News Release (18 August 2006):
DPTAC advises on the implications of road user charging for disabled travellers
The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) today published a policy statement which sets out their position with regard to road user charging schemes and the effect they have on travel for disabled people. It is intended to give guidance to government, local authorities, private operators and consultants involved in considering, promoting and running such schemes.
The Secretary of State for Transport, Douglas Alexander welcomed the statement saying:
"We welcome this position statement as a contribution to the ongoing debate on a national system of road pricing. We will be working to ensure all projects in this area take the needs of disabled people into account from design onwards".
Neil Betteridge, Chair of DPTAC said:
"Our MORI research shows that disabled people simply do not enjoy the same opportunities to use public transport as the rest of the population. They often rely on their own or another person's car. Whether on public or private transport, disabled drivers and passengers could enjoy real benefits from the reduced congestion offered by road user charging. But for these to happen, disabled people need to be consulted, there needs to be investment in high quality accessible public transport alternatives before charging begins, and there need to be discounted charges based on exemption from charges for Blue Badge Holders. Road User Charging schemes need to recognise the reduced mobility of disabled people and take the opportunity to enhance the quality of service for disabled people".
Notes for 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. 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. DPTAC has published a research report into the Attitudes of Disabled People to Public Transport. The research study conducted by MORI questioned nearly 1000 disabled people to establish the attitudes of disabled people to public transport in England and Wales.
3. MORI's research report is available on the DPTAC web site at www.dptac.gov.uk/research/apt/index.htm or from the Secretariat.
4. For further information on DPTAC, contact the Secretary, Andy Kirby on 020 7944 8012 (Fax 020 7944 6998), Zone 4/24 Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DR or email dptac@dft.gsi.gov.uk.
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