Disabled Motorists Penalised By British Transport System

A survey of disabled motorists in the UK shows that two thirds (60%) never use any form of public transport. Conducted for specialist insurers, Privilege, the survey reveals disabled motorists have to resort to using their own cars because of the problems they experience with access at shops and places of work.

Privilege Insurance commissioned MORI to conduct the survey with members of The Disabled Drivers' Association, which reveals some alarming statistics about the problems disabled people living in the UK face when tackling the every day routine of travel.

Of those who do not use public transport, 70% cite difficulties getting onto or off it as the reason. For those that do, over half (56%) have to resort to using costly taxis for easier access. And over half (54%) of those who use public transport, stated they found staff on trains, buses and trams unhelpful.

The findings also varied from region to region, with 45% of London respondents stating they do use public transport although less than1 in 10 use the tube. Conversely in the West Country only 30% of disabled motorists ever use public transport. Throughout the UK of those who do use public transport, the majority use taxis, 56%, with 37% using trains and 28% buses.

The over-riding concern was finding somewhere to park when they completed their journey. Nine out of ten (89%) regularly found disabled parking places already occupied (usually by non-disabled people's cars) and nearly 80% found there are far too few disabled spaces situated in public areas. 4 in 10 found disabled parking spaces were not wide enough, obviously a major concern for wheelchair users.

Shopping centres were found to be the worst places for disabled driver access - nearly 8 out of 10 (78%) did not provide enough disabled parking spaces. They are closely followed by supermarkets, 70%, cinemas and theatres at 68% and workplaces, 54%. On arrival at their destination disabled drivers are often irritated that disabled parking spaces are not situated close enough to the entrances (39%), or a lack of wheelchair ramps (28%).

Douglas Campbell, executive director of The Disabled Drivers' Association commented:

"The findings are in line with what we hear everyday from our members. We have been campaigning on these very issues since 1948 and are very active to encourage change."

David Birch, business development manager, Privilege Insurance comments:

"This survey has highlighted the serious problems faced daily by disabled drivers. Such simple tasks as travelling to and from work or going out socially are being hampered by limited access on public transport, unhelpful staff or a shortage of car parking spaces."

Privilege undertook this research to discover disabled motorists attitudes towards public transport and the daily issues they have to face. With 1.9 million disabled motorists in the UK, Privilege believes that this section of the driving community shouldn't face these problems. The company recognised that motorists with disabilities needed specialised cover so introduced Mobility Master - a policy which includes many benefits including a free courtesy car or mobility benefit if the driver has an accident, roadside or home assistance and special equipment/modifications cover.

Technical details

Privilege Insurance commissioned MORI to conduct research amongst members of The Disabled Drivers' Association in April 2000. 850 members completed questionnaires regarding their experiences of public transport and access to public places.