Did You Know?
Blue Badge Scheme (Formerly the orange badge scheme)
This is a national arrangement of parking concession for people with walking difficulties who travel either as a driver or passenger and people who are registered blind.
For more information and an application form contact: -
The Star Centre
Unit 10
Victoria Road Ind Est
Hebburn
NE31 1RW
Tel 423 3000
Or you can apply on line
RADAR Keys
Throughout the country there are wheelchair-accessible toilets with a special lock on them. The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers independent access to public toilets for disabled people. They can be opened using a RADAR Key.
The RADAR Key costs £2.50 (or £2.88 if you want it to be posted to you)
To contact RADAR phone 020 7250 3222
Motability
Motability is a charity set up to help disabled people get around.
Through the Contract Hire Scheme, a disabled person can lease a brand new car, fully insured, serviced and maintained with road rescue services included, by transferring their Disability Living Allowance mobility component to Motability.
At the end of three years, the person can either give the car back and lease a new one or buy the car at a discounted price. There may be an additional deposit to pay on some models of car.
Alternatively, under the Hire Purchase Scheme, Motability can arrange for the person to buy an outdoor electric wheelchair, a good used car or a new car.
Who can apply?
Anyone who gets the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (including children from the age of three) or receives a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement can apply to Motability.
The person being cared for does not have to be a driver to get a Motability car - their carer, a friend, relative or personal assistant can drive the car.
For more information and to apply contact Motability
Goodman House
Station Approach
Harlow
Essex
CM20 2ET
Customer Information Services
Tel 01279 635 666
Fax 01279 632 000
Tyne Tunnel Exemption Pass
A person, who is exempt from paying Road Tax and is in receipt of full invalidity benefit, can apply for a pass, which allows them to travel through the Tyne Tunnel free of charge.
For details and an application form, contact:
Tyne Tunnel Exemption Unit
Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority
The Tyne Tunnels
Wallsend
NE28 0PD
Tel 0191 262 4451
Fax 0191 263 1031
Exemption from paying Road Tax
The person you care for may be able to apply for an exemption certificate, which means that they do not have to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) (also called Road Tax).
They must receive:
- Disability Living Allowance high rate (mobility component)
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
- Have an invalid carriage
For full details
Call the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00
