Motoring

Overview
Role of the working group
What we have done
What we are doing
Top Tips

Overview

For many disabled people private cars are the only form of transport that is accessible. Yet, there barriers created by the management and operation of the our roads and parking systems and design of vehicles that restrict access for disabled people.

The Government has asked DPTAC to advise on why this is the case and recommend strategic actions to address problems facing disabled people when driving. Much is already being done.

For many people the information they require is not available or not accessible. For disabled people, this can make the difference between an accessible or inaccessible journey.

The Government has asked DPTAC to advise on why this is the case and recommend strategic actions to address problems facing disabled people when private vehicles. Much is already being done.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 aims to prevent the discrimination of disabled people.

Disabled people can qualify for assistance with buying a car, adaptations, exemption from vehicle excise duty (road tax) and relief from car tax and VAT. Assessment centres can give advice on how to bets meet the individual requirements of disabled drivers.

The Blue Badge Scheme (formerly Orange) provides a national arrangement of parking concessions for some disabled people. It allows badge holders to park on the streets closer to their destination. Concessions may also be applied in off-street car parks.

Disabled people who rely on private vehicles for their mobility will be exempt from any future road user charging schemes and workplace parking.

Transport 2010: The 10 Year Plan for Transport makes a commitment that accessibility for disabled people will be a condition of public money being spent. Where public money is required for investment in the road infrastructure, accessibility for disabled people will be condition of investment. This may include ensuring adequate crossing points, exemptions from charging schemes and accessible parking close to final destinations.

Role of the working group

The Personal Mobility Working Group (PMWG) was established in 1996.

One of our main objectives is to advise on improving access for disabled people who rely on private vehicles for their independent mobility, taking into account complementary advice from other DPTAC Working Groups. We also consider the needs of disabled people in the walking environment.

Our membership includes representatives from disability interests and those concerned with personal mobility services. We also have observers from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Our role is to focus on the strategic issues. This enables DPTAC to be more effective in influencing the process and outcome in all areas rather than specific schemes. Our work helps to inform those seeking to improve access at a local level. Local people will be aware of how this guidance can be applied to local circumstances.

We advocate the promotion of an accessible transport system in the advice we give to Government.

An accessible transport system is one that recognises the need for every stage in the journey to be accessible to disabled people, including parking and the needs of disabled motorists who may never be able to use accessible public transport. It sets out to include as many people as possible. It does not attempt to meet every single need. Rather, by considering people's diversity, accessible transport systems try to break down unnecessary barriers and exclusion. In doing so it will often achieve superior solutions that benefit everyone.

What we have done

• Published a position statement on road user charging;
• Co-ordinated responses to the Blue Badge Discussion Paper, and made recommendations to the Government;
• Advised on the review of the Blue Badge Scheme.
• Advised on exemptions from road user charging and workplace parking levies.
• Advised on the Worlds Squares for All scheme in Trafalgar Square.

What we are doing

We are currently considering the following;

• Consider recommendations on car hire and breakdown services, following publication of consultation paper;
• Monitor proposals for road user charging and workplace parking levies;
• Commenting on reviews of Local Transport Plans and Strategies.

We welcome your comments and views on the issues raised above and any priorities not considered. Click here to e-mail us ideas.

Top Tips

If you are a local authority;

• ensure your staff can demonstrate qualifications and competencies in access issues. Training courses are available;
• ensure you follow recommended guidelines on access in developing pedestrianisation, parking and road user charging schemes;
• regularly review access for disabled people;
• publish information on what you provide for disabled people.

If you are a disabled person;

• contact your local access group if you want to get more closely involved;
• ask your local authority about provision for disabled motorists;
• consider if you would benefit from a more detailed assessment and additional vehicles adaptations.

If you provide services to the public;

• be aware of the guidance and good practice on accessible parking provision;
• ask disabled people what problems they experience using your services.

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