Transport The Most Important Concern Of Disabled People

For nearly half of disabled people (48%) transport is the most important local concern but only a fifth (21%) believe those responsible for transport planning and development give about the right amount of attention to disabled people, according to a report published today by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC).

'Attitudes of Disabled People to Public Transport in England and Wales' is the first such survey by DPTAC, the Government's statutory advisors on the transport needs of disabled people, and is possibly the largest survey dedicated to the attitudes of disabled people to transport in England and Wales.

The research study undertaken by MORI questioned 989 disabled people across England and Wales to establish their attitudes to public transport.

Although the report identifies that disabled people currently travel a third less often than the general public, around half say improvements to public transport would have a positive impact on their quality of life (47%). Taxis and minicabs are used much more frequently by disabled people (67% more), as well as buses (around 20% more) than non-disabled people.

Disabled people have high expectations for the future public transport system and will use improved services. Two thirds of disabled people (65%) were dissatisfied with pavement maintenance, of which half were very dissatisfied. However, around half say they would go out more if improvements were made to walking conditions (48%).

Disabled people also expect consideration of their needs to be factored into the design of public transport vehicles and services (49%) but despite this 26% think easy to use buses will not be available until 2015.

The survey has many interesting findings for DPTAC and the Government to consider, providing an important snapshot of disabled peoples attitudes to mainstream public transport. It was undertaken to coincide with the launch of the DPTAC Annual Report, also published today, which sets out the key achievements of DPTAC and other important developments contributing to a more inclusive transport system and built environment for everyone.

Both the survey and Annual Report are now available on the web site at www.dptac.gov.uk and from ODPM (DTLR).

Technical details

• The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) was set up under the Transport Act 1985 to advise the Government on the transport needs of all disabled people. DPTAC provides expert advice to Government and undertakes independent research on the transport needs of disabled people with the aim ensuring disabled people have the same opportunities for travel as non-disabled people.
• MORI have extensive experience in conducting large scale quantitative studies of transport and disability related issues. MORI interviewed 989 disabled people aged 16+. All interviews were conducted face-to-face throughout England and Wales between 19 November 2001 and 6 January 2002 in 100 constituency-based sampling points. Data were weighted by disability, working status and region. Copies of the questionnaire are included in the report.
• Under Section 125(6) of the Transport Act 1985, DPTAC is required to make an annual report to the Secretary of State and also requires the Secretary of State to lay copies of DPTAC's Annual Report before each House of Parliament.
• For further information on DPTAC contact the Secretary, Tim Pope, on 020-7944 8012 (textphone 020-7944 3277), fax 020-7944 6998 or by e-mail [email protected]
• For copies of either report contact: ODPM (DTLR) Free Literature PO Box 236 Wetherby LS23 7NB e: ODPM (DTLR)@twoten.press.net t: 0870-122 6236 txt: 0870-120 7405 f: 0870-122 6237 Reports and publications are available on the Internet at www.dptac.gov.uk and in alternative formats.