[Albion] the "assistance" priority train ramp post-match

[Herr Tubthumper]

I think you miss many points here and if tickets can get passed on how easy do you think a few wrist bands passed on will be?

As I said, this wasn’t my point. You asked me, I said I don’t know and gave a suggestion.

 

[Super Steve Earle]

Why would any disabled supporter need anyone else other than their designated carer to help get them on the train. Am I missing something ? What's with the entourage of hangers-on ??

It shouldn't matter a fig if they're related, etc. If a supporter needs assistance then shirley ONE person is the designated one, and everyone else is in line with the rest of us plebs.

What gives ?

Mrs Earle has just been granted a green wristband indicating her eligibility to use the ramp on the rare occasion we go to The Amex from my son's house in Seaford. We come and go as a party of four. Mrs Earle and me, my son and 9yr old grandson. Would you really have us separate and our son and grandson follow on up to an hour later?

If the stewards actually checked the green wristbands and managed the ramp properly, there would be no issues.

 

[Cotton Socks]

I agree. This makes me think about our mitigating circumstances committee which will grant a student an extension if they have to attend a funeral, or surgery, or suchlike, but are also petitioned by students to be granted a second chance having failed an exercise, on the grounds that they are upset about it, claiming exam anxiety or somesuch (aftertiming). Seems straightforward but it isn't owing to all the shades of grey in between. We have set extensions for students with learning difficulties (ADHD, dyslexia etc), and we don't need to see them - their situation is registered in our system, which maps to your suggestion - why not require a special photo-card issued by the club, for a small fee, that has to be shown at the station? In fact, unless someone has a disability that means they can't use the AMEX stairs then why should they be granted a chance to queue jump? Do they queue jump at the cinema, or the check out at Asda?

And remember we are talk about using a fast track queue to the train, not protection of a fundamental human right.

I'll have you know that every time my nan has died, it has required an extension!
Seriously though, not all disabilities are visible but those who do have disabilities that should let them skip the queue will also probably have a pa with them. If there's a group of 10 walking down, ask one of them to show their pa ticket. Unless the disabled person has kids with them, there's no reason they can't go onto the train without just their pa. It's a personal assistant, not a friends and family assistant.

 

[Easy 10]

Mrs Earle has just been granted a green wristband indicating her eligibility to use the ramp on the rare occasion we go to The Amex from my son's house in Seaford. We come and go as a party of four. Mrs Earle and me, my son and 9yr old grandson. Would you really have us separate and our son and grandson follow on up to an hour later?

If the stewards actually checked the green wristbands and managed the ramp properly, there would be no issues.

As someone else mentioned, if you've arrived as a carfull then its fair enough for you all to travel back together. It sounds like larger groups of people are taking advantage though, it needs better marshalling. But I guess there just isn't the will.

 

[Shropshire Seagull]

Blue badge holders only?

Can you still obtain a blue badge for non-visible disabilities too? I assume yes?

Assume the fast track is intended for those who physically struggle with longer standing wait times? Should someone with a non-visible disability eg deaf be eligible for a queue fast-track?

 

[Superphil]

*Dons protective helmet*

Why does anyone require priority to get on the trains? Why can’t a disabled person queue with the rest? They can make it to a football match, they are prepared to use public transport. Sure, as soon as they get to the front of the queue they get the access ramp and full attention of the staff.

It’s a question, not how I feel.

 

[el punal]

The club may have washed their hands of any kind of responsibility for the trains, but if they're the ones doing the hiring of the stewards to police the priority ramp, then making that work effectively and preventing abuse of the system falls entirely within the club's remit

Is it the club’s remit though? As in - where does the boundary start/finish between the stadium jurisdiction (the Albion) and station (Southern Rail)? Who is responsible for the staffing and stewarding next to the station? I’m going to have sleepless nights pondering this one.

 

[el punal]

Okay, how about this as a solution? Have a dedicated access on the Brighton bound side on the footpath going towards Moulscoombe, where the stewards line up to allow access to under the footbridge ‘slope’. That way you can have a dedicated steward to check authorisation and let the party through.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Okay, how about this as a solution? Have a dedicated access on the Brighton bound side on the footpath going towards Moulscoombe, where the stewards line up to allow access to under the footbridge ‘slope’. That way you can have a dedicated steward to check authorisation and let the party through.

Thinking about it, one solution is to employ proper security (those old short grizzled ones I used to see queueing outside that Hove boxing gym at 6am , black bomber jackets, maybe the odd facial prison tattoo, you know the ones I mean) and ask non-obvious cases for evidence. Evidence can be a wristband from the club or hospital letter matching ID etc. Add a cap of 3 family members/friends but allow the security to use their discretion. I reckon this would weed out the vast majority of piss takers.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Thinking about it, one solution is to employ proper security (those old short grizzled ones I used to see queueing outside that Hove boxing gym at 6am , black bomber jackets, maybe the odd facial prison tattoo, you know the ones I mean) and ask non-obvious cases for evidence. Evidence can be a wristband from the club or hospital letter matching ID etc. Add a cap of 3 family members/friends but allow the security to use their discretion. I reckon this would weed out the vast majority of piss takers.

This. Has to be proper security who are wise to the ways of the chancers, can spot them a mile off, and who will properly challenge them and metaphorically kick their butts to the back of the queue if necessary

 

[timbha]

The club may have washed their hands of any kind of responsibility for the trains, but if they're the ones doing the hiring of the stewards to police the priority ramp, then making that work effectively and preventing abuse of the system falls entirely within the club's remi

Thinking about it, one solution is to employ proper security (those old short grizzled ones I used to see queueing outside that Hove boxing gym at 6am , black bomber jackets, maybe the odd facial prison tattoo, you know the ones I mean) and ask non-obvious cases for evidence. Evidence can be a wristband from the club or hospital letter matching ID etc. Add a cap of 3 family members/friends but allow the security to use their discretion. I reckon this would weed out the vast majority of piss takers.

Just a shame that there are so many chancers out there who happily take advantage of those needing help and assistance. Parking on spaces for the disabled, using toilets for the disabled, etc are other examples. No manners for some. Just an “I want what he’s got even though I don’t deserve it” attitude.

 

[Peacehaven Wild Kids]

…..using toilets for the disabled…….

Pulls out pin

Throws it over the wall

Walks away whistling to himself

 

[Zeberdi]

Blue badge holders only?

Can you still obtain a blue badge for non-visible disabilities too? I assume yes?

Assume the fast track is intended for those who physically struggle with longer standing wait times? Should someone with a non-visible disability eg deaf be eligible for a queue fast-track?

Shouldn’t able-bodied fans stop jumping the queue? That is the issue not what kind of disability should qualify. But please stop suggesting that this is a disability issue and there should be a more draconian processes by which disabled people are allowed to use the ramp

The problem is backlog of queues for able-bodied fans -

*Dons protective helmet*

Why does anyone require priority to get on the trains? Why can’t a disabled person queue with the rest? They can make it to a football match, they are prepared to use public transport. Sure, as soon as they get to the front of the queue they get the access ramp and full attention of the staff.

It’s a question, not how I feel.

I can tell you why from the perspective of someone that struggles both to use public transport and queues:

I use assisted travel from East Anglia on all train journeys because I am too fatigued and in too much pain to walk the long concourses and platforms (and with usually have wheelchair assistance for connecting trains to my pick up point in Sussex ) I’m then taken in a car to the Amex - once at the Amex, I use a stick or crutches with the aid of a mate, to climb up the long slope to the East or West stand where I usually have a seat. Struggle to get through the turnstile (sometimes the gate is opened for me) then with great effort, plough through crowds of people watching monitors and drinking/queuing for refreshment with no idea someone squeezing through them is using a stick and struggling to walk - then it is an effort to get to the steps to the stand. By this time, I am severely fatigued, my legs are wobbly and I’m getting vertigo. A steward usually then assists me to my seat. My sticks or crutches are continuously being kicked out from under me every time someone walks past my seat and I am not able to get refreshments at half time because the queues are too long. I often miss corners or far end goals because of people jumping up in front of me and am literally exhausted by the time I leave. But all of that is absolutely worth it just for the sheer joy of watching my team live, chanting and singing and soaking up the atmosphere and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

So, yes, when you are weak on your legs, in great pain or constantly in danger of falling over/losing your balance, dependent on walking aids or in a w/c then of course disabled people should have priority. Why not?

As for stopping able-bodied fans abusing access set aside for disabled people, surely It is a matter of better stewarding if necessary and if fans are caught using the ramp when they obviously don’t need to then institute a fine or one match ban or something. Making it even harder for disabled people to enjoy live football isn’t the answer (IMHO).

If the Club does think of imposing stricter criteria upon disabled people, such as myself, demanding to see a hospital letter from me before I can safely exit the Amex, or demanding that in order to attend football matches, I have to provide personal medical information and a photo ID as well as wear a wristband that identifies me as ‘disabled’, I only hope they will listen to the views of disabled people first, not a bunch of able-bodied fans (righty!) pissed off because some other able bodied people are behaving badly. Although, I somehow think the Club’s tolerance of disabilities is less discriminatory than than to make disabled people feel they have to justify why they need to use a ramp rather than the steps.

 

[Joey Jo Jo Jr. Shabadoo]

Blue badge holders only?

Can you still obtain a blue badge for non-visible disabilities too? I assume yes?

Assume the fast track is intended for those who physically struggle with longer standing wait times? Should someone with a non-visible disability eg deaf be eligible for a queue fast-track?

Blue badges are rather hard to get and tend to only be given to people with mobility difficulties. Both of my son's have non visible disabilities and receive DLA but we are not entitled to a blue badge (which is absolutely fine with me even if my youngest doesn't understand why he's disabled but we cannot use disabled parking, but that's up to me to teach him the difference).

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Shouldn’t able-bodied fans stop jumping the queue? That is the issue not what kind of disability should qualify. But please stop suggesting that this is a disability issue and there should be a more draconian processes by which disabled people are allowed to use the ramp

The problem is backlog of queues for able-bodied fans -


I can tell you why from the perspective of someone that struggles both to use public transport and queues:

I use assisted travel from East Anglia on all train journeys because I am too fatigued and in too much pain to walk the long concourses and platforms (and with usually have wheelchair assistance for connecting trains to my pick up point in Sussex ) I’m then taken in a car to the Amex - once at the Amex, I use a stick or crutches with the aid of a mate, to climb up the long slope to the East or West stand where I usually have a seat. Struggle to get through the turnstile (sometimes the gate is opened for me) then with great effort, plough through crowds of people watching monitors and drinking/queuing for refreshment with no idea someone squeezing through them is using a stick and struggling to walk - then it is an effort to get to the steps to the stand. By this time, I am severely fatigued, my legs are wobbly and I’m getting vertigo. A steward usually then assists me to my seat. My sticks or crutches are continuously being kicked out from under me every time someone walks past my seat and I am not able to get refreshments at half time because the queues are too long. I often miss corners or far end goals because of people jumping up in front of me and am literally exhausted by the time I leave. But all of that is absolutely worth it just for the sheer joy of watching my team live, chanting and singing and soaking up the atmosphere and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

So, yes, when you are weak on your legs, in great pain or constantly in danger of falling over/losing your balance, dependent on walking aids or in a w/c then of course disabled people should have priority. Why not?

As for stopping able-bodied fans abusing access set aside for disabled people, surely It is a matter of better stewarding if necessary and if fans are caught using the ramp when they obviously don’t need to then institute a fine or one match ban or something. Making it even harder for disabled people to enjoy live football isn’t the answer (IMHO).

If the Club does think of imposing stricter criteria upon disabled people, such as myself, demanding to see a hospital letter from me before I can safely exit the Amex, or demanding that in order to attend football matches, I have to provide personal medical information and a photo ID as well as wear a wristband that identifies me as ‘disabled’, I only hope they will listen to the views of disabled people first, not a bunch of able-bodied fans (righty!) pissed off because some other able bodied people are behaving badly. Although, I somehow think the Club’s tolerance of disabilities is less discriminatory than than to make disabled people feel they have to justify why they need to use a ramp rather than the steps.

Walking across the concourse to get to toilets, even with a walking stick is a massive effort. People just look at you as if you have no right to walk in that direction.

I am getting to the point where I won’t renew in March, because I’m exhausted trying to ge to a match and home again, and need painkillers during it. The enjoyment is practically gone.
That’s with a wristband which means I can queue jump.

 

[Zeberdi]

Blue badges are rather hard to get and tend to only be given to people with mobility difficulties. Both of my son's have non visible disabilities and receive DLA but we are not entitled to a blue badge.

I am but because I don’t drive, don’t need one - I mostly use a mobility scooter locally, non-emergency ambulance services or taxis. Nor am I in receipt of any means tested benefits. Which brings us back to ‘proving’ that you need to use the ramp - I am phoning the support services on Monday and am going to discuss this with them. I don’t book disabled seats either (although stewards have advised me too) - I am more than happy to register as a disabled fan and wear a wrist band (I wear one at work to show vulnerability to Covid) but as was said above, these could get passed around - then you have a civil liberty issue of imposing photo ID proof on disabled fans that the wristband is theirs and not acquired by abled-bodied fans.

 

[Zeberdi]

Walking across the concourse to get to toilets, even with a walking stick is a massive effort. People just look at you as if you have no right to walk in that direction.

I am getting to the point where I won’t renew in March, because I’m exhausted trying to ge to a match and home again, and need painkillers during it. The enjoyment is practically gone.
That’s with a wristband which means I can queue jump.

I’m so sorry TB - Obviously I totally empathise- I too use loads of painkillers to get through a match. I’m not ready to give it up yet, but it is the reason I don’t have an ST (which wouldn’t be viable ) or manage away matches - would have absolutely loved to have gone to our Euro matches.

Perhaps you will still make the odd match even when you give up the ST - I hope so - unfortunately getting older (too old/ill) to attend matches is going to come to all of us at some point

 

[Thunder Bolt]

I’m so sorry TB - Obviously I totally empathise- I too use loads of painkillers to get through a match. I’m not ready to give it up yet, but it is the reason I don’t have an ST (which wouldn’t be viable ) or manage away matches - would have absolutely loved to have gone to our Euro matches.

Perhaps you will still make the odd match even when you give up the ST - I hope so - unfortunately getting older (too old/ill) to attend matches is going to come to all of us at some point

I will try to get to a match now and again. If the operation to fuse my ankle joint is successful, I may reconsider.

 

[Joey Jo Jo Jr. Shabadoo]

I am but because I don’t drive, don’t need one - I mostly use a mobility scooter locally, non-emergency ambulance services or taxis. Nor am I in receipt of any means tested benefits. Which brings us back to ‘proving’ that you need to use the ramp - I am phoning the support services on Monday and am going to discuss this with them. I don’t book disabled seats either (although stewards have advised me too) - I am more than happy to register as a disabled fan and wear a wrist band (I wear one at work to show vulnerability to Covid) but as was said above, these could get passed around - then you have a civil liberty issue of imposing photo ID proof on disabled fans that the wristband is theirs and not acquired by abled-bodied fans.

PIP (Personal Independence Payment, the adult version of Disability Living Allowance) isn't a means tested benefit, you can work full time, have savings and still be entitled to it. It is paid if you have problems getting around, need to spend extra on care etc. In your case the fact you have to use a mobility scooter is an added cost in your day to day living and you are very likely to be entitled to a payment.

If anyone is actually passing the wrist band on to someone who doesn't need it they need to give their head a wobble. Hopefully no-one is abusing the system like that, if anyone is caught doing it then I'd fully support the club in removing their access to the disability priority queue.

 

[mile oak]

I find some comments rather distasteful on here. The problem is with those able joining the ramp not an issue with anyone with a disbilility stick wheelchair crutch etc. Seriously whether struggling/disabled for reason a, b, c, d, e...z or any combination it doesnt matter i find it offensive that there is a need to justify one struggle/disability etc over another. It isnt some sort of hierarchy.