News Release (01 December 2004):
Government transport and disability adviser welcomes new Bill
Neil Betteridge, Chair of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, today welcomed the publication of the Disability Discrimination Bill on 25 November.
At a meeting of DPTAC's Main Committee meeting today he said:
"DPTAC welcomes the publication of the Disability Discrimination Bill. We look forward to this Bill becoming law at the earliest possible opportunity. However the Bill is just the beginning. If enacted, this legislation would give Ministers the power to lift the exemption that transport currently has from Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. We want to see this power swiftly applied to all land based transport, so that disabled travellers enjoy the same rights as other people when they travel.
"We broadly support the new provisions for the application of rail vehicle accessibility regulations. These regulations provide a step change in the accessibility of rail travel for disabled people.
"We are pleased that the Government announced on 29 November its preferred end-date by which all rail vehicles will have to comply with the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations. We welcome the Government's move from 2025 to 2020. We are disappointed that the Government has not adopted the 2017 date we proposed to the Scrutiny Committee, but we understand the reasons for doing so.
"We also welcome the requirements for operating companies to make improvements to the accessibility of rail vehicles for those features which are the subject of refurbishment plans.
"We hope that the momentum is maintained, and that consultation on these proposals leads to an early announcement of a way forward that the rail industry, the Government and DPTAC can work towards.
"We welcome the provision to extend to holders of foreign disabled people's parking badges the same concessions as GB badge holders and the removal of the stigmatising term "institution" which appears on the face of some badges, We look forward to action on other recommendations for changes to the Blue Badge Scheme that do not require primary legislation.
"As far as the exercise of public functions by public authorities is concerned, we are disappointed that the Bill proposes that discrimination will only have taken place if it is "impossible or unreasonably difficult for the disabled person to receive any benefit". We think this test is too hard on disabled people.
"We are working with the Disability Rights Commission on the development of the codes of practice that will help make this Bill a reality."
Notes for Editors:
1. The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) was set up under the Transport Act 1985 to advise the Government and industry on the transport needs of disabled people. In 2000, its role was extended on a non-statutory basis, to advise the Government on the built environment needs of disabled people.
2. Neil Betteridge was appointed Chair of DPTAC in 2003, the committee, which has a maximum of 20 members (of whom at least half must be disabled people), representing a wide range of transport interests, provides expert advice on a broad range of transport and built environment issues aimed at improving access for disabled people. Members are appointed by Ministers and are unpaid, apart from the reimbursement of expenses.
3. DPTAC has commented in writing and in person to the Joint Scrutiny Committee on the Bill (see: www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/dddb/dddb_reports_and_publications.cfm) and before the House of Commons Transport Committee (see: www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmtran/439/43902.htm).
4. For further information on DPTAC contact Andy Kirby the DPTAC Secretary:
Tel: 020 7944 8012
Postal: DPTAC Secretariat, 1/14 Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR
Email: dptac@dft.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.dptac.gov.uk
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