Equalities watchdog sets up legal support project for transport discrimination claims

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched a legal support project to help individuals with transport discrimination claims.

The watchdog said the new scheme, details of which can be found here, would use all available routes to assist in resolving complaints, including offering advice and help with correspondence, or providing funding for legal support.

It added that it would consider complaints involving a range of disabilities, including invisible impairments such as mental health conditions.

“Applications are welcome from lawyers or advisers who need legal support to address complaints of discrimination in transport, as well as older or disabled individuals who have been unable to get legal support thus far,” the EHRC said.

The watchdog said the project was part of wider activity to encourage improvements to the transport industry’s policies and practice so that the needs of disabled and older people are key considerations in the current and future design of public transport. It also aims to reduce gaps in legal protection for those affected.

David Isaac, chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “Transport operators have clear responsibilities in law to help disabled people travel freely, but often they are failing to meet them. Disabled and older people’s right to take public transport is one that we will vigorously defend.

“This funding will offer legal support to resolve complaints in the first instance but, failing that, we will not be afraid to support a case to ensure that everyone is able to enforce their legal rights.

“Disabled people and older passengers must be able enjoy public transport just like everybody else.”