Disabled woman wins scooter battle

By David Newble

Saturday, August 25, 2012

 

ISLAND Line looks set to do a U-turn over its policy of not allowing mobility scooters on its trains — thanks to a one-woman campaign waged by a disabled former nursery nurse from Sandown.
Catherine Dunn, 50, of St John’s Crescent, who suffers from osteoporosis, had initially been told by rail bosses at South West Trains, which runs the Island Line service, she could not take her mobility scooter on board the former London Underground trains because of weight restrictions.
However, following a series of letters exchanged between Catherine and the railway firm over the past three months, South West Trains has had a change of heart and is issuing her with a ‘scooter card’, which allows her to use her scooter on board the train.
The company relented after it conducted research into how much weight the trains could safely carry. Company bosses are set to meet Catherine on Wednesday where they will discuss disabled access issues.
In a letter to rail bosses, Catherine said: “I am delighted to have been given the same freedom as users of other mobility aids.
“Thank you for reconsidering the scooter issue after requesting fleet department technical data regarding the on-board weight limit.”
She added: “This will allow me to travel on the Island Line trains as do wheelchair users and the public. This is a wonderful step in the right direction and a positive response that needs promoting and praising.”
A spokesman for South West Trains said: “We endeavour to meet the needs of all our passengers, including those people who have special mobility requirements.”

Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk

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