DPTAC Main Committee meeting minutes 17 June 2020
Updated 13 February 2024
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11am to 2.30pm, 17 June 2020, online.
Attendees
DPTAC: Keith Richards (Chair),Will Bee, David Chrimes, Chris Price, Tanvi Vyas, Roger Mackett, Dave Partington, Matthew Smith, Jessica Uguccioni, Sue Sharp, Mike Brace, Sharon Brennan, Niki Glazier, Bryan Matthews, David Mapp, Helen Dolphin.
Guests: Brighton and Hove Buses, Blackpool Transport, Cabinet Office, Transport Scotland, Welsh Government.
Introductory discussion
DPTAC Chair welcomed all to the meeting. Chair requested disclosure of any conflicts of interest; none identified.
Inclusive Transport Strategy update
DfT provided an update on the Inclusive Transport Strategy (ITS), and noted that whilst progress is being made against the actions in the ITS there are some actions with a risk of delay largely due to the impacts of COVID-19. The Committee noted that these impacts include: resources; research projects; and applications to the Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme.
Action: DfT to circulate disability awareness training package with all members
The Chair noted the need to ensure the ITS is a living document.
DfT COVID-19 restart
DfT gave a presentation from the COVID-19 Restart Team. They are focussing on face coverings, guidance and two-metre social distancing. The Committee noted their concern with disabled people being challenged for not wearing a face covering. DfT explained that communications on exemptions are intended to mitigate these challenges, and the Committee noted the importance of consistency of these messages and the potential use of assistance cards.
Action: DPTAC to advise the department on the use of assistance cards to support people who are applicable for face covering exemptions.
How the transport industry is delivering accessibility through COVID-19
Presentation from Brighton and Hove Buses and Blackpool transport on impacts of COVID-19 on their bus services in relation to accessibility. The Committee noted that bus ridership is still low, with therefore ample capacity for social distancing. The messaging of exemptions for face coverings was again discussed.
DfT Permanent Secretary
The DfT Permanent Secretary, Bernadette Kelly, presented to the Committee. The Committee noted that financial support from the Treasury has enabled public transport to continue operating. Members raised that there will be longer term impacts of COVID-19 on transport including changes in travel behaviours and potential economic impacts.
The Committee also noted the positive impact of the It’s Everyone’s Journey campaign, and that DfT Ministers have agreed that the campaign can continue at an appropriate time.
Any other business
The next meeting will be 14 or 15 September.