Annual Report 1998

8. Personal Mobility Working Group

Chairman

Members

Observers

Secretariat

Report

Two specific objectives achieved by the Personal Mobility Group in 1998 were the submission to the Ministers of a report on the Orange Badge Scheme and the publication of a revised code of practice on facilities for disabled motorists at filling stations.
In neither case did this turn out to be as straightforward as expected. Lessons have been learned in this respect in terms of participation and consultation, and future practice will benefit. Meanwhile, a number of recommendations have been made to the Minister regarding the administration and enforcement of the Orange Badge Scheme and there have been further discussions on the development of a European Badge for phased introduction by 2002.

Another area in which there was substantial progress in 1998 relates to the development and funding of Mobility Centres where there is now a recognition by Government Departments and others of the need for a more consistent level of service across
the UK.

Progress on matters relating to pedestrian movement was more varied. Complementary exercises by the DETR and the Institution of Highways and Transportation regarding the development of pedestrian infrastructure and a strategy for encouraging walking have received considerable input from members of the Personal Mobility Group, but we have still to see this translated into positive guidance. The publication of guidance on an extended range of tactile surfaces has also taken longer than might be desired. The surfaces are, however, already being introduced by a number of authorities and other bodies such as Railtrack.

The Government White Paper on A New Deal for Transport - Better for Everyone, published in August 1998, lays considerable emphasis on meeting the needs of disabled people and this has been welcomed by the Group. Development of various aspects of the strategy is likely to feature prominently in the deliberations of the Group over the next 12 months. Already we have been offered the opportunity to work with the newly established School Travel Advisory Group where we have emphasised the importance of accommodating the special needs of disabled children and/or disabled parents. An ad hoc working party within the Group has also produced a report on issues relating to personal vehicular transport in relation to possible future restrictions on vehicular access to town and city centres.

Further areas where work has been initiated relate to the decision of street furniture (and, in particular, the new type of telephone boxes which are being introduced) and to the design and layout of supermarket parking and pedestrian areas and provision for disabled customers. Contact has been made with the major operators and further meetings are scheduled.

The Group has matured into its second year of existence and there is little double that it is fulfilling a useful and practical function in dealing with a wide range of issues affecting elderly people such as pedestrians, motorists and users of services. We look forward to an even more productive year in 1999 so that, as we enter the new Millennium, we can truly say that the transport environment is better for everyone.  

Grahame Lawson
Chairman

Personal Mobility Working Group - Work Programme 1999

To monitor the implementation and enforcement of the Orange Badge Scheme.

To look at improving the design of the pedestrian environment generally, including the design of pedestrian crossings and passenger interchanges between transport modes.

To develop a relationship with supermarket operators to improve the design and layout of external supermarket areas.

To work with the Government on the Journey to School Initiative.

To look at the results of the Government's study of voluntary transport.

Terms of Reference for the Personal Mobility Working Group

Any reference to DPTAC is to the Main Committee

1. The membership of the Group will be agreed with the Chair of the Group and the Chairman of the DPTAC. Membership will be limited to no more than twenty members.

2. The membership of the Group will include representatives from disability and other appropriate interests.

3. The Group will normally meet at least four times a year.

4. The Chair of the Group will generally be a full time member of DPTAC and will report on the Group's work to DPTAC.

5. The group will:

a) consider issues affecting elderly and disabled people as motorists, users of special services and pedestrians.

b) consider requests from DETR and other Government Departments to DPTAC for guidance/advice on policy issues and make recommendations to DPTAC on those issues.

c) undertake such work as they, in consultation with DPTAC, consider necessary to progress the interests of disabled people in relation to personal mobility.

d) raise issues, through DPTAC, for consideration by the DETR.

e) draw up guidance and codes of practice, as necessary, for clearance by DPTAC for publication as formal DPTAC advice.

f) provide advice to DPTAC, on consultation papers from Government and other organisations.

6. All papers submitted to the Group will be confidential to its members and to members and details discussed within the Group should not be discussed with third parties, without prior agreement of the Secretariat.

Published 1 October 1999

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