OUT AND ABOUT - TRAVELLING AND OTHER TRAVEL DETAILS

HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS

If a child or an adult with a learning disability has to attend the local hospital and cannot go alone, (either by public transport or by car) then financial help with the fare can be claimed.  You need to claim your transport costs from the hospital receptionist (take your benefits book).

Ask at your GP surgery or Post Office for leaflet HC11QG to check if you are you entitled to help with health costs.

Ambulances may be available for local visits if the person who you are accompanying finds it difficult to use public transport.  Ask your GP or the hospital.

The British Red Cross may provide transport with an escort if public transport is not available.  A charge is made which you may be able to claim back from the hospital.

Contact:
The British Red Cross                      Telephone: (01609) 772186
Zetland Street, Northallerton

Contact:
John Wood                                        Telephone: (0800) 7311 888
Glacier Building                                Text: (0800) 500 888
Harrington Road
Runswick Business Park
L3 4DS
 

BLUE BADGE SCHEME

The Blue Badge Scheme helps people with severe mobility problems, including people with visual impairments, by making parking easier (for example not having to pay at parking meters if you display your badge).  In some places you may be allowed to pass through or park in pedestrian zones.  You can also go through some toll bridges and tunnels free or at a lower rate.  The Blue Badge gives British Badge holders parking advantages across Europe. 

To get a badge ask at County Hall, Northallerton Tel: 08458 727374 or Hambleton District Council, Civic Centre, Stonecross, Northallerton  for an application form or contact: The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) for a leaflet explaining the scheme.

Some District Councils operate local parking schemes or special restrictions – it is often best to check with the District Council’s Traffic Office if you wish to find out in advance, for example, York City Council has a special scheme for parking within the pedestrian area. 

Contact:

Access Officer                                   Telephone: (01904) 616161 ext 4014
C/o 10-12 George Hudson Street
York
YO1 6LJ

Street Scene Manager                      Telephone: (01609) 767312
Hambleton District Council
Bridge End House
Darlington Road
Northallerton
DL6 2PL

Access Officer                                    Telephone: (01748) 829100
Richmondshire District Council
Swale House
Richmond
DL10 4JE
 

HELP WITH TRAVEL TO WORK

People who work and are registered disabled and who are unable to use public transport for all or part of their journey to and from work, because of their disability, and as a result spend more money, can be given some financial assistance from the Employment Service.

For details contact your local Jobcentre Plus  
Telephone: (01609) 780859

MOTABILITY

Motability can help people who get the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance to spend this on a car or electric wheelchair rather than receive it in cash.

Further details from:

Goodman House                    Helpline: Telephone : (01279) 635666
Station Approach                   Finance Line: Telephone: (0207) 928 0101
Harlow
CM20 2ET

If you choose to buy a car locally using the money from your Motability allowance, it is worth asking around as some garages have been known to give a discount.
   

CAR TAX EXEMPTION

All vehicles on the road have to pay car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) but exemption is available for one car if you are getting the higher mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.  For a child or adult with a learning disability, technically the car is only exempt whilst being used for that person, but it is generally accepted that where the car is used substantially for the person with a learning disability there is no problem.  Apply to:

DWP                                           Telephone: (0345) 123 456
Disability Living Allowance
Warbreck House
Warbreck Hill
Blackpool
FY2 0YE

 
SEAT BELTS

Wearing seat belts is compulsory, but people with disabilities can apply for exemption from this law on medical grounds.  Your GP (if s/he considers it so) can issue a “prescribed medical exemption certificate”.  The person with the disability should have this with them when travelling in the car.
 

WHEELCHAIRS

See section on Adaptations and Equipment.

Wheelchairs are often available on loan for day trips or for people who are on holiday away from their own home area.  Contact the British Red Cross in the locality or a local Tourist Information Centre (numbers from Directory Enquiries).
 

TRAVEL BY TRAIN

Train companies and Railtrack have a code of practice designed to help passengers with disabilities get a common standard of service when travelling by train.

Get a leaflet from your station called ‘Rail Travel for Disabled Passengers’ (RTDP).

You can telephone your local train company who should help you plan your journey, make special arrangements and sell you a ticket.   Telephone: (08457) 225225

If you give notice (48 hours) arrangements can be made for railway staff to meet you at the station and make sure you get on board the train safely.  This can also be arranged if you have to change trains.

If you use a wheelchair, check if the train has an accessible toilet, check station facilities too.  Some toilets are fitted with National Key System Locks.  These keys can be bought from:

RADAR                                            Telephone: (0207) 250 3222
12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London EC1V 8AF

Or from
Hambleton District Council                      Telephone: 0845 1211555
Richmondshire District Council               Telephone: (01748) 829100

Also available at Tourist Information Centres.

In some areas your local contact point will reserve a seat/wheelchair space for you without charge on trains for which you can make a reservation. If you need to cross London there is a Station Link Bus Service between the main stations.

If you are registered visually impaired or you travel in your own wheelchair then you and your travel companion are entitled to a third off single and standard open returns and half off standard day returns.  This is available to you without buying a railcard.

DISABLED PERSONS RAILCARD

You can buy a disabled persons rail card if:

	You are registered as visually impaired or deaf
	You have recurrent seizures (Epilepsy)
	You receive Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (Higher rate mobility or high or middle rate personal care)
	You receive Severe Disablement Allowance
	You have a car through motability

The card costs about £20 per year and it gives you discounts of up to a third off rail tickets for you and an adult accompanying you.

Ask at the station for a booklet (RTDPI)
or telephone: (0191) 2188103

 
MINIBUSES

There are various community minibuses available to groups or individuals.  The criteria for their use vary considerably including charges.

Bedale Minibus Project                 Telephone (01677) 425329
Bedale Hal                                      (Has a tail lift)
C/o Malcolm Grange
(Tues & Thurs 10.00am - 12.00pm)

Thirsk Minibus                                 Telephone: (01845) 524990
Town Hall
Thirsk YO1 2PF
(Tues & Thurs 10.00am - 12.00pm)

Stokesley & District Community Care Association
Manor Grounds
High Street
Stokesley TS9 5AF                        Telephone: (01642) 710085
(Any day)                

Catterick Garrison                          Telephone: (01748) 833508
St John's Centre                             (Has a tail lift)
Minibus - Contact Colin Grant
(2 minibuses generally only used for St John's Centre)

Richmond Volunteer Centre           Telephone: (01748) 822537
6 Flints Terrace
Richmond