Annual Report 2000

The year ahead

2001 will be a year in which to build on the progress made during the last twelve months, turning the commitments on improving access for disabled people into action. DPTAC will continue to ensure it maximises the opportunities currently available to the best advantage of disabled people by advising Government on how best to achieve accessible solutions, raising awareness among disabled people of DPTAC and developments which improve the accessibility of transport and the built environment.

We want to continue to raise the profile of the Committee and make it more effective. To that end, DPTAC has set itself a challenging work programme during 2001. Some of the key priorities for 2001 are summarised below;

1. Implementation of the 10 Year Plan for Transport

The Government included a commitment in Transport 2010 - the 10 year plan for transport - making access for disabled people a condition of public money being spent. While DPTAC cannot monitor every decision it will be considering the most effective means of ensuring those making assessments and decisions on public funding incorporate this commitment in their work.

2. Reviewing education and training

DPTAC will be establishing a working group to consider how to take forward the recommendations resulting from the research into the availability of education and training.

3. Undertaking research

DPTAC will be seeking to commission research into disabled people's attitudes to public transport and their priorities. In the longer term this research will help influence the work programme and priorities of DPTAC.

Additional research will be undertaken creating a 'Access Directory' drawing together legislation, advice and guidance relating to access issues.

The Built Environment working group will also undertake research on development briefs to produce guidance on ensuring access is built into developments.

4. Relations with the devolved administrations and the Disability Rights Commission

DPTAC will seek agreement from devolved administrations that they will seek DPTAC's advice on strategic issues relating to access and mobility for disabled people. This will include agreeing working relationships with the new Scottish advisory committee on the transport needs of disabled people.

DPTAC and DRC have mutual observer status. Further discussions are planned on how DPTAC and DRC can further develop their relationship and co-ordinate work on the built environment and transport.

5. Communication and influence at a local level

DPTAC wishes to ensure that local organisations are aware of developments at a national level and how they relate to local issues. DPTAC will be seeking to support local organisations, piloting regional seminars and developing advice for local organisations.

6. Monitoring progress on travel information

DPTAC will continue to offer advice and recommendations on the development of travel information, to ensure that new initiatives such as Transport Direct and Traveline meet the needs of disabled people.

7. Promote developments in accessible transport and built environments

DPTAC will continue to offer advice and guidance in respect of transport and the built environment issues, in particular those arising from the relevant recommendations from the Disability Rights Task Force and implementation of the DDA.

These over-arching priorities will be complemented by the activities of each working group which have more detailed objectives relating to their area of activity. Appendix F contains the objectives for 2001, on which DPTAC will report next year.

Preparing for a new term of office

The DPTAC Chair and Members are appointed for a three year period, and 31 December 2001 will mark the end of the current cycle. The members of DPTAC are appointed by the Secretary of State and DETR will, during 2001, be inviting applications for the next period in accordance with Government guidelines on appointments to Non-Departmental Public Bodies.

A more detailed version of the work plan is available on request from the DPTAC Secretariat.

Published 20 July 2001

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