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Annual Report 2001ContentsThe Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee
Annex A: Acronyms - what the words mean Chair's IntroductionIn last year's annual report I said we had been considering ways to promote the needs of disabled people and share DPTAC advice on best practice with disabled people and industry. One solution introduced last year was our own dedicated web site. It provides information on the work of the Committee and progress towards improving access for disabled people on all modes of transport, including walking as well as the built environment. In addition, our consultation documents and major responses as well as minutes of Main Committee meetings are available on-line. During the year DPTAC discussed the best way of understanding the attitudes of disabled people to transport provision. It was decided to commission a holistic study to identify current travel patterns and try and understand issues for disabled people in using each transport mode. This will also establish where disabled people think the priorities for transport policy lie for the first time and suggest ways to improve access. The survey's results and recommendations will be published later this year. Continuing concerns of the poor quality accommodation available to disabled people on many minibuses led DPTAC to publish Accessibility Specifications for Small Buses. We hope that these specifications will promote best practice, encourage improvements in design and the development of more suitable vehicles for disabled passengers. Access to large buses is already being improved following the implementation of the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations in 2000. In 2001 we continued to make progress towards improving access to transport and the built environment for all disabled people. However, much remains to be done. DPTAC will focus on providing high level and strategic advice, which positively encourages industry to:
Last year was difficult for transport. The continuing effects of the Hatfield crash and the terrorist attacks in America put the rail and aviation industries under a severe strain. However, although tragic, these events do not lessen the obligations of industry in meeting the transport needs of all disabled people. I would like to pay a special tribute to Peter Field who died suddenly last year. Peter was one of our most valued members and his enthusiasm and expertise will be greatly missed by all DPTAC and everyone else who knew him. Peter was closely involved in our report on rural areas, which we hope to publish early in 2002. None of DPTAC's work would be possible without the dedication of the Members of DPTAC and the working groups. As we have come to the end of our committee cycle I would like to record my thanks to all DPTAC Members who will not be with us in 2002 for all their previous hard work. I would also like to thank the DPTAC Secretariat for their help over the last twelve months. The invaluable support from colleagues in the Department of Transport Local Government and the Regions, the Scottish Executive, the Welsh Assembly, the Northern Ireland Executive, the Greater London Authority, and the transport and the built environment industries is greatly appreciated. I look forward to working with the new Committee to continue the momentum already built up over the last 3 years. Jane Wilmot The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory CommitteeBackground1. The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) is an independent body advising the Government on the transport needs of disabled people. DPTAC provides expert advice and carries out independent research on disabled people and their interface with transport, with the aim of promoting a more inclusive society. 2. Since summer 2000, DPTAC has also been responsible for advising the Government on the built environment needs of disabled people, as recommended by the Disability Rights Task Force. 3. DPTAC was established under the 1985 Transport Act and held its first meeting in 1986. Jane Wilmot was appointed as Chair of DPTAC in 1999, together with twenty members, chosen to bring expertise on a broad range of issues and a critical overview of transport policy. 4. During 2001 DPTAC was made up as follows: Chair Members Observers 5. At the end of 2001, these members reached the end of their three year term. Details on our current membership, appointed by Ministers during late 2001, are listed on our web site (http://www.dptac.gov.uk/about.htm#06) or available from the Secretariat. 6. The Main Committee met four times during the year and considered strategic issues and those issues considered by its working groups. Eight working groups have been active over the past year composed of DPTAC members and external experts representing relevant interests. Details of all groups are available on the DPTAC web site (http://www.dptac.gov.uk/about.htm#06) or from the Secretariat. 7. DPTAC has a modest research budget, and has commissioned new work in a number of areas to use as a basis for its advice to Government. Besides working groups, DPTAC used a variety of working methods to conduct its work programme and disseminate information, including press briefings, visits, and hearings with external organisations. 8. DPTAC advises Government, among other things, on:
Objectives of the Committee9. DPTAC's aim is to ensure that disabled people can go where everyone else goes and that they can do so as easily and without extra cost. DPTAC's role is to provide independent advice to Government both where invited by Ministers and on the basis of its own work programme. This has tackled specific policy questions where the broad range of interests in DPTAC can help to bring about consensus. 10. However, it also involved DPTAC in taking a longer term perspective than that normally available to Government. DPTAC has a consumer bias, reflecting the fact that it is composed primarily of real users of transport and the built environment with day-to-day experience of mobility impairments. DPTAC also makes efforts to reach out to a wider audience to ensure that the transport debate includes the concerns of everyone who needs to travel. 11. DPTAC has a unique position in helping to develop and maintain the consensus on accessible transport policy. Innovative thinking has been a hallmark of DPTAC's approach, providing balanced and constructive advice has involved bringing together different perspectives in order to achieve consensus. Our Strategy12. For 2002-4 DPTAC aims to deliver the objectives above. The Strategy will remain broadly consistent although the detailed work programme will require scope to react to external events. 13. However, DPTAC has also taken a prominent role in leading the debate in relation to defining accessibility for disabled people and this will continue in partnership with other key stakeholders, such as the Disability Rights Commission, transport industry and built environment community. 14. In its three year work strategy, DPTAC will develop a more detailed work programme for each year. DPTAC's strategy is available at http://www.dptac.gov.uk/strategy.htm and from the Secretariat. Achievements in 2001A new web site15. DPTAC launched its own independent website in July 2001 at: http://www.dptac.gov.uk. 16. The web site was developed to reinforce DPTAC's independent identity, separate from the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR). It is also part of DPTAC's aim to make the committee more transparent and help inform disabled people of developments in transport policy. 17. The web site provides information on different modes of transport and access to the built environment. It will provide a summary of key issues and explains DPTAC's activities in that area. It also provides links to relevant information and references where appropriate. 18. The web site had 29,000 visitors between its launch in July and 31st January. DPTAC is keen for the web site to expand and be a source of reference for disabled people, disability organisations and those involved in the transport and the built environment industry. 19. However, it is not sufficient to provide information on the web site alone, so we plan to raise awareness of DPTAC and its work through other mediums. All our publications are available free in a range of formats and this year we produced a summary leaflet, 'Who we are and what we do' (Adobe Acrobat - 39kb), on the role of the Committee. Copies are available from the Secretariat. MORI research20. DPTAC commissioned MORI to undertake a survey to establish:
21. The study was undertaken in late Autumn 2001 and covered the experiences and views of a wide range of people with different disabilities to various travel modes, including attitudes to the use of the private car, public transport and the street environment. 22. The survey will complement the Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT) public attitude surveys on transport completed over the last two years. 23. We will publish the findings of the survey in Spring 2002. Small bus specification24. In our Annual Report 2000 we highlighted concern about the standard of accommodation provided for disabled people in small buses. 25. Following extensive consultation and debate, DPTAC published its 'Accessibility Specifications for Small Buses carrying 9-22 passengers inclusive' in December 2001. 26. We hope this specification will encourage improved design and development of accessible small vehicles just as the DPTAC Low Floor Bus Specification paved the way for the DDA bus regulations introduced in 1999. Education and training27. DPTAC has identified the shortage of professionals skilled in techniques in integrating accessibility for older and disabled people in transport and the built environment as a major barrier in delivering Government objectives for a better and more convenient transport system and built environment for everyone. 28. Research for DPTAC last year revealed the lack of training and education courses and resources for professionals on access for disabled people. 29. DPTAC established an Education and Training Working Group in July 2001. Its remit is to ensure access for disabled people is part of the mainstream professional training of everyone who influences the accessibility of transport and built environment. 30. DPTAC will identify the current skills and competencies on access for disabled people among transport and built environment professionals, working with professional institutions to ensure a core competency framework is established and implemented. Mayor of London's transport strategy31. The Mayor of London has a statutory duty to consult DPTAC on the development and any revisions to his transport strategy. 32. DPTAC's London Task Group was established specifically to respond to the Mayor's transport strategy and had a number of meetings with representatives of the Greater London Authority and Transport for London. 33. Many of DPTAC's recommendations were addressed in the final strategy but concerns remain, particularly over the proposals for the congestion charging scheme. Advising on specific topicsDTLR Code of Practice on Access to Air Travel34. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) does not cover aviation although services provided at UK airports are covered. DPTAC advised DTLR on its voluntary Code of Practice, with the working title, Access to Air Travel for Disabled People, which will be published in 2002. This Code is aimed at travel agents, tour operators, UK scheduled and charter airlines and airports, including their designers, ground handling companies and retailers. 35. The Government has agreed to take a reserve power, to place the Code on a statutory footing if the voluntary Code is ineffective. 36. DPTAC will also publish a companion guide for disabled people on travelling by air. Eligibility Criteria for concessionary travel37. DPTAC advised DTLR on extending the criteria for disabled people eligible for concessionary travel to include people with learning disabilities as well as severely and profoundly deaf people. Concessionary Fares for Express Coach Services38. DPTAC is represented on the Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT), which was asked to look at public support for the bus industry and how best it could be directed. Last year CfIT recommended that Fuel Duty Rebate (FDR) be extended to community transport and other flexible services. This year CfIT, with DPTAC support, also recommended that FDR be extended to express coach services in return for 50% concessionary travel for pensioners and disabled people. This recommendation has been accepted. Planning for accessibility39. During 2001, DPTAC worked closely with DTLR to develop guidance on the planning system and access for disabled people. DPTAC assisted in the drafting of the specification for the research and is involved in the project steering group. We anticipate the Guide will be completed in Spring 2002. 40. The good practice guide will focus on how the existing planning system can deliver access for disabled people more effectively. DPTAC sees this as the start of a process whereby the planning process plays a much greater role in securing access for disabled people. 41. In Wales, DPTAC welcomed the revision of Technical Advice Note 12: Design, which specifically mentioned the concept of 'Inclusive Design'. We advised on expanding the concept and principles but believe this represents a move forward from considering access for disabled people as 'special facilities'. Building Regulations and Standards42. DPTAC has played a full part in the review of Building Regulations Part M, and its Approved Document governing access standards for disabled people to buildings in England and Wales. 43. Through membership of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee Part M Working Group we have contributed to the review and anticipate a public consultation draft being issued by DTLR in Spring 2002. 44. The Part M requirements cover access for disabled people. The Approved Document includes guidance on one approach for meeting those requirements, without preventing alternative solutions. In reviewing the Part M requirements and Approved Document guidance the opportunity has been taken to move towards inclusive design principles that should ensure much improved access for disabled people and all other building users. 45. In Scotland we also advised on the review of the Building Standards system. BS8300 Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people46. DPTAC is delighted that the British Standards Institute (BSi) has completed its review of guidance. The new standard 'BS8300; 2001 Design of Buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people' represents a significant step forward. Importantly, BS8300 is based on validated evidence of the access needs of disabled people. 47. DPTAC particularly welcomes the recognition by BSi that knowledge on access for disabled people is rapidly improving and applauds the decision to have a standing committee monitoring the Standard in practice. The Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS)48. DPTAC warmly welcomed and advised on the proposals to establish an advisory committee on the transport needs of disabled people to the Scottish Executive. 49. DPTAC, as a cross border authority, looks forward to establishing constructive working relationships with MACS to ensure consistent and credible advice. Rural Task Group50. The Rural Task Group was established to investigate the transport needs of disabled people both visiting the countryside and those living in rural areas. 51. The Group was chaired by Peter Field, who died suddenly in July. Peter Field was a tireless campaigner for the needs of disabled people at a local and national level. The rural report will be published in his memory in Spring 2002. 52. The main conclusions of the task group were that the transport needs of disabled people in rural areas were not significantly different to their needs in urban areas but that the intensity of need was greater. Home Zone Working Group53. DPTAC sits on the DTLR Home Zone Working Group. The Group hopes to change the way streets within a zone are used by introducing speed limits, road tables, raised platforms and road narrowing etc. This encourages motorists to give priority to other road users, including children, pedestrians and cyclists. 54. The Group aims to develop good practice for delivering Home Zones. Pilot schemes in urban and rural environments have been selected. 55. The Secretary of State invited all local authorities in England to apply for a share of £30m to help finance their Home Zone projects. All applicants are required to demonstrate that the needs of people with impaired mobility (including blind and partially sighted people) have been considered carefully. 56. DPTAC has responded to "Home Zones and Quiet Lanes", a consultation paper on statutory guidance and regulations. Rail Exemptions57. The Secretary of State is required to consult DPTAC on any application for exemption from the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR). During 2001, the DPTAC Rail Exemptions Sub Committee met 7 times and advised the Secretary of State on 35 applications for exemption from 14 train operators. 58. It is now over three years since RVAR was introduced and there are few new applications for exemption because manufacturers generally design trains to meet the Regulations. Other applications have also come from non-mainstream rail vehicles, such as heritage railways, which are covered under the Regulations if new vehicles are introduced. 59. However, there is still a backlog of short-term exemptions, which will expire during the next few years. We are disappointed by the continuing need for extensions and will be working with the Association of Train Operating Companies to develop good practice. 60. DPTAC also advised on the development of accessibility regulations in Northern Ireland. DDA taxi regulations61. DPTAC continues to press the Government on the need to take forward the development of accessible taxis while acknowledging the practical difficulties this presents for the industry. 62. We 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 taxi regulations to be used to improve the eventual standards. Monitoring para 6.5 and Transport 201063. In last year's Annual Report, DPTAC welcomed the commitment by Government to ensure that all public funding for transport was conditional on access for disabled people being included. 64. During 2001, DPTAC continued to stress the commitment to access and ensured it is taken forward in guidance and advice on transport projects. We have discussed how access for disabled people might be included in the Government's New Approach to Appraisal (NATA) process, advised the Commission for Integrated Transport to include reference in its advice to Government and will receive an analysis of how access is being addressed in Local Transport Plans. Work in progressBlue Badge Review65. At the end of 2001, DPTAC was invited by the Secretary of State on behalf of all four UK administrations to receive responses to their consultation on the review of the parking concession scheme for disabled people. 66. The Disabled Persons' Parking Badge Scheme was introduced in 1971. It is an on-street parking concession and does not apply to off-street parking. On April 1 2000, the scheme was replaced by the Blue European Parking Badge Scheme for Disabled People. Blue badges are being phased in over a three-year period as existing orange badges come up for renewal or as new applications are processed. 67. Working with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions commissioned MVA Consultants to carry out the review which involved wide-ranging discussions with a range of disability groups and organisations. 68. In March 2000, there were 2.23 million badges on issue across the UK. The current wide-ranging review is the first to be conducted since 1986 and aims to ensure consistent criteria are applied across the UK. 69. DPTAC will develop advice to the Secretary of State in 2002, based on a wide ranging consultation with disabled people, their organisations, local authorities and enforcement bodies. Research on development briefs70. DPTAC is working with Drivers Jonas to develop guidance on development briefs for transport and built environment projects to ensure access is built in from the outset. 71. Although many briefs already specify access for disabled people it is delivered to varying standards and to various degrees of success. The aim of this project is to examine recently completed projects and examine what worked and what did not work in a variety of building types and by a variety of procurement routes. 72. DPTAC is aiming to publish guidance in the later half of 2002 based on this research. Creating a "Access Directory" on access73. Working with the University of Reading, DPTAC is aiming to add a 'Access Directory' to its web site by summer 2002. The project will draw together guidance, legislation and requirements on access for disabled people to transport and the built environment in a central database accessed through the Internet. 74. The project is intended to be a freely available DPTAC resource for all those interested in access issues and 'benchmark' guidance against recognised standards, such as the new British Standard 8300. Advice on private hire vehicles75. Working with the Disability Rights Commission, regulatory authorities and others DPTAC is developing advice on the accessibility of private hire services for disabled people. 76. This will consider the whole process of ordering services, the journey experience and user needs. The Disability Rights Task Force recommended that DPTAC and DRC undertake this activity. We will be consulting widely in 2002. Specification for accessible toilets on aircraft77. During 2002, DPTAC will consult on a draft specification for accessible toilets on aircraft following discussions during 2001. The aim is to produce good practice guidance for manufacturers, airlines and disabled people to consider and adopt. Strategic Rail Authority78. SRA has a statutory duty to consult DPTAC on the Code of Practice for disabled passengers. Work on developing this Code has continued during 2001 and we are hopeful of publication early in 2002. 79. Once the Code of Practice is published DPTAC will be discussing with the SRA and other rail industry stakeholders how it can be monitored to ensure full and effective delivery. Audible and Visual Announcements80. A trial of audible and visual announcements on buses in Yorkshire has been undertaken by the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. 81. The project is expected to report favourably on the benefits to passengers in Spring 2002. DPTAC are keen for audible and visual announcements to be required by Regulations on buses, as they are on new rail vehicles, at the earliest possible opportunity. Strategy and work programme 2002-482. Our strategy is, essentially, to lead the on-going policy debate, and to input and influence key Government policy decisions to ensure they contribute to the delivery of a transport system and built environment accessible to all. 83. DPTAC will focus on the following priorities:
84. The scope of the detailed work programme will allow for reaction to unforeseen events and additional requests from Ministers for advice. Full details are available on the web site or from the Secretariat. 85. In autumn 2002 we will develop a work programme for 2003 based on the priorities identified above. We welcome contributions at any time on what issues might usefully be addressed in delivering the aim of inclusive transport and built environments. Further information86. For further information about the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) please either view our web site at http://www.dptac.gov.uk or contact us at: DPTAC Telephone: 020 7944 8011 Annex A: Acronyms - what the words meanBSi - British Standards Institute |
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