Work Programme of DPTAC: 2004-05

Introduction

The overriding aim of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) is to work for a fully inclusive transport system and built environment which is accessible to all within the next ten years.

For the year 2004-05 we have developed a Work Programme to help achieve our aims. It sets out our priorities for the year; our main activities, how we are going to do it, potential problems, and how we can demonstrate whether or not we are succeeding. We will report on progress in our Annual Report for 2004-05, and review the priorities for the 2005-07 period during the coming year.

The priorities

For 2004-05, as last year, our priorities are:

• To consider issues related to our statutory function - our primary function is to advise Government and we are asked to carry out some specific functions.
• To consider relevant DRTF recommendations - we will be monitoring progress and focussing effort where we can make most impact.
• To measure and monitor accessibility - we will examine progress, and plans for measuring access for disabled people.
• To mainstream accessibility - we will encourage everyone who influences transport and the built environment to take ownership of the need to improve access for everyone.
• To develop guidance on accessibility issues - we will continue to develop guidance that assists those responsible to provide an inclusive environment.
• To provide information to disabled people - we want disabled people to be advocates of their own transport and built environment needs and to learn from disabled people what their priorities are.

Our activities for 2004-05: Pro-active tasks

Task 1: Influence the content, introduction and passage of the draft Disability Discrimination Bill.
Output: A satisfactory and timely draft Bill, eventual Act and Code on transport.

Task 2: Produce guidance for the Department for Transport (DfT) on addressing the needs of disabled people.
Output: Guidance suitable for adoption by DfT Management Board.

Task 3: Develop and implement a revised Communications Strategy, including publishing the Annual Report 2003-04, and reviewing www.dptac.gov.uk to ensure it remains relevant and informative.
Output: Updates to web site and publication of Annual Report 2003-04.

Task 4: Develop a specification for an on-board wheelchair for use on aircraft.
Output: Published specification.

Task 5: Promote changes to the planning system to ensure revisions play an effective role in securing an inclusive environment.
Output: Revised primary and secondary planning legislation and regulatory guidance.

Task 6: Update the Access Directory.
Output: Updates to dedicated web site.

Task 7: Identify the need for resources to assist disabled people and local access groups to influence transport and built environment providers locally.
Output: Good practice toolkit.

Task 8: Develop and promote a Housing Action Plan that will promote and support existing advice on housing provision and fill gaps in that guidance.
Output: Housing Action Plan and the achievement of the projects in it.

Task 9: Develop model policy document for architects on inclusion.
Output: Document or suite of documents published and made available through the DPTAC website.

Task 10: Initiate a review of concessionary fares for disabled people inviting comments from operators, local authorities and disabled people.
Output: Likely to be a consultation document.

Task 11: Develop an action plan to proactively engage the Bus, Coach and Community Transport Working Group with operators (including private, public and voluntary sector), manufacturers, regulators and trade groups in jointly understanding the requirements of disabled people.
Output: Influence the decision making process of key stakeholders.

Task 12: Promote the enforcement of the PSV (Conduct) Regulations 2002.
Output: Changes to the work of the regulatory authorities (e.g. Traffic Commissioners, Passenger Transport Authorities, local authorities) on the enforcing these Regulations.

Task 13: Seek to promote elected councillors' understanding of the need for an inclusive environment.
Output: Influence on the provision of training resources.

Task 14: Identify what professional skills and competencies in access for disabled people are necessary and available, making recommendations on meeting this need.
Output: Access skills initiative report.

Task 15: Promote Future Inclusive undergraduate award for students showing clear appreciation of inclusive environments in their studies.
Output: Award of 2004 prizes, decision on future of the award and future sponsors.

Task 16: Influence primary schools' curriculum with regard to inclusive environments.
Output: Influence on the provision of teaching resources.

Task 17: Develop advice on congestion charging.
Output: Position statement for use in proactively and in response to consultation.

Task 18: Initiate research evaluating the effectiveness of DPTAC's guidance on large passenger ferries and terminals.
Output: Timely and accessibly written evaluation report.

Task 19: Complete research on increasing the availability of private hire services to disabled people.
Output: Good practice advice.

Task 20: Develop and publish guidance on the handling of wheelchairs at airports to limit damage during loading and unloading from aircraft.
Output: Guidance Leaflet.

Task 21: Publish a specification for improving access to toilets on aircraft.
Output: Specification.

Task 22: Develop and publish guidance to passengers and industry on boarding and alighting vehicles using ramps, in conjunction with MIU and ATOC.
Output: Guidance Leaflet.

Our activities for 2004-05: Reactive tasks

Task 23: Respond to all other consultations of relevance to access for disabled people.
Output: Clear and useful consultation responses (40 estimated).

Task 24: Advise MIU on exemptions from the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations where they are contentious, to help clarify points of principle.
Output: Clear and actionable advice to MIU.

Task 25: Advise on any future stages in the review of the Blue Badge Scheme.
Output: Form of advice to be determined.

Task 26: Contribute to ATOC project to develop a national map of current, step-free access at stations.
Output: Clear and actionable advice to ATOC.

Task 27: Monitor progress following Department for Transport consultation on taking forward the Disability Rights Task Force transport recommendations.
Output: Clear and actionable consultation response and detailed further advice.

Task 28: Advise the Secretary of State on Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations exemption applications.
Output: Clear and actionable advice to Secretary of State.

Task 29: Provide strategic advice to SRA on Franchise Replacement Programme and specific advice and feedback to operators.
Output: Clear and actionable advice.

Task 30: Provide strategic advice on prioritisation criteria for major works at stations under the Access for All Fund.
Output: Clear and actionable advice.

Task 31: Advise on policies for accessible taxis, if the Government comes forward with proposals, and press for progress if they do not.
Output: To be determined.

Task 32: Contribute to the SRA research into Disabled Persons Reporting System.
Output: Clear and actionable advice to the SRA.

Task 33: Provide Strategic Advice on the SRA/ Network Rail Modern Facilities At Stations Programme and monitor implementation.
Output: Influence design of facilities.

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