The Royal Bank of Scotland has been praised for improving the accessibility of their mobile banks by local MSP Rhoda Grant, Labour.

Wheelchair access will be included in the design of all new mobile banks and will be retrofitted into all existing mobile banks.

The bank has also installed MyHailo into all vehicles. MyHailo is a key fob that people with a disability can carry and if pressed, it alerts staff within a close by organisation with a MyHailo reader that someone needs assistance.

Portable hearing loops have also been  installed, adjustments for those with visual impairment and in addition, a handrail is available.

Rhoda Grant said:

“After it was announced that RBS would close 13 branches in the Highlands and Islands, I began pressuring the bank to reconsider their decision. I also wrote to the Equality and Human Rights Commission asking them to investigate how suitable the mobile banking fleet was for those with disability and mobility issues.

 “It’s encouraging to hear that RBS have taken the necessary steps for those who have disabilities or mobility problems. Obviously, this does not make up for closing the banks in the first place but I do believe that all banks – branches or mobile – should be accessible to all.

“I would encourage all other banks with mobile banking fleet to make the same necessary adjustments, if not already done so, to their vehicles.”