Disabled Motoring UK is the campaigning charity for disabled drivers, passengers and Blue Badge holders. We represent the interests of our members at both local and national levels, and engage with government and industry to ensure that the voice of disabled people is heard. Disabled Motoring UK is the only UK charity that campaigns on behalf of disabled people in this way. Without our previous successes there would be no Blue Badge, no Motability Scheme and no mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Our current campaigns include working to ensure the replacement of DLA by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) doesn’t reduce disabled peoples’ mobility. We have set up an advice line for our members to help them through this transitional period. In 2012 we carried out our ‘Baywatch Campaign’, over a 2 week period members were asked to survey their local supermarket car park for Blue Badge abuse and signs of enforcement.
We were pleased to report that most supermarkets have improved since the last survey was carried out in 2010. All of the supermarkets were informed of their results and were asked to keep enforcing their disabled bays to make sure that disabled people can access their stores. This survey will be carried out again in 2014. Another important campaign is the being able to refuel your car independently at petrol a stations. Automated petrol stations can prevent disabled drivers from refuelling. We are working with Sainsbury’s and Contacta to introduce Pinpoint, a calling system that notifies the petrol station that a disabled person needs assistance. This is just the tip of the iceberg, we campaign on all issues affecting disabled peoples’ mobility.
All of this campaigning is done on behalf of our members. Our members receive a monthly magazine to keep them informed on our latest campaigns and other news and featu
res, access to our information and advice service, and a number of discounts on goods and services. By becoming a member of Disabled Motoring UK you will be lending your voice to our vital campaign work.
Single membership is £20 per year and Joint membership (two people living at the same address) is £30 per year. To join or request a copy of our magazine and information pack please call 01508 489449 or email info@disabledmotoring.org.