Cross Country Rail: ensure disabled passengers have toilet access

Paralympian racer Anne Wafula Strike MBE has decided to face fears of "personal humiliation" and damage to her reputation by going public with a shocking story. In doing so, she is hoping to raise awareness of social limitations faced by disabled people. Wafula Strike has told how she was forced to wet herself on board a Cross Country Rail train due to lack of facilities and staff.

Wafula Strike said: “Having access to a toilet, especially in a developed nation like the UK, is one of the most basic rights. I tried to conceal the smell of urine by spraying perfume over myself. When I finally got home after my nightmare journey, I scrubbed myself clean in the shower then flung myself on my bed and sobbed for hours.”

The train that the athlete was travelling on had an out-of-service disabled toilet. A member of staff told her to get off at the next station, use the toilet and wait for the next train. However, there were no staff available to help her off the train to use the station toilet.

Train companies are currently free to create their own Disabled People's Protection Policy (DPPP) which means there is no set standard of provision for toilet access - and no guaranteed toilet access if the on-board toilet is not working.

Please sign this petition to demand that Cross Country Rail update their DPPP to commit to disabled people having access to toilets on all journeys. If enough people sign, it will send a clear message that their customers want them to take the industry lead in supporting the dignity and wellbeing of disabled passengers.