FIONA BACKS EXTRA SPACE FOR BIKES, BUGGIES AND WHEELCHAIRS

12.00.00am GMT Wed 17th Jan 2007

Fiona is pushing the UK Government to back a law to require trains to have a dedicated space for bicycles, baby carriages, wheelchairs and sports equipment.

MEPs this week approved the requirement as part of the EU's third railway package. If supported by European Transport Ministers too, the requirement would lead to all trains having specially designated areas for bicycles, wheelchairs, baby carriages and sports equipment.

The Lib Dem has received letters from concerned train users who have experienced difficulty when travelling with bicycles on trains .

Following today's vote in Strasbourg, Ms. Hall has written to the Transport Minister Douglas Alexander MP asking him to support the extra space proposals in the Council of Ministers.

Fiona said:

"I have written to the Transport Minister, Douglas Alexander MP asking him to confirm that the UK Government will give its full support on this aspect of the EU railway package.

"For the sake of the environment we should be encouraging more people to cycle and use public transport.

"By taking up these proposals, the UK Government would be helping to integrate cycling and train travel and make both modes of transport easier to use.

Gareth Kane, Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson for Newcastle Central, a keen cyclist welcomed Ms Hall's action, he added:

"Not all trains have designated areas for bicycles and this makes taking the environmentally friendly option difficult and frustrating at times.

"I am thrilled that our MEP is urging the Government to adopt these proposals."

Fiona Hall is asking people to contact her if they face difficulties when travelling by trains with bicycles, wheelchairs, baby carriages or sports equipment.