Wheelchair users report access barriers at courts in England, Scotland and Wales

Wheelchair users summoned for jury service or appearing as professionals at courts in England, Scotland and Wales have reported broken lifts, steep temporary ramps and a lack of accessible toilets. Disabled social worker Vikki Walton-Cole said she arrived at one court already in pain after walking from distant disabled parking and then found the courtroom reachable only by stairs.

She later left social work, citing repeated access barriers as a major factor. Walton-Cole was later called for jury service at Guildford Crown Court. After weeks of questions about access, she said the process became too stressful and she considered excusing herself, though she noted juries are meant to reflect society.

Juror experiences Victoria Gerrard served as a juror at Paisley Sheriff Court earlier this year. She said the jury area had no accessible toilet and she had to use a public exit, passing the accused and family members who were later removed by police after an outburst.

On the final day, other jurors left together while Gerrard remained outside the building alone. She said the lack of practical guidance left her feeling exposed. Barrister Holly Girven described a steep temporary ramp at Edmonton County Court that required assistance from security staff and a lift outage at Wandsworth County Court that forced her to join a hearing remotely from a nearby room.

Court service responses A Magistrates' Association report found that inaccessible toilets and other barriers have damaged morale and contributed to resignations among magistrates. The report stated that failing to ensure accessibility undermines the efficient administration of justice.