Government to issue national guidance on how specialist disability buggies used as essential mobility aids must be handled on public transport, including mandatory staff training and consistent policy across operators. There should be no difference in priority between these aids and wheelchairs.

In our experience, disabled children who rely on specialist disability buggies for safety, postural support or behavioural needs are frequently refused access to wheelchair spaces because they are treated as ordinary pushchairs. Many of these children cannot safely be removed from their mobility equipment during travel. We believe that inconsistent interpretation and “driver discretion” create unsafe situations, distress and barriers for the users of such aids to access transport to, for example access education, healthcare and community life. Clear national guidance could prevent conflict, improve safety and ensure equal treatment under the Equality Act 2010.