Bus manager slams lack of disabled access in high street
Kerbs are to be installed in the high street which will help wheelchair users get off buses.
Sullivan Buses commercial manager Steve Simmonds says he has repeatedly complained about the lack of disabled access for his passengers in Watford town centre which has made it a struggle for many getting off the bus, including parents with buggies.
So much so that his customers have complained too.
Mr Simmonds said it has been an issue for years and despite a number of promises, nothing at all had been done.
He said: “Our buses are suitable for disabled people but when it is time for them to leave in Watford high street, it is so difficult without having a kerb. It would just be so much easier if they had one. We are customer business but we can’t fulfil what we do.
“We were promised before the works in the high street even started but I was told there would be issues with installing one which is why it hasn’t been done.”
However, Watford Borough Council has confirmed as part of phase two of the high street roadworks, a kerb will be built in the high street. It will run from the stops outside St Mary’s Church all the way to Natwest.”
The Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “We have been consulting with bus operators and other groups to ensure that the town centre is an accessible. We are adding kerb lines to solve this issue. This will make it much easier for bus users, including people with disabilities and parents with pushchairs.”