British Sign Language at stations 'welcome' - charity

LNER, which runs Peterborough railway station, has introduced BSL on information boards

A charity said the introduction of British Sign Language (BSL) information boards at train stations was an important step "towards inclusion and increased accessibility".

Peterborough-based Deafblind UK said using public transport could be challenging and was "intensified by a lack of consistency across geographic location".

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) announced in March it would integrate (BSL) on digital departure screen at stations including Peterborough.

As it marked Deafblind Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday, the charity called better-trained station staff to support people with reduced sight and hearing.

The information boards at Peterborough train station have now got a BSL facility for commuters with hearing impairment

Deafblind UK said more than 450,000 people in the UK had a combined sight and hearing impairment.

"Using public transport can present many challenges for people who are deafblind," Nikki Morris, chief executive officer at the charity, said.

"This is intensified by a lack of consistency across geographic locations.

“For people whose first language is BSL, this is a very welcome move and we support all steps towards inclusion and increased accessibility.

"It is also essential that trained station staff are available to support people who have reduced sight and hearing."

Charlie Woodhead, LNER accessibility manager, said “The full integration of BSL on to departure boards at LNER run stations has been welcomed by deaf and hard of hearing customers across our route

“It’s so important that everyone gets the information they need for a smooth journey, especially if there are late changes to our services.”