Disabled man gets train ban

Oct 1 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A GRANDAD has been barred from using the train because his disabled scooter is too big.

Retired scrap merchant John Dunsmore was left stranded at a rail platform after being refused on board Monday’s 10am train from Larkhall Central to Hamilton Central.

The 64-year-old, who suffers from Chronic Pulmonary Disease, called on First Scotrail to change their policy to allow all disabled people to travel freely on trains across Scotland

Mr Dunsmore, of Mossblown Street, Larkhall, stormed: “I think it is discrimination against disabled people.

“It’s ridiculous that I am banned from using my scooter on the train.

“They are not treating me like an ordinary citizen.

“I can’t go on the train to do my shopping in Hamilton or visit the seaside at Ayr or Largs.

“I want to get out and about but they are stopping my freedom.

“I will be going to my lawyer about it.

“I use the train nearly every day and I want Scotrail to look at their disabled policy again.

“I was told that the old stock can’t cope with my scooter and that by 2020 I will be able to use all trains when it’s new rolling stock.

“That’s an insult because I will probably not be here then.”

Mr Dunsmore has been fighting for disabled rights since last September when he was first put off the train.

Measured

In the summer, he met representatives of First Scotrail who came out to Larkhall to have a look at his scooter

Mr Dunsmore added: “The manager said right away it was too big.

“I said to him do you have a measuring tape and he said no.

“I said why did you come out all this way and don’t have a measuring tape.

“I think he had already made up his mind.

“They told me to use a light scooter but that isn’t suitable for me as I can’t go very far with that and I haven’t seen anyone using them on the trains.”

Mr Dunsmore has now modified the size and diameter of his scooter, a Mayfair Freerider, to comply with Scotrail’s policy.

Following the Advertiser intervention, Mr Dunsmore said First Scotrail have agreed to meet him again in Larkhall.

He said: “They are going to look at my scooter and this time they are going to measure it.

“I have made modifications, so they have no option.

“The manager said as a compromise that I will be able to travel on my scooter between Larkhall and Hamilton.

“But that’s no good to me. I want to be able to travel to Gourock and Largs.

“All I want is peace of mind that I can travel on the train with my scooter.”

A First Scotrail spokesman said that they won’t comment on the story until Mr Dunsmore meets their representatives next week.

The Advertiser will follow Mr Dunsmore’s progress.