The
Parking Disc
If
you are registered as a blind person you qualify for a Disabled
Persons' Parking Disc, formerly known as the
Orange Badge but now blue as in the rest of the European Community.
You are also eligible if you are registered as a disabled
person. The badge enables the driver to park in designated
disabled persons’ parking places and restricted areas
for limited periods of time.
Contact:
Disabled Parking,
Oxfordshire County Council,
Social Services Department,
PO Box 221,
Kidlington,
Oxford, OX5 1YD.
Phone: 01865 854 409.
Customer Service: 0845 050 76
66
Rail
Travel - Disabled Persons Railcard
If
you are registered as visually impaired you are eligible for
a Disabled Persons Railcard and discounts of between 34% and
50% on the ticket prices of most train journeys. If you travel
with a non-registered helper they receive the same discount.
The card is costs £18 per year or £48 for 3 years.
For an application form contact:
The
Disabled Persons Railcard Office,
PO Box 163,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
NE12 8WX.
Phone: 0191 218 81 03
Web: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk
VIP
Assistance
When
travelling by train, you can book assistance by phoning the
rail “journey line” number – 08457
484 950.
(Calls are charged at local rates).
If
you cannot use public transport
There
is an increasing need for public transport among VIPs. However
this is not always available or appropriate, alternative transport
solutions may be found. To locate a community transport scheme
in your area contact:
Oxfordshire
Rural Community Council
Phone: 01865 883 488
Fax: 01865 883 191
Email: orcc@oxonrcc.org.uk
Web: www.oxonrcc.org.uk
Information
for driving licence holders
In
accordance with the advice shown on the driving licence, any
driver with impaired vision is legally required to inform
the DVLA, whose medical officer will consider each case on
an individual basis. The DVLA can be contacted at: The Drivers'
Medical Branch DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU.
Phone: 0870 600 0301.
Travel Concessions from Local District Councils
Currently
each district council operates its own scheme; however the
government intends to introduce a national concessionary program
in 2007. For more information about bus travel in your area
call Oxfordshire Association for the Blind and we will be
glad to help.
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