Disabled Facilities, Access & Mobility in
London
While London is gradually improving as a destination for
disabled travellers, the city's public transport system can still be problematic for
mobility impaired users. For those with a wheelchair, the London Underground
can be a big source of
frustration (the new Jubilee line extension being an exception) while access to suburban train
services is usually little
better. That said, Transport for London (TFL) do provide a Tube Access Map
which can be downloaded from: http://tube.tfl.gov.uk.
We'd also challenge claims made by Visit London - the city's official website -
that "travelling by train across London and beyond is quick and convenient for those with special
needs". Not exactly true, even though great strides have been made in replacing
ancient slam-door trains which, until recently, were routinely used in London and the South East.
While all licensed black cabs now carry a portable ramp to allow for easy access, comfort
levels (particularly in older vehicles) can be poor. If you can, hail a Metrocab or one of the newer
TX models as they are the roomiest around. Other wheelchair friendly services include the Heathrow Express, Docklands Light Railway and Tramlink (in south London).
On bus routes around London you'll find an increasing number of low-floor
vehicles, including Mercedes Citaro "bendy" units, while the inexpensive Dial-a-ride
service is also available to those living in London (as is TFL's Capital
Call scheme, which provides subsidized door-to-door transport for people with mobility problems, using
'private hire vehicles').
For further information
on the Internet visit: www.youreable.com, Ability and the Royal Association for Disability and
Rehabilitation (RADAR).
So far as accommodation is concerned, disabled travellers booking trips to
London should consider the following when choosing where to stay:
i) does 'accessible' mean that spaces, furniture and doors within a room have
been thoughtfully designed? Or has the manager simply asked for grab handles to be fitted in the
toilet/bathroom and nothing more?
ii) are all parts of the hotel i.e. restaurant/bar areas, saunas, solariums,
swimming pools accessible to disabled guests?
iii) are lift doors wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair?
An excellent resource for checking out disability-friendly hotels/lodging in
London is www.allgohere.com. Listings are
categorised by postcode, so it's easy to find a suitable hotel in a given area quickly. What's
more, the site includes an excellent Airline Directory, covering items such as medical clearance,
special dietary requirements and the availability of trained staff.
See getting there.
Eating Out in London
Our comprehensive guide to restaurants, bars and cafés
in London (which includes online booking in partnership with the excellent Top Table website) can
be found in food and drink. With over 200 reviews (and access to
hundreds more) it's likely you'll find a suitable watering hole or eatery without too much trouble!
Electric Current in the United Kingdom
Plugs in the UK have three pins (they are not the standard
continental type) and run on 240V AC. To use appliances bought from home you'll need a plug
adapter. These are widely available in airport shops and chain stores such as Boots (the
chemists).
Embassies and High Commissions in London: -
Australian High Commission
Australia
House, Strand, WC2B 4LA, Tel: 020 7379 4334, Website: www.australia.org.uk,
Show Map
Canadian High Commission
1 Grosvenor Square, W1X OAB, Tel:
020 7258 6600, Website: www.canada.org.uk,
Show Map
Chinese Embassy
31 Portland Place, W1B 1QD (Consular
& Visa section), Tel: 020 7631 1430, Website: www.chinese-embassy.org.uk,
Show Map
French Embassy
58, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7JT, Tel: 020
7201 1000, Website: www.ambafrance.org.uk,
Show Map
German Embassy
23 Belgrave Square, SW1X 8PZ, Tel: 020
7824 1300, Website: www.german-embassy.org.uk,
Show Map
Irish Embassy
17 Grosvenor Place, SW1X 7HR, Tel: 020
7235 2171,
Show Map
New Zealand High Commission
New Zealand House, 80
Haymarket, SW1, Tel: 020 7930 8422, Website: http://nzembassy.com
South African High Commission - South Africa House, WC2N 5DP,
Tel: 020 7451 7299, Website: www.southafricahouse.com,
Show Map
US Embassy - 5 Upper Grosvenor St, W1X 9PG, Tel: 020 7499
9000, Website: www.usembassy.org.uk,
Show Map
For countries with embassies not listed in the above table, check out www.embassyworld.com for further
information.
Emergency Services in London
To connect to London's emergency services you'll
need to dial 999. An operator will then connect you to the
service you require; police, fire brigade or
ambulance. Full details of the emergency, i.e.
location, type of incident must be given to ensure a rapid response.
Please remember though that 999 is
strictly for emergencies only (operators are also able to trace prank callers).
Flight Times for Scheduled UK Flights
Please click for
approximate flight times based on British Airways scheduled services.
and Mouth Disease (FMD)
Although the outbreak of FMD which affected a number of UK farms in 2001
resulted in a downtown for London's tourist industry, the UK is now (once again) officially classed
as being Foot and Mouth Disease free. Consequently, there are no restrictions on the entry or
movement of travellers visiting the country. However, those entering the UK from abroad
should still be aware of rules governing the importation of foodstuffs, including meat,
cheese, vegetables and fruit. For further information visit the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(DEFRA) at: www.defra.gov.uk.
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