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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:
OneDayIWillBeOrganised · 14/09/2022 22:44

@weddingDecliner just wanted to say what a thoughtful person you are to go out of your way to help others 🙂

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 22:49

Thanks for all the nice comments but honestly it is 3 minutes walk from my front door to the kiosk. It isnt an inconvenience.

zen1 · 14/09/2022 22:56

Been reading this thread and weddingDecliner’s helpful comments with interest. So am I understanding correctly that people with disabilities are also able to go throughout the night like those in the main queue?

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 23:03

zen1 · 14/09/2022 22:56

Been reading this thread and weddingDecliner’s helpful comments with interest. So am I understanding correctly that people with disabilities are also able to go throughout the night like those in the main queue?

Yes, that is what they said- open 24 hours a day. You get a timed ticket- the wait will vary but they said it was about 2-3 hours earlier . You dont wait in a queue but go to the entrance (which is through security cordons and about 10 minutes walk ) when it is your time. The walk is flat- they actually redid some of the pavement earlier in the year.

Obviously wait times will vary depending on demand.

SparklingXmas · 14/09/2022 23:05

I went today via the disability access queue- no evidence was needed and it was great, in and out in 40 mins.

mondaytosunday · 14/09/2022 23:10

You could Google this - I did and it says no proof is required. Slots will be timed and you can bring a carer.

Mummyoflittledragon · 14/09/2022 23:42

Thank you @weddingDecliner am seriously considering going with dd and booking a hotel. Autumn is the time of year when I have the most energy.

zen1 · 14/09/2022 23:47

Thanks for replying weddingDecliner, that’s really useful info.

weddingDecliner · 14/09/2022 23:53

Hotels are ridiculous in price or sold out.

If I was within a couple of hours of London I and wanting accessible access and had a car I would drive in to arrive in the evening or later. There is no congestion charge in the evening (not sure about ULEZ so check)

You can park near Tate Britain between 6.30pm and 8.30 am- although it is more restricted than usual as the flats are being renovated and a lot of parking is suspended and so residents are in the mixed parking bays. There are about 30 spaces alongside the Tate and usually at night there are 2 cars parked there.

Wait in your car until the slot. It is a very safe area plus the army are everywhere!

zen1 · 14/09/2022 23:59

I’m in an outer London zone and know the Southbank really well. I didn’t you could park that close to the Tate though!

weddingDecliner · 15/09/2022 00:01

zen1 · 14/09/2022 23:59

I’m in an outer London zone and know the Southbank really well. I didn’t you could park that close to the Tate though!

Tate Britain not Tate Modern although you can also park close to Tate Modern behind the Hilton Bankside and down a few roads around there as well.

LaurieFairyCake · 15/09/2022 00:08

You can also park under the National theatre

weddingDecliner · 15/09/2022 00:13

LaurieFairyCake · 15/09/2022 00:08

You can also park under the National theatre

For Tate Modern? Yes but it looked blocked off today- only saw it from the bus as `I went over Waterloo Bridge and obviously the queens queue was going past but there were road blocks I think.

begoniagal3 · 15/09/2022 06:21

Thank you so much @weddingDecliner . One more question if you don’t mind: I’m 37 weeks pregnant and have got SPD. I’d quite like to pay my respects but not keen on the hours long queue! As I have a temporary disability and no PIP/blue badge/etc, do you reckon they’d allow me in the accessible queue? I’m not far so it’s not a massive journey but not keen on making it if I’ll be turned away. I’d also want to bring my well-behaved, nearly 4 year-old.

tempyuseynamey · 15/09/2022 06:32

NC for thsi obviously

I've been involved in organising this so won't say much other than - you don't need proof to join the accessible queue. You can ask to speak privately to a steward to explain your needs. They've been given advice and training from local disability charities. The accessible queue can be found at the Tate Modern.

begoniagal3 · 15/09/2022 06:37

Thank you @tempyuseynamey . Don’t want to take advantage but do strugggle walking or standing much more than 30 min at a stretch these days! I reckon we’ll chance it and can at least go to the Pizza Express or Tate nearby if it’s too much of a faff. Thanks to you all x

BlooberryBiskits · 15/09/2022 06:37

Hi - just an update from tonight. The accessible queue was taking 2-3 hours (according to lady I met coming out who uses a mobility aid, I was in the other queue) so something to bear in mind

begoniagal3 · 15/09/2022 06:38

@BlooberryBiskits is that 2 hours from your timed admission (that is, timed entry is two hours from when you arrive at the Tate for the wristband) or is it two hours queuing time to get a wristband/get inside?

tempyuseynamey · 15/09/2022 06:45

To the person asking about bags and medication - this should be fine. Stewards etc have been made aware that people may need to keep essential medication and equipment with them. Just explain to them and all should be fine.

BlooberryBiskits · 15/09/2022 06:47

begoniagal3 · 15/09/2022 06:38

@BlooberryBiskits is that 2 hours from your timed admission (that is, timed entry is two hours from when you arrive at the Tate for the wristband) or is it two hours queuing time to get a wristband/get inside?

I actually don’t know all the details as this is info asked quickly if the lady ahead of me as we were leaving this morning

the 2-2.5 hours was from their slot ie I asked how long they had been walking for , and they seemed in good spirits/comfortable

I don’t know if they included time to queue at Tate but I did not get impression this was v long

it’s a totally separate route/queue for the accessibility route, the only place I could see the 2 lines meeting was actually in the hall

in your situation (living in London) I would go as early as possible today & you can ask this at the Tate I think ? And also ask if seats are available on the route as they would be needed by many using it I think

we saw a lot of (abandoned) camping chairs on the way but perhaps you would be able to keep one if needed for medical reasons

the whole thing but ESPECIALLY the accessible path was super well organised - eg the staff asked the lady ahead of me to use a separate exit too to save her a walk

weddingDecliner · 15/09/2022 06:49

tempyuseynamey · 15/09/2022 06:32

NC for thsi obviously

I've been involved in organising this so won't say much other than - you don't need proof to join the accessible queue. You can ask to speak privately to a steward to explain your needs. They've been given advice and training from local disability charities. The accessible queue can be found at the Tate Modern.

Tate Britain . Tate Modern is in bankside

that reflects what I saw. People in wheelchairs being waved through and some others stopping for a quick word. I didn’t see anyone turned away

do you recall the summer where TikTok was telling young healthy people to book wheelchairs at airports to avoid queues. If people start taking the piss I wonder if they will respond more robustly.

will check current times as I go to work

Aubriella · 15/09/2022 06:53

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?

I think it just means a golf umbrella, rather than one you can fit in a handbag.

Will I be allowed to join the accessible queuing system?
tempyuseynamey · 15/09/2022 07:08

whoops, I'm always getting told off for getting it wrong. Tate Britain, sorry.

LIZS · 15/09/2022 07:16

Dh has headed off there first thing today and got a slot 7-8, so minimal wait. He took a diagnosis letter but don't think it was required.

weddingDecliner · 15/09/2022 07:27

At 7.25 issuing tickets for 7-8
man told me he has just been all the way through and out and back in 45 mins

really lovely people here
lots of extra seats put out to wait