Five years on from the Earth Summit, most UK local authorities are now implementing a Local Agenda 21. CILT has surveyed 33 London boroughs to find out to what extent accessible transport is being considered as part of the process. Responses show that although most boroughs consider that accessible transport is an issue for LA21, the way in which it is treated varies considerably. The paper focuses on why making transport more accessible to disabled people and elderly people is an essential part of moving towards a more sustainable transport system. It concentrates on how the Local Agenda 21 process can help to achieve this aim. Central to the original concept of LA21 is the integration of environmental concerns with social equity issues. Accessible transport is a clear example of how these must be integrated to achieve a sustainable future. The paper includes: (1) Results from the CILT survey of London boroughs; (2) Examination of the importance of accessibility in achieving sustainable transport; and (3) Examples from around the UK which provide proof that accessible transport can attract people out of their cars.
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