The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) today called on disabled people and their organisations to respond to the publication of a Government consultation reviewing Part M of the Building Regulations.
In welcoming the consultation, DPTAC Chair Jane Wilmot OBE said:
"Building regulations are a vital tool in helping to create an inclusive environment, ensuring buildings are easy to reach, use and understand in safety and comfort. This consultation is an opportunity for disabled people to help shape the future of buildings and we encourage everyone to get involved."
The proposed revisions are based on British Standard 8300, published last year which was based on evidence about what works in meeting the needs of disabled people. DPTAC were involved in the working group that helped develop the proposals currently out to consultation.
Peter Barker OBE, Lead Member on the Built Environment said:
"The proposed extensions in the revised Part M standards, coverage of existing buildings and the concept of an access statement are a major step forward in delivering an inclusive environment".
The revised regulations will also be useful in guiding developers and property managers to address the October 2004 duties introduced under Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act covering physical features that make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to access goods, facilities, services and premises. Achieving accessibility for disabled people is the responsibility of the provider.
The consultation is available from www.communities.gov.uk/archived/general-content/planningandbuilding/planningbuilding/buildingregulationsclosed/228632/ and responses are required by 29 November 2002.
Further details about DPTAC are available at www.dptac.gov.uk.
Notes to editors:
1. The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) was set up under the Transport Act of 1985 to advise Government on the transport needs of all disabled people. In 2000 its remit was extended to advise Government on improving access to the build environment for disabled people. It has a maximum of 20 members (of whom at least half must be disabled people), representing a wide range of transport interests. Members are appointed by Ministers and are unpaid, apart from the reimbursement of expenses.
2. For further information on DPTAC, contact the Secretary, Tim Pope on 020 7944 8012, (textphone 020 7944 3277), fax 020 7944 6998 or email dptac@dft.gsi.gov.uk.
3. For further copies of the consultation contact the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister free literature, PO Box 236, Wetherby, LS23 7NB. Telephone 0870 1226 237.
Top of page
