companies allowing them to use non-accessible rolling stock.
On 6 June 2013 the Department for Transport issued a statement that by January 1 2020 all rail vehicles must be accessible.
DR UK Transport Ambassador Stephen Brookes said: “It is crystal clear to see that over the past eight years the industry has failed to comply, and despite the clear cut off date, Disabled people have been forced to have to accept a raft of extensions and dispensation requests. This is of great concern and we will be writing to the Minister for clarification that there should be no more of these dispensations granted. It is particularly galling that these dispensations are still being granted despite the launch of the Government’s National Disability Strategy.”