Crazy health and safety rules could mean disabled passengers will need a home visit and assessment before being allowed to board buses.

The new regulations, which will apply to services in Gravesham, Dartford and the rest of Kent, could see bus representatives taking the measurements and other specifications of wheelchairs and mobility scooters before deciding whether to allow them on the network.

Aviva says the new rules are designed to avoid any confusion and make the service more "user-friendly", but disabled passengers say it will only serve to further alienate and embarrass them, deterring them from using public transport.

Debbie Stiff, 40, of Cherry Avenue, Swanley, cannot use the network on her mobility scooter, but she would refuse to try even if she could, she said.

The "I don't do buses any more. It's embarrassing enough with all the ramps and delays getting on. These new rules will only make people even more self conscious."

For the full story see this week's Dartford Messenger, out now.