Accessibility

Transport Scotland proposes introducing an accessibility standard that would be in addition to the legal requirements and could act as guidance for all ferry services. A substantial majority of respondents – 89% of those answering the question – thought that an accessibility standard is a good idea. This rose to 91% of organisations.

Those who thought that an accessibility standard is a good idea sometimes commented that, in 2024, it should be a given that ferry services are accessible for those with particular needs. However, a number of respondents, including individuals and community council respondents, highlighted some of the problems that they, or members of their community, encounter when attempting to use ferry services. Event participants also shared their experiences, which included wheelchair users being unable to access waiting rooms, including the toilets, or move around on car decks.

Although generally still agreeing that an accessibility standard should be introduced, some respondents did comment on what may be appropriate or realistic in the short to medium term. In particular, there were concerns that failing to meet any new accessibility standard should not lead to vessels being taken out of service.

In terms of its contents, one of the more frequently made suggestions was that engagement and co-production should be at the heart of producing any standard. Staff awareness and training were also seen as vital, with well trained staff key to delivering good quality support and assistance.

There were a number of suggestions about aspects of ports and vessels that could be made more accessible. For example, in relation to boarding and disembarking, there were calls for weatherproof shelters and accessible boarding ramps. There were also suggestions relating to clear and accessible communication and booking systems.