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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Will I be allowed to join the accessible queuing system?

279 replies

InvisibleDisability · 13/09/2022 22:36

I really want to see the lying in state in London as a sign of my respect for her majesty. I’ve been watching all coverage on TV and her dedication and loyalty to us all has been making me frankly emotional. I feel the least I can do to honour her is to brave the crowds and the conditions to see her lying in state.

However… I have (several) invisible disabilities including POTS and ME/CFS. These mean I get tired easily and when I overdo it am prone to collapsing. However, I’m willing to risk it for this last chance to pay my respects. Do you think I would qualify for the accessible queuing system? Would I need to bring “proof” of disability? I’ve got my PIP paperwork if that’s needed?

note: the guidance has just been released on gov website announcing the queuing route and the accessible queuing scheme which is much shorter and will operate on a ticketing basis. By all accounts you turn up at Tate Britain to get a timed ticket (nor guaranteed as depends on numbers I guess) then you go to the palace for the set time?

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 13/09/2022 22:45

I imagine you would need some proof of disability like a disability benefit award letter or Blue badge otherwise it's open to abuse. I guess that could still exclude many who can't queue for hours but don't qualify for a disability benefit though. I'm surprised they haven't published some kind of criteria.

LIZS · 13/09/2022 22:47

Was just checking this for dh who has mobility issues but no formal proof, but guidance not clear. He is happy to join main queue if needs be but not sure he will last.

Original poster
InvisibleDisability · 13/09/2022 22:48

Thank you yes what evidence do you think is needed? My blue badge expired in May and I didn’t even realise so now having to reapply all over again and haven’t heard anything. Do you reckon I can bring my expired blue badge??

OP posts:
OhLordyWhatNow · 13/09/2022 22:52

Could you have the NHS app to hand on your phone to show the stewards with your diagnosis and regular medications?

I agree with PP not everyone claims a benefit and may not necessarily have that kind of proof of disability/ poor health. .

Are you able to take a folding chair with you?

LIZS · 14/09/2022 06:45

They are not allowing chairs etc

nachoavocado · 14/09/2022 06:47

Take whatever you have but yes I imagine you'll be allowed. You just get a ticket to join the queue at a set time.

OhLordyWhatNow · 14/09/2022 15:20

The able bodied are possibly not able to take chairs with them.

A folding chair for someone with a health condition is a disability aid not a 'lovely sit down rest'. Imagine asking someone with heart failure to remain standing for several hours... that would not be good optics.

starfishmummy · 14/09/2022 15:38

Babyroobs · 13/09/2022 22:45

I imagine you would need some proof of disability like a disability benefit award letter or Blue badge otherwise it's open to abuse. I guess that could still exclude many who can't queue for hours but don't qualify for a disability benefit though. I'm surprised they haven't published some kind of criteria.

I always think its ridiculous to ask for blue badges as proof (as places where I live do) because a lot of people will need to leave it in their car to show they can park in a disabled bay!!!

DuaneDibbley · 14/09/2022 15:41

OhLordyWhatNow · 14/09/2022 15:20

The able bodied are possibly not able to take chairs with them.

A folding chair for someone with a health condition is a disability aid not a 'lovely sit down rest'. Imagine asking someone with heart failure to remain standing for several hours... that would not be good optics.

from The Guardian:

"Disability rights campaigners have described access arrangements for the Queen’s lying in state in Westminster Hall in London as “disappointing”.

People with pre-existing medical conditions have been told to prepare for significant wait times including possibly overnight, in guidance that has been criticised as not a reasonable adjustment as required by the Equality Act.

The government has demonstrated a “breathtaking” lack of awareness around the needs of disabled people wishing to attend the lying in state this week, the head of Disability Rights UK, Kamran Mallick, said.

Mallick said:

The threat of confiscation of food, drink and portable shelter such as unfoldable umbrellas is in breach of the Equality Act. Many disabled people use these to double up as walking sticks. Disabled people often need food and water on the go, or to take with medication."

KenAdams · 14/09/2022 15:43

I'm wondering how they issue tickets as well. I can't stand for long periods so if I went today for example might they issue me with a slot for Sunday? I'm a 2 hour train journey away so can't really nip and get a ticket. They would have been better to do online ticket allocations so people would not need to travel down if they couldn't obtain an accessible ticket.

Quveas · 14/09/2022 15:53

DuaneDibbley · 14/09/2022 15:41

from The Guardian:

"Disability rights campaigners have described access arrangements for the Queen’s lying in state in Westminster Hall in London as “disappointing”.

People with pre-existing medical conditions have been told to prepare for significant wait times including possibly overnight, in guidance that has been criticised as not a reasonable adjustment as required by the Equality Act.

The government has demonstrated a “breathtaking” lack of awareness around the needs of disabled people wishing to attend the lying in state this week, the head of Disability Rights UK, Kamran Mallick, said.

Mallick said:

The threat of confiscation of food, drink and portable shelter such as unfoldable umbrellas is in breach of the Equality Act. Many disabled people use these to double up as walking sticks. Disabled people often need food and water on the go, or to take with medication."

Show quote history

Gosh. In surprise news, the government don't know anything about disability. Must have been organised by the DWP then...

Dotjones · 14/09/2022 15:58

KenAdams · 14/09/2022 15:43

I'm wondering how they issue tickets as well. I can't stand for long periods so if I went today for example might they issue me with a slot for Sunday? I'm a 2 hour train journey away so can't really nip and get a ticket. They would have been better to do online ticket allocations so people would not need to travel down if they couldn't obtain an accessible ticket.

You go to the Tate where there's a kiosk, they'll then give you a timeslot to join the accessible queue. I guess the reason they don't do it online is that there would be a lot of people taking tickets who then didn't turn up. At least this way you have to have made the effort to get into central London, therefore there's a good chance you're going to go when your timeslot arrives.

mrstreacle · 14/09/2022 16:07

Dotjones · 14/09/2022 15:58

You go to the Tate where there's a kiosk, they'll then give you a timeslot to join the accessible queue. I guess the reason they don't do it online is that there would be a lot of people taking tickets who then didn't turn up. At least this way you have to have made the effort to get into central London, therefore there's a good chance you're going to go when your timeslot arrives.

Show quote history

It doesn't seem to cater for us who don't live in London and aren't able to get there easily and would have problems hanging around for hours

Mummyoflittledragon · 14/09/2022 16:16

mrstreacle · 14/09/2022 16:07

It doesn't seem to cater for us who don't live in London and aren't able to get there easily and would have problems hanging around for hours

Show quote history

I am in the same boat as you and also really wanting to go. I’m figuring it’s not happening though as I’d struggle to get to London and the Tate.

Jenn3112 · 14/09/2022 16:19

Missing the point but I'm confused by the idea of an unfoldable umbrella that can double as a walking stick. Anyone got any idea what they mean?

LaurieFairyCake · 14/09/2022 16:33

A standard umbrella (which people use to lean on)

They're saying umbrellas are not allowed as they wouldn't fit in the bag

I assume you're allowed to take an actual walking stick

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 17:10

The queue is moving in batches
I am on a bus on the bridge
most people are laden down with lots of walking sticks, rucksacks and bags

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 17:14

Very busy around the Tate with wheelchairs /mobility scooters

I live on the same road as Tate -happy to pop in on my way home at about 8 and ask about what timings the tickets are up to

KenAdams · 14/09/2022 18:30

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 17:14

Very busy around the Tate with wheelchairs /mobility scooters

I live on the same road as Tate -happy to pop in on my way home at about 8 and ask about what timings the tickets are up to

That would be amazing thank you! Would you also be able to check the criteria please?

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 18:31

Will do
should be back home at about 8 and the Tate is my next door neighbour

Littlechick97 · 14/09/2022 19:36

Hi there, i was wondering if someone could pop to the tate accessible queue ,my son has a disability and has a pip letter,i was wondering whether that would be proof? That will be greatly appreciated

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 19:59

Ok I have just been down at 7.45
To the right hand side of the Tate is a gated garden with a kiosk in it
Security guards are checking access
The current time that passes are being issued for is 10-11 this evening
There was a small queue (less than 50 people). They said that earlier it was much longer and onto the pavement

You do not need any specific proof
They said that Blue badge, DLA and PIP would all be fine
The person needs to be with you to join the queue

From there is is a flat walk along Millbank of about half a mile (maybe a bit less) and to Victoria Tower. Lots o police, army and volunteers who I am sure would help.
There is a tiny amount of on street parking in front of Chelsea College of Art (50 yards away) . Its as about 70% full at the moment (usually at night there is 1 black cab and 1 car using the electric point). Every car there had a blue badge that I could see (but that isnt required at night)

They are open 24 hours a day to issue passes and they are expecting it to drop off considerably from now for the rest of the night.

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 20:01

Dam- I didnt ask if more than 1 person could accompany someone. If anyone wants to know that I will pop back out.

poppymad · 14/09/2022 20:06

Thank you so much, we are travelling from Broadstairs on Friday, feel less anxious about it now!