Annual Report 2000

The year's achievements

DPTAC's 1999 Annual Report set out the Committee's objectives for 2000. This section describes the most important work undertaken by DPTAC to meet those objectives, and the Committee's other key achievements during 2000.

Objective 1: to advise Government on the overarching issues affecting the transport needs of disabled people (e.g. the Transport Bill, the Government's 10 year transport plan, revisions to transport and planning guidance and compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)).

Transport 2010: the Government's 10 year plan for transport
(see A at the end of this section)

In its 1999 report, DPTAC welcomed the Government's announcement that it intended to publish a detailed plan for transport covering the next 10 years.

DPTAC advised the Government that the 10 Year Plan for Transport needed to produce a step change in the provision of access for disabled people, by making it a condition of investment.

The 10 Year Plan included this commitment in paragraph 6.5;

"The Government is committed to public transport that is accessible to disabled people. The rate and level of new investment in this Plan will ensure that improvements in the accessibility of public transport are brought forward more quickly. Building in accessibility for disabled people in all new investment is a condition of public money being spent. Local authorities and transport operators should ensure that the transport needs of disabled people are factored into their plans and that the full benefits of improved public transport are accessible to all."

DPTAC is delighted that this commitment has been made. The challenge ahead - for central and local government, transport operators, planners and regulators, and for disabled people - is to ensure that this is delivered at local level. The main barriers to this are:

• Whether those bidding for public funds and those approving funding understand the implication of the commitment in paragraph 6.5.
• Whether budget holders, once funding is approved, insist that projects are designed and constructed to agreed national standards of accessibility for all disabled people.
• Whether transport professionals are trained on access issues to prevent expensive mistakes being made.

During 2001, DPTAC will be working closely with Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions to advise on the development of mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating access for disabled people to ensure investment does achieve the 10 year plan objective. DPTAC will also work with devolved administrations to ensure consistency across the UK.

Fuel Duty Rebate (FDR):

The Commission for Integrated Transport was asked to review public subsidy for the bus industry including fuel duty rebate. One of its earliest recommendations, supported by DPTAC, was to extend FDR to Community Transport. Ministers accepted this recommendation and a commitment was included in the 10 Year Plan. DETR plan to consult on their proposals in early 2001.

The Transport Act 2000 (B)

DPTAC broadly welcomed the proposals in the Transport Bill and advised on amendments to improve the Bill's provisions on the transport needs of disabled people. The main issues were;

Local Transport Plans: Local Transport Plans (LTPs) are drawn up by individual local authorities in England and set out how the local authority intends to meet the transport needs of people in its area.

The Act placed LTPs on a statutory basis. The guidance issued by the DETR on the development of Local Transport Plans (C) includes requirements specifically relating to the needs of disabled people. DPTAC will be reviewing the findings of DETR research into the content of Local Transport Plans and their consideration of disabled people's travel needs.

Travel concessions: DPTAC, and others, suggested that the Bill was an ideal legislative opportunity to establish a minimum concessionary fare scheme for disabled people, as well as pensioners. The Government agreed and the national minimum concessionary fare scheme came into operation in April 2001. Local authorities in England and Wales are now under a legal duty to offer a free travel pass entitling eligible disabled and/or older people to travel at no more than half the normal fare on local bus services.

DPTAC also advised Government on the detailed guidance (D) to local authorities on the implementation of the concessionary fares provisions. Similar advice has been given to the National Assembly for Wales (E). Similar arrangements are planned in Scotland.

Exemptions from Road User Charging and Work Place Parking Levies: DPTAC welcomed the assurances given by Government during the passage of the Bill that disabled people dependent on private cars for independent mobility would be exempt from any charges resulting from the introduction of such schemes. DPTAC will continue to advise those taking forward such schemes to ensure that such disabled people are exempted from charges which would unduly restrict their independent mobility.

Substitute rail services: DPTAC advised on the Bill's requirement that, where rail services are temporarily suspended, train operators must provide alternative transport which is accessible to disabled people. This will help ensure that disabled people continue to have access to rail services during emergencies, works and refurbishment of the rail network.

Strategic Rail Authority: DPTAC welcomed the establishment of the SRA, which will ensure that consumer protection issues are dealt with by a single body, rather than being split between the Rail Regulator and the Franchising Director. As well as having a high-level duty to take account of the needs of disabled passengers, the SRA has taken on the duty to 'publish and otherwise promote the adoption and implementation' of the Code of Practice on meeting the needs of disabled passengers, formerly the responsibility of the Rail Regulator. Ministers gave an assurance in the House of Lords that the Ministerial Directions to the SRA would include a requirement to consult DPTAC on all issues that affect disabled rail passengers.

These provisions have been incorporated into the Transport Act 2000 and should result in improvements to transport for disabled people.

Planning Policy Guidance Note 13: Transport (F)

DPTAC responded to the DETR consultation on revisions to PPG13. The main points of the DPTAC response were;

• PPG13 should improve the understanding of what access for disabled people means. Access has different meanings for different audiences - access for disabled people and accessible transport services should be explained and sources of good practice information included. . PPG13 should highlight the role of planning in improving access for disabled people and require consideration of opportunities to improve access. . PPG13 should aim to ensure disabled people have access to all developments. . PPG13 should ensure minimum standards of accessible parking provision for Blue Badge holders. . PPG13 should promote the concept of an accessible travel chain, acknowledging that if one link in the journey presents a barrier to disabled people the whole trip will be inaccessible.

DETR published PPG13: Transport during Spring 2001.

Compliance with the DDA

During 2000, DPTAC continued to consider compliance with the requirements of the DDA by advising on the development and implementation of vehicle accessibility regulations.

DPTAC responded to the joint Department for Education and Employment/Disability Rights Commission (DfEE/DRC) consultation on a Code of Practice for Access to Goods, Facilities and Services under Part III of the Act. This consultation included the requirements under the Act for reasonable adjustments to premises by 2004. The main points of the DPTAC response recommended;

• Including more references clarifying the application of the DDA to transport, transport infrastructure and the pedestrian environment.
• Those regulating investment in the built environment should ensure accessibility is built into any new investment, including building renewal and refurbishment.
• Widening the scope of examples emphasising the diversity of disabled people's needs - and solutions - within an accessible built environment.
• Clarifying the relationship between Building Regulations and standards and the DDA. DPTAC advocated using the Building Regulations as the basis of standards but stressed the need for these standards to be significantly improved to take account of the needs of all disabled people.
• Focussing the Practical Guide for Small Businesses on access principles and sign-posting the standards and best practice available elsewhere.

The DRC is due to publish the revised Code of Practice and Practical Guide in 2001.

Objective 2: to commission research into the availability of education and training on disability issues, and to make recommendations to Government for possible action in this area.

DPTAC commissioned research on the availability of education and training from Social Research Associates (SRA) which was completed in early 2001.

The key aims of the research were to bring together information on current education and training provision in accessibility, and to advise on a strategy for ensuring that accessibility issues are covered in training of the current and future workforce.

In summary the research found;

• Most undergraduate courses in universities do not include accessibility to an adequate standard.
• The professional institutes in transport and the built environment have an inconsistent approach to access.
• There is a wide variety in the quality of training available to organisations and service providers.
• There is demand for greater understanding of access issues and for improved quality in the training resources available.

The research team gave a presentation to the DPTAC Main Committee in December 2000. DPTAC has now established a new working group on education and training to consider the further work necessary arising from the research report's recommendations.

Objective 3: establish the new Built Environment Working Group.

One of the recommendations of the Disability Rights Task Force's December 1999 report 'From Exclusion to Inclusion' (G) was that a DPTAC-style body should be set up to advise on ways of improving access to the built environment for disabled people. The Minister (Nick Raynsford) subsequently invited DPTAC to establish a high-level working group to take on this work, and DPTAC willingly agreed to do so.

DPTAC was delighted by the positive response to the new group from industry and disabled people. The working group includes representation from a wide cross-section of people drawn from the building, planning and disability worlds.

The group is chaired by Peter Barker OBE, a longstanding DPTAC member with much expertise in the built environment field. It met for the first time during August 2000 and has already become involved in;

• the review of Building Regulations covering access for disabled people,
• the development of guidance on planning and access,
• proposals to undertake research on development briefs and,
• a "Access Directory" drawing together current guidance and good practice.

Objective 4: establish constructive working relationships with the devolved administrations, including the Greater London Authority, as well as the Disability Rights Commission.

At its June 2000 meeting, the DPTAC Main Committee agreed that it should seek to develop good working relationships with the various devolved UK administrations with a view to ensuring that all the bodies received consistent advice on the transport and built environment needs of disabled people. Action to date is as follows:

Scottish Executive

The Scottish Executive already nominates two DPTAC members, and is also represented at official level as an observer at Main Committee meetings. In addition, further contacts have taken place between Executive officials and the DPTAC Secretariat. Those discussions have covered Scottish transport developments and proposals to be taken forward in 2001 for the establishment of a Scottish DPTAC.

The DPTAC Chair and Secretary have also met with Scottish disability organisations.

National Assembly for Wales

The Assembly nominates one DPTAC member. During 2000, the DPTAC Secretariat met Assembly officials with responsibility for mobility issues, and an Assembly official has now taken up observer status on DPTAC's Main Committee. DPTAC has made written responses to a number of Assembly consultation documents.

Greater London Authority

The London Mayor has a statutory duty to consult DPTAC when preparing or revising his transport strategy document. Following the Mayoral elections in May 2000, DPTAC accordingly established a London Task Group to prepare a DPTAC response to the Mayor's draft strategy. During 2000, the Group had a number of meetings and contacts with representatives of the Authority and Transport for London (the Mayor's transport body). The Mayor's draft strategy (H) was formally published in January 2001.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Officials from the Northern Ireland Department for Regional Development have observer status at DPTAC Main Committee. The DPTAC Secretary has attended a meeting of the Northern Ireland Transport Advisory Committee and further contacts will be made during 2001.

Disability Rights Commission

The DRC was established in April 2000. DPTAC and the DRC have mutual observer status which is proving beneficial to both organisations. DPTAC will continue to develop this relationship with the DRC during 2001, particularly in relation to transport and the built environment.

Objective 5: to continue to monitor the impact of both Parts III and Part V of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Part III: Access to goods, facilities and services - Code of Practice

Part III of the DDA places requirements on service providers to make goods, facilities and services more accessible. The final stage of the provisions, relating to duties on service providers where physical features make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people, come into force in 2004.

As mentioned above, DPTAC considered the joint DfEE and DRC consultation paper on the revised Code of Practice on Part III of the DDA - Access to Good, Facilities and Services.

DPTAC clarified several issues relating to access to transport services, strengthening references in particular to emphasise the coverage of transport infrastructure under the Act.

DPTAC also highlighted the need for clarification of how the Act applies to pedestrian environments and existing guidance and good practice in relation to access to buildings. The Code of Practice is due for publication during 2001.

Part V

Under Part V of the DDA, the Secretary of State has powers to make regulations, which set accessibility standards for public transport vehicles and taxis.

Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations

DPTAC continued to be closely involved in the development of the PSV Accessibility Regulations (I) which came into effect on 30 August 2000. Since 1 January 2001 all new single and double-decker buses as well as coaches with more than 22 seats must be accessible to ambulant disabled and sensory impaired people: for example, vehicles must have easier steps and handrails in the entrances, and colour contrast as well as improved seating. After 1 January 2005, all new buses and coaches will also have to be accessible to wheelchair users.

During the later half of 2000, members of the DPTAC Bus and Coach Working Group supported DETR in a programme of training sessions explaining the requirements of the PSV accessibility regulations to industry and to vehicle examiners.

Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations

The Secretary of State is required to consult DPTAC on any application for exemption from the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR). During 2000, the DPTAC Rail Exemptions Sub Committee met 9 times and advised the Secretary of State on 20 applications for exemption from 11 train operators.

DPTAC aims to make a recommendation on each application within approximately one month of receipt.

The exemption process was primarily designed to accommodate new trains in the pipeline as at 31 December 1998. Two full years have passed since RVAR was introduced. DPTAC now expects the number of new applications for exemption to reduce during 2001. DPTAC's strong advice, supported by Ministers and regulators, is that manufacturers and operators must comply fully with RVAR. The rail industry have got to work together to develop solutions promptly on outstanding technical issues which still generate requests for extensions of existing exemptions from RVAR. Fully compliant rail vehicles will benefit all passengers.

DPTAC also advised on the DETR consultation on the Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (J) which resolved some minor technical issues identified through the implementation of the previous regulations.

Taxi Accessibility Regulations

Consultation on initial proposals for taxis concluded at the end of 1997. Those proposals suggested an implementation date of 2002 with an end date of 2012. Following the analysis of the responses to the consultation, together with the detailed economic analysis of the draft proposals, Ministers announced in late 2000 that they would not be pursuing a start date of 2002 for taxi accessibility regulations.

DPTAC acknowledge that a reduction in taxi services would be of no benefit to anyone, including disabled people. However, DPTAC has pressed for any delay in the introduction of requirements to be used to improve the eventual standards.

We understand a final package is under consideration and we hope that Ministers will announce the revised final timetable for implementation, together with a date for the final statutory consultation in the near future.

DPTAC welcomed implementation of Section 37 of the Disability Discrimination Act (to be implemented from 31 March 2001) which requires the carriage of guide, hearing and assistance dogs in taxis without extra charge to the owner.

DPTAC also contributed to DETR guidance to taxi drivers and licensing authorities and to disabled people on understanding the requirements under Section 37 (K).

Improving access to conferences

DPTAC is concerned that disabled people are unable to participate in many of the debates and conferences that contribute to the development of good practice in transport and the built environment. This has been raised with the Deputy Prime Minister in relation to Government conferences. As a result, new instructions have been issued to Government departments about the need to ensure that venues are accessible.

The DPTAC Chair wrote to conference organisers recommending that access issues should be included on conference agendas and seeking to ensure that conferences are made accessible to disabled people.

Travel information

During 2000, DPTAC met regularly with representatives of Traveline (formerly Public Transport Information 2000, PTI 2000) and will ensure that the national multi-modal timetable information system provides a service which is accessible to disabled people. Traveline call centres are now operational in England, Wales and Scotland. Representatives from Northern Ireland are considering how their public transport call centre might also join Traveline. Traveline can be reached on 0870 608 2 608 (textphone on 0870 241 2216).

DPTAC have been involved in the production of the Association of Transport Co-Ordinating Officers (ATCO) Code of Good Practice for printed transport timetable information, to ensure that all disability issues are included. It is hoped that the Code of Practice will become the benchmark for local authorities as well as the transport industries.

Objective 6: to advise on any possible legislation to implement the recommendations of the Disability Rights Task Force.

The Government published an interim response to the Disability Rights Task Force in March 2000 (L). Significant progress has been made on the majority of the recommendations since then.

As mentioned above, in response to one of the DRTF recommendations DPTAC has established a working group to advise on improving access to the built environment for disabled people.

The Built Environment Working Group has been asked to consider related DRTF recommendations concerning a review of Part M of the Building Regulations (DRTF Recommendation 8.1), scope for applying Part M to existing buildings (8.2) and a good practice guide on planning and access (8.4).

Keith Hill, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State announced on 7 December 2000 that the Government intended to open discussions with the relevant industries on taking forward the transport recommendations of the Disability Rights Task Force which require legislation.

The Government's final response to the Disability Rights Task Force (M) was published on 5 March 2001 and in it the Government announced that it agrees with the Task Force's conclusions on;

• the need for an end date and refurbishment regulations for rail rolling stock (7.1),
• the need to remove the exemption of transport operators from the first and October 1999 phases of the DDA (7.2) and,
• application of the DDA access to service provision to car hire and breakdown recovery services (7.5).

The Government intends to publish a consultation paper in summer 2001.

DPTAC will be considering mechanisms to make private hire vehicles more accessible, in consultation with DRC and industry during 2001 (7.3).

Objective 7: to raise standards of accessibility on transport not covered by the DDA (in particular ferries and air travel)

The design of large passenger ships and passenger infrastructure: Guidance on meeting the needs of disabled people.

In November, DPTAC held a conference to launch this guidance document. DPTAC are very grateful to Keith Hill MP for speaking at the conference in support of the document.

The guidance document has been widely distributed among disability organisations and the shipping industry. The guidance builds on advice from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and has been well received by all parties.

The Navel Architects journal (N) stated "designers should remember the words of DPTAC committee member Jean Dunlop, who no doubt summed up the feelings of many: 'we have spending power; we want to travel, and we want to travel with dignity'. Naval architects should take her words to heart."

Access to Air Travel

During 2000, representatives from DPTAC participated in a DETR steering group developing the UK 'Code of Practice: Access to Air Travel for Disabled People' aimed at the aviation industry from travel agents to airlines.

The draft Code of Practice will be issued for consultation during Spring 2001. DETR hopes that a voluntary code will be effective. But the Government has indicated that, when a suitable legislative opportunity arises, it will introduce a reserve regulation-making power which can be used to give statutory backing to the Code if voluntary compliance proves unreliable.

DPTAC will be developing accompanying guidance for disabled people to explain what the Code will mean in practice.

DPTAC has continued work on a specification for wheelchair accessible toilets on wide-bodied aircraft and pocket sized guidance for handling agents on how to provide assistance to disabled air travellers.

In December, Lord MacDonald launched a DETR consultation on the Future of Aviation policy with ten challenges to the aviation industry, including how they will meet the needs of disabled people. DPTAC will be setting out what they believe is necessary during 2001.

Specification for small buses

For some time DPTAC has been concerned about the standard of accommodation provided for people with disabilities in many minibuses and other small buses carrying 9-22 passengers.

Currently there is little regulatory guidance in this area for small buses. Accordingly DPTAC produced draft specifications for consultation, to encourage improved design and development of more suitable vehicles - as happened with the DPTAC specifications for larger vehicles issued in the 1990s. DPTAC aim to issue a final version of the small bus specification during 2001.

Blue Badge Scheme Review

The DETR, with the Scottish Executive, National Assembly for Wales and Department for Regional Development (Northern Ireland), are carrying out a comprehensive review of the disabled persons parking scheme.

The review covers all aspects of the scheme ranging from eligibility, the role and function of local authorities and enforcement issues. It will also examine the implications of using the scheme as a means of securing future exemptions for disabled people from road user charging and workplace parking levy schemes.

Membership of the DETR Blue Badge review steering group includes Sir Peter Large, a long standing member of DPTAC. A consultation paper on the scheme is due in 2001.

The Northern Ireland Transport Advisory Committee has reported to DPTAC that the recommendations contained in DPTAC's previous report 'Review of the Orange Badge Scheme' have been implemented in full in Northern Ireland.

The Transport (Scotland) Bill includes a proposal, supported by DPTAC, to allow the inspection of Blue Badges to aid the enforcement of parking restrictions.

Objective 8: to promote awareness of developments in accessible transport (and thus raise awareness of the Committee) among Government, transport industries, and the general public, including disabled people.

Model DPTAC guidance notes

DPTAC has developed model guidance that has been issued to all bidders, short-listed by the Strategic Rail Authority in the franchise replacement process. The guidance covers the main principles which bidders should include in their submissions to take account of the needs of disabled people. This included requiring evidence of the strategy to bring stations and rolling stock up to accessible standards as soon as practicable and improving the information available to disabled people.

DPTAC also produced guidance on the development of Multi-Modal Studies to advise the Government Offices for the Regions (and consultants undertaking the studies) on the strategic issues they should be addressing in respect of disabled people. This included arranging consultation with local disabled people and ensuring public transport options are available and accessible.

Copies of both guidance are available on the DPTAC website or from the Secretariat.

Making DPTAC more effective

During 2000, DPTAC considered how to improve its effectiveness. It was agreed that there were a number of areas for further action:

• Produce articles for publication,
• Influence policy decisions and provide guidance to disabled people,
• Commission research,
• Produce a clear statement of DPTAC's aims and objectives,
• Have a strong DPTAC web presence,
• Improve communication with disability organisations,
• Develop an information leaflet describing its role.

Produce articles for publication

DPTAC issued press releases: announcing the launch of its guidance on large passenger ships and infrastructure; welcoming the 10-year plan on transport and Local Transport Plan decision letter in December; and for the 1999 Annual report. DETR also issued a press release announcing the launch of the new built environment working group.

In addition, there have been various items and interviews about DPTAC published in the disability press.

Influence policy decisions and provide guidance to disabled people

As well as responding to numerous Government consultation documents, DPTAC met its sponsor Minister (Keith Hill MP) three times during the year: the Minister received advice on taxi issues, launched the large passenger ships and infrastructure guidance and attended the Main Committee meeting in December 2000.

DPTAC will continue to seek regular meetings with Ministers on relevant issues, including the 10-year transport plan and the built environment working group.

Commission research

As mentioned above, DPTAC commissioned research into the availability and quality of education and training during 2000. The results of this research are being considered by DPTAC and will inform the future work of the Committee.

In addition, DPTAC has received funding to take forward three research projects during 2001. These are;

• Research into disabled people's attitudes to transport - to identify the priorities and main barriers to independent mobility among disabled people and measure awareness of the improvements in transport accessibility being planned.
• A "Access Directory" of access guidance - drawing together the guidance and advice available on access issues to assist practitioners locate and use good practice.
• Advice on procuring accessible buildings and transport infrastructure - reviewing what measures to include in development briefs to ensure access for disabled people is built into developments.

Produce a clear statement of DPTAC's aims and objectives

DPTAC has agreed a draft leaflet which include its aims and objectives. The leaflet is due to be published in Summer 2001. The main aims and DPTAC principles are contained in Appendix A.

Have a strong DPTAC web presence

DPTAC has decided to develop a website independent of the DETR site. The site will provide information to a wide range of audiences, including disabled people and the transport and development industries, covering legislative requirements, good practice and availability of guidance.

We plan to launch the DPTAC website in Summer 2001 at: http://www.dptac.gov.uk.

Improve communication with disabled people and their organisations

DPTAC wants to raise awareness of its relevance to disabled people across the UK and help inform disabled people of developments in accessibility. As part of this programme, DPTAC is proposing to undertake a series of seminars throughout the UK, inviting local organisations.

The seminars would have four main purposes;

• Publicise DPTAC and its work,
• Inform local organisations about recent developments in accessibility,
• To listen to the priorities and concerns of disabled people first hand,
• To hear about local good practice and innovative solutions.

DPTAC will pilot this approach during the second half of 2001 in one or two areas and evaluate its effectiveness before deciding whether to roll out a larger programme of events in 2002.

As mentioned above, DPTAC will also be producing an information leaflet to address some of the same issues and help raise awareness among disabled people of the Committee and its role. The leaflet will also identify sources for further information.

Other Key Activities

Aviation Working Group

The DPTAC Airports working group and Access to the Skies Committee (ATTSUK) have been holding joint meetings for some time. During 2000, the DPTAC Secretariat assumed responsibility for supporting the group. This presented an opportunity to review the membership of the combined group to bring it into line with other working groups. The revised DPTAC Aviation working group continues to address customer service, design and access issues, consulting with disabled people and industry.

Taxi Working Group

The Taxi Working Group will need to advise over the coming period on the development of DDA taxi regulations and the Disability Rights Task Force recommendation that DPTAC should consider possible mechanisms for increasing the availability of accessible private hire vehicles.

DPTAC, with support from the Minister, decided at the end of 2000 to review the practical arrangement for the Group. The new arrangements are designed to concentrate on the needs of disabled people specifically in relation to taxis and private hire vehicles.

During 2001, DPTAC and industry regulators will meet to discuss a preliminary position on particular issues, and then invite the trade members of the Working Group to offer comments and contribute to the development of advice to Government.

Increased Secretariat

DPTAC's 1999 Annual Report reported on agreement to provide DPTAC with a dedicated Secretariat rather than part-time support from DETR's Mobility and Inclusion Unit. The Secretariat now has five full-time staff.

The DPTAC Secretariat has been effective in enabling the Committee to raise its profile and deliver its objectives. This has contributed to an increasing workload and DPTAC is grateful for the support it has received from the Government enabling the Secretariat to be increased in size.

Useful publications and references

A Transport 2010; The 10 year plan - available from Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Publications Sales Centre, Unit 21, Goldthorpe Industrial Estate, Godthorpe, Rotherham S63 9BL Tel: 01709 891318 and The Stationery Office (TSO) bookshop, PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN, Telephone orders: 0870 600 5522 - Web http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/bookstore.asp?

B Transport Act 2000 - available from the TSO bookshop as at A above

C Guidance on Full Local Transport Plans - available from DETR Free Literature, PO Box 236, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 7NB - Tel: 0870 1226 236

D Guidance on Concessionary Fares - Consultation paper on Implementation - available from DETR Free Literature as at C above

E Guidance on Concessionary Fares for Disabled People in Wales - available from the National Welsh Assembly, Parc Cathays/Cathays Park Caerdydd/Cardiff, CF10 3BQ - Tel: 029 2082 6322

F Planning Policy Guidance Note 13: Transport - available from TSO bookshop as at A above

G From Exclusion to Inclusion; DRTF; 1999 - available from http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/index.htm or Disability Rights Commission, 7 th floor, 222 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8HL - Tel: 020 7211 3000

H Mayor's Transport Strategy - Draft for Public Consultation; GLA; 2001 - available from http://www.london.gov.uk or GLA - Tel: 0800 019 1199

I Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2000, SI No. 1970 - available from http://www.opsi.gov.uk or The Stationery Office as at (A) above

J Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Amendment) Regulations 2000; SI No. 3215 - available from http://www.opsiwww.gatwickexpress.com.gov.uk or The Stationery Office as at (A) above

K Guidance on the Carriage of Guide, Hearing and Other Assistance Dogs in Taxis - available from The Mobility & Inclusion Unit, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Zone 1/18, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR - Tel: 020 7944 3277 Web site www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/miu/ and, Travelling with Assistance Dogs in Taxis: Advice for Disabled People - available from DETR Free Literature 0870 1226 236 Fax: 0870 1226 237

L DRTF Interim Response - available at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/index.htm

M DfEE, 2000, Towards Inclusion - Civil rights for Disabled People. Government response to the Disability Rights Task Force

N The Naval Architects January 2001 edition - available from The Royal Institution of Naval Architects, 10 Upper Belgrave Street, London, SW1X 8BQ - Tel: 020 7235 4622 - Web site http://www.rina.org.uk

Published 20 July 2001

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