Door to Door: a travel guide for disabled peopleGoing by road: Help with costsGoing by busFor information about concessionary bus travel see the section Before you travel: Help with costs - going by bus. Going by coachFor information about concessionary fares available when travelling by coach see the section Before you travel: Help with costs - going by coach. Buying or leasing a car - the Motability schemesFor many disabled people the Motability Scheme is the preferred way of obtaining a car, powered wheelchair or scooter. The Scheme is directed and overseen by Motability (www.motability.co.uk), a national charity, which also raises funds and provides financial assistance to customers who would otherwise be unable to afford the mobility solution they need. The Scheme is open to anyone who receives either the Higher Rate Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or War Pensioners Mobility Supplement and has at least 12 months' award length remaining when they apply. Non-drivers can nominate up to two people as drivers and parents and carers can also apply on behalf of a child. By far the most popular option is the contract hire of a new car. Customers simply exchange their allowance for a brand new car (choose from of over 3,000 models from all the major manufacturers), including insurance, servicing, and breakdown cover. Many customers simply transfer their allowance to Motability, for the period of the agreement. However, on larger or more expensive models an additional payment may be required. There is also a contact hire scheme for powered wheelchairs and scooters, or a hire purchase alternative for both cars and powered wheelchairs or scooters. More information about the Motability Scheme can be found at: www.motability.co.uk. TaxationValue Added Tax (VAT) Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) More information about VED can be found on the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) website at: www.dvla.gov.uk. Parking - Blue Badge SchemeThe Blue Badge Scheme is an arrangement which gives a range of parking concessions to disabled motorists throughout the European Union. More information about the Blue Badge Scheme can be found at: www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/bluebadge/ The two leaflets referred to - 'Can I Get A Blue Badge?' and 'The Blue Badge Scheme: Rights and Responsibilities in England' are available on line and can be downloaded from: www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/bluebadge/pubs/factsheets/. You can also find out more information about the Blue Badge Scheme and whether you are eligible, or to get an application form, by contacting the local authority where you live - www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/Localcouncils/index.htm. The concessions only apply to on-street parking regulations, although if you have a Blue Badge, you may be able to get other discounts, for example on some toll bridges. Remember:
Toll concessions on motorways, tunnels and toll bridgesDisabled people using the following toll bridges, tunnels and motorways should be entitled to concessions provided they meet certain conditions set by the owners or operators outlined below. In some cases to qualify for the concession you will need to apply to the relevant bridge, tunnel or local authority in advance. So it is a good idea to check with owners or operators first and contact details are included where applicable. Please note that not all toll crossings offer concessions to Blue Badge holder and possession of a badge does not automatically entitle you to concessions at some crossings. The toll crossings listed below are the main ones located on motorways or A roads. There are others on minor roads, which may or may not offer concessions. Clifton Suspension Bridge (B3124: West of Bristol) The Bridge Master Dartford Tunnel and Dartford Bridge (River Thames) Tel: 01322 280200 Dunham Bridge (A57: Lincoln - Worksop) Tel: 01777 228222 Erskine Bridge (Near Glasgow) Humber Bridge (Near Hull) Exemption for those who receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance and who are exempt from the payment of Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax). Exemption vouchers are issued to the disabled person for use when crossing the bridge in their tax-exempt vehicle. Full details, including an application form are available can be found on the website. An application form can also be obtained in writing from: The Humber Bridge Board Itchen Bridge (A3025: Woolston - Southampton) Itchen Bridge M6 Motorway (Birmingham Toll) Tel: 0870 850 6262 Mersey Tunnel (Liverpool - Birkenhead) Mersey Tunnels Severn Bridge and Second Severn Crossing (M4/M48: North of Bristol) Cofiroute UK Ltd Tamar Bridge (A38) & Torpoint Ferry (A374) Torpoint Ferry Office Tay Road Bridge (Newport-on-Tay - Dundee) Tyne Tunnel (Near Newcastle) TT2 Ltd Whitchurch Bridge (B471: Pangbourne - Whitchurch) The Whitchurch Bridge Company Parking in other countriesThe Blue Badge parking concession is recognised throughout the member countries of the European Union (EU). However the parking rules and restrictions vary from country to country. The UK-issued Blue Badge gives you the same parking concessions as those that apply to Blue Badge holders of the country you are visiting. The AA Motoring Trust has produced an advice booklet on the parking concessions available to Blue Badge holders in 29 European countries. The booklet can be downloaded from the website of the Institute of Advance Motorists Motoring Trust (which is taking forward the work of the AA Motoring Trust) at: www.iam.org.uk/motoringtrust/advice/parking/bluebadgeusersparkingineurope.htm. If you plan to drive in other countries where there are no reciprocal arrangements, you should take your Blue Badge with you and enquire at the local parking authority whether your Blue Badge will give you access to any local parking concessions. More information and advice about parking in other countries is available from Accessibility and Equalities Unit of the Department for Transport - www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/miu/. Updated: 10.06.09 | Contact: dptac@dft.gsi.gov.uk |