The Eye has it on access

The London Eye has been voted by far the most accessible tourist attraction in the capital, according to a new survey commissioned by London’s Mayor.

More than half those who answered the question voted for the London Eye, with the two Tate art galleries also scoring well on access.

The survey also looked at hotels, restaurants and public transport, and will be used to improve access in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Many of the 795 respondents to the survey called for more accessible toilets, particularly in restaurants.

Two in five people said buses were the most accessible form of transport in London, more than the number who voted for cars. The Tube was found to be the most inaccessible form of transport.

Improving public transport was seen as easily the most important step towards better access in London.

Mayor Boris Johnson said he has asked Transport for London to do all it can to improve accessibility on the Tube, building on the target of 25 per cent step-free stations by 2010. 

The survey was commissioned in partnership with the Direct Enquiries access website, to help boost the Mayor’s equality action plan, Equal Life Chances for All, which has been formally launched following a consultation.

Johnson said: “It is imperative that every industry and business in London works towards making their venues as accessible as possible as we prepare for triumphant 2012 Games.”

The Mayor’s equality targets include more accessible and adaptable “lifetime homes”; more affordable, accessible childcare places; and an increase in the number of accessible Tube and rail stations and bus stops.

The Mayor also aims to make London 2012 “the most accessible and inclusive Olympic and Paralympic Games ever” – including access at the Olympic park itself, travel to the park, accessible hotel rooms and inclusive design.

4 August 2009