WANSTEAD MP Harry Cohen is among those lending their support to a campaign to alert disabled people to new rights on public transport.

A recent poll by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) revealed that people with disabilities are four times more likely to lack confidence in using buses and trains than non-disabled people.

Their campaign highlights changes in the law at the end of last year that, among other things, require bus drivers to notify people with visual impairments when they reach their stop, and train staff to bring refreshments to passengers who cannot walk to the buffet car.

Mr Cohen said: "I'm backing the DRC's campaign as an important step in raising disabled people's confidence in using public transport. Increasing access to buses and trains is a crucial must for disables people to take up job opportunities, education and leisure and to play a full and active role in the community."

The DRC say that £600 million has been spent on making buses, trains and coaches accessible and that nearly half of buses and more than a third of trains are user friendly.

DRC chairman, Sir Bert Massiem said: "Millions have been invested in making public transport more user-friendly. But in some parts of the country, lack of confidence is the major barrier for disabled people using buses and trains. We need to see a return on this investment through increased transport use."