News release - 29 April 2003
DPTAC Annual Report 2002

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee today published it's Annual Report 2002. The committee provides independent advice to the Secretary of State on the transport needs of disabled people. It also advises on disabled people's needs in the built environment.

In the foreword to the report, Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Transport writes:

"The advice that the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee gives the Government and transport providers is invaluable, helping us to understand disabled people's needs and to make sure that they are met."

During the year the committee published their first major survey of disabled people's attitudes to transport, which showed that transport is the main concern of disabled people, with pavement and road maintenance creating the most dissatisfaction. It also launched an 'Access Directory' to bring together advice and information on creating inclusive environments.

Members also reviewed draft Disabled Persons Protection Policies which should come into effect during this year and made recommendations on the review of the Blue Badge Scheme. They also contributed to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's review of Building Regulations Part M and the development of a Planning and Access Good Practice Guide, which was published on March 27.

Jane Wilmot, Chair of the committee said;

"During the last year there was significant progress in developing advice and guidance that will help the Government deliver its commitments access to transport and the built environment.

We continue to work with Government in providing advice to help bring about fundamental change making sure that transport works for everyone and that buildings are easier to use for the whole community."

Notes to Editors

1. The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) was set up under the Transport Act of 1985 to advise Government on the transport needs of all disabled people. It has a maximum of 20 members (of whom at least half must be disabled people), representing a wide range of transport interests. Members are appointed by Ministers and are unpaid, apart from the reimbursement of expenses.

2. Copies of the Annual Report 2002 are available at www.dptac.gov.uk or from DfT Free Literature, PO Box 236, Wetherby, LS23 7NB Tel: 0870 1226 236 Fax: 0870 1226 237

3. The Annual Report 2002 received the Plain English Campaign's Crystal Mark for plain English.

4. For further information on DPTAC, contact the Secretary, Tim Pope on 020 7944 8012, (textphone 020 7944 3277), fax 020 7944 6998 or email dptac@dft.gsi.gov.uk

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