News
Release (23 May 2002):
Transport the most important concern of disabled people
For
nearly half of disabled people (48%) transport is the most important local
concern but only a fifth (21%) believe those responsible for transport
planning and development give about the right amount of attention to disabled
people, according to a report published today by the Disabled Persons
Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC).
'Attitudes
of Disabled People to Public Transport in England and Wales' is the
first such survey by DPTAC, the Government's statutory advisors on the
transport needs of disabled people, and is possibly the largest survey
dedicated to the attitudes of disabled people to transport in England
and Wales.
The
research study undertaken by MORI questioned 989 disabled people across
England and Wales to establish their attitudes to public transport.
Jane
Wilmot OBE, Chair of DPTAC said:
"There
is a clear message to Government from this research, confirming that disabled
people experience significant difficulties with transport, but that they
expect these issues to be addressed at the earliest possible opportunity.
DPTAC will use the findings of this survey to inform its advice to Government
on ensuring access issues arising from the more commonly recognised forms
of disability are mainstreamed in transport provision."
Although
the report identifies that disabled people currently travel a third less
often than the general public, around half say improvements to public
transport would have a positive impact on their quality of life (47%).
Taxis and minicabs are used much more frequently by disabled people (67%
more), as well as buses (around 20% more) than non-disabled people.
Disabled
people have high expectations for the future public transport system and
will use improved services. Two thirds of disabled people (65%) were dissatisfied
with pavement maintenance, of which half were very dissatisfied. However,
around half say they would go out more if improvements were made to walking
conditions (48%).
Disabled
people also expect consideration of their needs to be factored into the
design of public transport vehicles and services (49%) but despite this
26% think easy to use buses will not be available until 2015.
The
survey has many interesting findings for DPTAC and the Government to consider,
providing an important snapshot of disabled peoples attitudes to mainstream
public transport. It was undertaken to coincide with the launch of the
DPTAC Annual Report, also published today, which sets out the key achievements
of DPTAC and other important developments contributing to a more inclusive
transport system and built environment for everyone.
Writing
in the introduction Jane Wilmot said:
"We
had been considering ways to promote the needs of disabled people and
share DPTAC advice on best practice with disabled people and industry.
One solution introduced last year was our own dedicated web site."
The
Annual Report can be found at: http://www.dptac.gov.uk/01report/index.htm
and the survey can be found at: http://www.dptac.gov.uk/research/apt/index.htm.
Both are also available from DTLR Free Literature (see below).
Notes
to Editors:
1:
The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) was set up under
the Transport Act 1985 to advise the Government on the transport needs
of all disabled people. DPTAC provides expert advice to Government and
undertakes independent research on the transport needs of disabled people
with the aim ensuring disabled people have the same opportunities for
travel as non-disabled people.
2:
Jane Wilmot OBE was appointed Chair of DPTAC in 1999. The Committee has
a maximum of 20 members (of whom at least half must themselves be disabled),
representing a wide range of transport and built environment interests.
Members are appointed by Ministers and are unpaid, apart from the reimbursement
of expenses.
3:
MORI have extensive experience in conducting large scale quantitative
studies of transport and disability related issues. MORI interviewed 989
disabled people aged 16+. All interviews were conducted face-to-face throughout
England and Wales between 19 November 2001 and 6 January 2002 in 100 constituency-based
sampling points. Data was weighted by disability, working status and region.
Copies of the questionnaire are included in the report. More information
on MORI is available from MORI, 79-81 Borough Road, London, SE1 1FY or
http://www.ipsos-mori.com.
4:
Under Section 125(6) of the Transport Act 1985, DPTAC is required to make
an annual report to the Secretary of State and also requires the Secretary
of State to lay copies of DPTAC's Annual Report before each House of Parliament.
5:
For further information on DPTAC contact the Secretary, Tim Pope, on 020
7944 8012 (textphone 020 7944 3277), fax 020 7944 6998 or by e-mail dptac@dft.gsi.gov.uk.
6:
For copies of either report contact DTLR Free Literature PO Box 236 Wetherby
LS23 7NB e-mail DTLR@twoten.press.net
Tel 0870 122 6236 (textphone 0870 120 7405) Fax 0870 122 6237. Reports
and publications are available on the Internet at http://www.dptac.gov.uk
and in alternative formats.
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