Welcome to Enabled People
information for disabled people in the UK
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Transport - General
On the train: "You can only book the "disabled bay" - seats at a table with room in front for a wheelchair - if you are actually in a wheelchair. If like me you need the legroom in front of you but prefer to use sticks, you may have to say you will be in a chair, otherwise they cannot reserve the seats you need."
Rail
There is a Disabled person's railcard which entitles you and an assistant to a third off many fares. It does not apply to the cheapest fares (Apex). You must apply for the card in advance and pay for it, so it may only work out cheaper than normal fares if you make several journeys in a year and you can't obtain the card at the last minute! The eligibility requirements are spelt out on their website, however you automatically qualify if you
- are registered as visually impaired
- are registered deaf
- have epilepsy, and are disabled by repeated attacks even though you receive drug treatment
- receive Attendance Allowance
- receive Disability Living Allowance (at the Higher Rate for mobility, or at the Higher or Middle Rate for care)
- receive Severe Disablement Allowance
- receive War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement
- receive War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability
- are the driver of a vehicle provided under the Invalid Vehicle Scheme (before 1976)
- are buying or leasing a vehicle through the 'Motability' scheme
If you are travelling through a National Rail station - whether or not you hold a railcard - you can book assistance. Usually you need to turn up 15 minutes before departure, and report to a particular office. Your luggage can be carried for you and you will be assisted onto the train. On arrival, you will be met and assisted off the train and taken to the taxi rank or whereever you are being met. However, some stations are better than others at this, so it is a good idea to arrange to be met by a friend or assistant in any case, if you are travelling alone. You can learn more about the assistance available via the National Rail website.
You can only book the "disabled bay" - usually seats at a table with room in front for a wheelchair - if you are actually in a wheelchair. If like me you need the legroom but prefer to use sticks, you may have to say you will be in a chair, otherwise they cannot reserve the seats you need. It is not uncommon for the accessible toilet to be out of service, or even for the accessible carriage not to be present (in which case, find a seat in First Class where you are comfortable, and explain when your tickets are checked). Be prepared for staff to be willing to help, but within the constraints of an aging rail system! If you cannot leave your chair and the accessible carriage is not available (or full) you may even have to travel in the guard's storage van for the whole journey. Of course you may claim compensation, but this does not make the trip more comfortable at the time!
If you are travelling by Eurostar there are to be cheaper fares if you remain in a wheelchair throughout, or they can book seats to suit your needs; see the Eurostar website. They can also allow guide dogs to remain with you.
Driving
If you are awarded Disability Living Allowance with a mobility component, you can get a car through the Motability scheme. They take the DLA payment, and in return you buy a car on a hire purchase scheme for a discounted price.
If you have a car for the sole use of a disabled person (i.e. it is never used for other people or purposes) you can claim a refund on your vehicle tax. This page on the DVLA's website explains more.
If you have access to a car - whether or not you are the driver - you may be eligible for a Blue Badge, which will mean you can use disabled parking bays and stop close to your destination. There are various eligibility requirements for this and it is awarded by your local Social Services. Direct Gov's Disabled Parking webpage will tell you more, or check with your local council. However, you are automatically entitled to a blue badge if you
- receive Mobility Allowance
- receive War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement
- receive Disability Living Allowance for at the higher rate for mobility
- are registered blind
- use a disabled person's car supplied by a government department
- receive a grant towards your own vehicle (e.g. through Motability)
If you are not automatically eligible but can make a case for needing a blue badge, it is worth applying anyway.
If you are a blue badge holder, you can also get a very discounted package with the RAC - "Response". For £92.50 you get their top level annual package, which includes roadside recovery, home start and onward travel. This package would cost much more to an able-bodied driver.
Also, if you have a blue badge you are exempt from paying many tolls (such as for bridge crossings or the M6 motorway) - you will usually need to register in advance and pay an administration fee, so it's not worth it for a one-off journey, but can be valuable if you make the trip regularly.
Coach
National Express offer a concessionary rate for disabled travellers, although you may have to provide evidence of disability at the time. The fare varies; see National Express's website for more details.
