Welcome to Enabled People
information for disabled people in the UK
Transport - General
Transport - London
Transport - Regional
Benefits (Government)
Grants and schemes
Going out and holidays
Support and advice
Online supplies for disabled people
Services - helping with accessibility
Miscellaneous
About this site
Transport - London
On the tube: "You can book help if you need it... but you must be able to carry your own luggage and be fairly self-sufficient - there is no porter service and no buggy to carry you!"
Disabled Londoners are generally very well looked after, with a range of assistance and concessions available. However, there is no "porter" service at tube or bus stations - you must be able to carry your own luggage. Most of the benefits available are only for residents, so I have also written a visitors guide.
Driving
The national Blue Badge scheme applies in most of London, however three boroughs have their own alternatives. These are parts of Camden, all of Westminster and City of London. If you use your badge in the usual manner there, you can get a ticket, so do check their websites. They operate alternative schemes but these are usually for specific bays for residents and so blue badge parking bays are very limited. All of London has more areas where you cannot use a blue badge (red routes, no-loading areas) than you may be used to, so it is not always easy to park near to your destination. Alternatively there is a website to help collate the information about blue badge spaces in Central London: Parking for Blue Badges.
The Congestion Charge is waived if you are a Blue Badge holder. You can specify one vehicle for permanent exclusion, and others on a temporary basis specifying the dates (for example if you use a hire car).
Public transport
The Freedom pass is available to disabled Londoners. This is effectively a free Zone 1-6 pass and can be used at all times on tubes, buses and trams, and after 9.30am on rail services. They are issued by your local council. Eligibility requirements are described as being
- blind or partially sighted
- profoundly or severely deaf
- without speech
- having a disability, or has suffered an injury , which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to walk
- does not have arms or has long-term loss of the use of both arms
- has a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning
- would, if he applied for the grant of a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have his application refused pursuant to section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.
You only have to meet one of these criteria (for example you are deaf but can still drive) and if you receive Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate for mobility you will automatically qualify.
An access map of the tube network is available on London Underground's website - this covers step free changes, although a reader tells me "it does not accurately distinguish between access needs. For example at Hounslow West 'accessible' station there is a wheelchair lift on the staircase but it was no use for my friend's baby buggy or anyone using crutches". Many other stations are accessible if you can manage escalators as well - it's best to call 020 7222 1234 for advice. You can also plan your journey online, at Transport For London's website - be sure to select "advanced options" and then you can state your mobility needs.
You can book help if you need it (for example if you are visually impaired and need assistance at an interchange) but you must be able to carry your own luggage and be fairly self-sufficient - there is no porter service and no buggy to carry you!
Also, there is a Travel Assistance Scheme run by Transport For London - they offer someone to come with you on a journey that you need to make regularly, to help you work out the best route and to gain confidence travelling. However, they take a while to respond - they call within a few days of signing up, but a month later the author still has not had anyone ring back to follow through!
A less well-known but very useful scheme is Taxicard - this entitles you to travel in black cabs at a discount. It is awarded by your local council and provision depends on which borough you live in, but in general you can save around £10 on the bill. You can only use certain black cab companies such as ComCab. Anyone can apply, but to automatically be eligible you need to
- receive Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate for mobility
- be registered as Blind
or - receive a War Pension Mobility Supplement
Local schemes
Like many areas of the UK, London operates a Dial-a-ride scheme. You can travel for up to five miles on a very low fare, but your requested time can be adjusted to fit in with other scheduled trips so you must be flexible! You must register as a member and pre-book journeys. Unlike public transport, drivers will help you to your door. From 1 January 2008, Dial-a-Ride trips will be free of charge in London.
