Annual Report 1999

3. Other important developments

European Charter: DPTAC strongly supports the Charter on Access to Transport Services and Infrastructure adopted by the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) Council of Ministers on 19 and 20 May, particularly the commitment that continued public funding of transport projects will be made conditional on achieving satisfactory progress with the inclusion of access features. The full text of the Charter is attached at Appendix A.

Transport Bill: on 1 December 1999 the Government published its Transport Bill, containing proposals on local transport plans, travel concessions, road user and workplace parking charges, and the establishment of the Strategic Rail Authority. DPTAC welcomes many of the measures set out in the Bill. During 2000, DPTAC will study the Bill in detail and make recommendations to Government on possible improvements. Subject to its consideration by Parliament, the Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent towards the end of 2000.

Proposed ten year plan for transport: also in December, the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott announced that the Government would be drawing up a ten-year plan designed to transform Britain's transport systems. He asked Minister for Transport Lord Macdonald to develop the detailed plan, working in partnership with key players from the public and private sectors as well as central and local government. Lord Macdonald will report to the Deputy Prime Minister by the middle of next year with a firm timetable for action and an agreed finance package. During 2000, DPTAC will work to ensure that the plan has accessibility as a non-negotiable part of any proposed investment in transport.

Mayor of London: the legislation to establish the London Mayor and the Greater London Authority received Royal Assent in November 1999. The Mayor will be statutorily required to consult DPTAC about the preparation of proposals in his or her transport strategy document on transport for those with mobility problems. DPTAC looks forward to working with the new Mayor. DPTAC also plans to develop effective working relationships with the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales.

Disability Rights Task Force/Disability Rights Commission: the Disability Rights Task Force report "From Exclusion to Inclusion" was published in December 1999 and set out many recommendations aimed at securing comprehensive and enforceable civil rights for disabled people. The DRTF made some specific recommendations
on transport, including:

• a statutory "end date" by when all passenger rail vehicles should comply with rail accessibility regulations;

• the introduction of accessibility regulations for refurbished rolling stock;

• the exemption for transport operators from the DDA access to services duties should be removed.

• DRC should consider with DPTAC mechanisms for increasing the accessibility of private hire vehicles.

• DETR should consult on the remit of a formal review, for accelerating progress on compliance with International Maritime Organisation and DPTAC guidance on access for disabled people in the shipping industry.

• A reserve power should be taken to give the DETR's proposed Code of Practice on access to air travel statutory backing if compliance with the Code cannot be achieved on a voluntary basis.

DPTAC looks forward to the full Government response to those recommendations.

Prior to the December report, the DRTF had recommended that a Disability Rights Commission should be established to ensure compliance with disability rights legislation. The DRC has since been established; its Chairman, Bert Massie, is a longstanding DPTAC member. DPTAC intends to foster good relations with the Commission during 2000.

Published 11 December 2000

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