Corporate report

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee: annual report 2023 to 2024

Published 10 October 2024

Chair’s foreword

As I reflect on my first year as Chair of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), it is with a sense of pride in our collective achievements and anticipation for the journey ahead. This year marked a period of transition and growth for DPTAC, as we bid farewell to valued members Tanvi Vyas and David Mapp, whose contributions have been instrumental in advancing our mission. Another 5 longstanding members will have also completed their tenure by the end of October, but their leaving is balanced by the exciting prospect of welcoming up to 14 new members in 2024. This signals a new chapter of diversity and enrichment in our collective expertise and a welcome increase in membership after several years of operating close to within the constraint of the minimal number of permitted committee members.

Throughout 2023 to 2024, DPTAC’s dedication to enhancing transport accessibility has been unwavering. Our advisory role has spanned across all modes and key sectors, providing important advice to the Department for Transport (DfT). Our insights have touched on diverse areas such as Active Travel England’s initiatives, aviation passenger rights, the future of rail reform and assistance facilities, bus and coach accessibility standards and the ever-evolving landscape of e-mobility, among others.

Our engagement has been both broad and deep, covering automated vehicles’ potential to revolutionise mobility for disabled people, the persistent ‘travel gap’ between disabled and non-disabled people despite public service vehicle advancements, and the intersection of transport with health and social policy changes. We have highlighted the need for inclusive design in urban planning, the integration of accessibility into economic appraisal, and the importance of accessible travel information.

A key part of our year has been the robust discussions and plans around enhancing DPTAC’s working model and planning for the future in a world where technology is rapidly evolving. Recognising the importance of transparency and effective outreach, we embarked on developing a more structured approach to our work and external engagement. Our continued engagement with the many organisations who are our valued partners across transport, accessibility representation and research, and the delivery and implementation of our publication scheme are testament to our commitment to these goals.

The Transport Select Committee Inquiry on Accessible Travel was an extensive piece of work which has highlighted the systemic issues facing disabled travellers and underscored the importance of our work. The inquiry hearings, echoing many of DPTAC’s long-standing concerns, will undoubtedly inform our advisory role in the coming year.

In June, I was delighted to be invited to present at the G7 Transport Ministers’ meeting in Japan. The UK was the only member of the G7 to put the future of transport accessibility front and centre, which has led to helpful conversations with our international partners. 

Looking forward, the introduction of new DPTAC members presents an unparalleled opportunity to deepen our impact. With fresh perspectives and renewed vigour, we are poised to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our discussions on working practices and the proposal to host some future meetings outside London reflect our commitment to understanding and highlighting the accessibility needs across the UK’s diverse landscapes.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all DPTAC members for their dedication and expertise, to our Secretariat for their unwavering support and to our partners across the transport sector. Together, we have laid a strong foundation for the continued advancement of transport accessibility and I am eager to see where our collective efforts will lead us in the year ahead.

Professor Matthew Campbell-Hill

Committee Chair from 1 February 2023.

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee

Background

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) is an expert advisory committee established by the Transport Act 1985 to advise the Secretary of State on the transport and mobility needs of disabled people.

DPTAC provides advice to the Department for Transport (the department) to assist in the development of policy and other proposals. It acts as a ‘sounding board’ and ‘critical friend’ offering clear constructive advice to the department.

DPTAC works to present a pan-disabled view on the effects of transport legislation, regulation, policy, operation and guidance. DPTAC has a statutory duty to consider any matter, relating to the needs of disabled persons in connection with transport, referred to it by the Secretary of State, and may also provide advice on other issues the committee itself considers relevant to disabled people and the accessibility of transport.

Our priorities

DPTAC’s current priority commitments are to:

• provide timely, focused advice to the department on matters relating to transport for disabled people in support of the department’s strategic objective of transport for the user
• take account of the broad views and experiences of all disabled people and their families and carers, and develop our advice through effective engagement with the Department for Transport, the transport industry, organisations representing disabled people and other stakeholders
• work with the Department for Transport to assess progress on implementation of the Inclusive Transport Strategy

Membership

Membership requirements for DPTAC are set out in the Transport Act 1985, which requires that as far as reasonably practicable, at least half of the committee’s membership consists of disabled people. Our membership includes people with lived experience of disability with a broad range of experiences of using transport, working alongside professionals in disability and transport. This allows DPTAC to speak with credibility and confidence on the needs of disabled transport customers and effective ways of meeting them.

During April 2023 to March 2024, DPTAC consisted of the Chair and up to 11 members. The committee members were:

• Chair: Professor Matthew Campbell-Hill

• Helen Dolphin MBE

• David Mapp (until October 2023)

• Tanvi Vyas (until October 2023)

• Professor Roger Mackett

• Will Bee

• Mike Brace CBE DL 

• Dave Partington MBE 

• Sharon Brennan 

• Bryan Matthews

• Niki Glazier

• Sue Sharp 

DPTAC adopts a working group structure with remits focussed on different modes of transport.

The committee’s activities

This section of the report summarises the main aspects of DPTAC’s work through the reporting period, by mode or other significant areas of work. DPTAC seeks to maintain a flexible and responsive approach to the provision of advice. This means that it will tailor and provide advice to suit the needs of its audience, which may be provided in writing, verbally at meetings or through consultation responses.

Main committee meetings

During the reporting period for 2023 to 2024 the committee met in April, June, September, December 2023 and March 2024. The minutes for these meetings are published on GOV.UK and are summarised below.

April 2023

April’s meeting covered a range of topics and issues across the transport sector including:

Autonomous vehicles

The committee recognised the potential benefits of level 5 autonomous vehicles for disabled people, allowing for independent door-to-door journeys. Concerns were raised about impacts on road congestion and the need for continued investment in accessible rail services. The discussion emphasised the necessity of ensuring new standards for public electric vehicle charging points are high quality and accessible for disabled drivers.

Quality of data and the ‘travel gap’

The persistent gap in journey frequency between disabled and non-disabled people was highlighted, despite improvements in public service vehicle engineering. The need for better data quality and utilisation of sources like the National Travel Survey was noted.

Connections with health and social policy

Proposed changes to the work capability assessment and hospital parking policies were discussed for their potential impacts on accessible travel demand.

Improving the planning system

The importance of centring disabled people in development processes to foster inclusive design principles was discussed, supporting accessible journeys for all.

Interaction with active travel

The committee acknowledged the importance of promoting walking, cycling and wheeling while highlighting the need for improvements in the pedestrian environment for disabled people.

Economic appraisal

The benefits of incorporating accessibility more significantly into the economic appraisal of transport investments were discussed, noting the broader societal benefits beyond transport.

Travel information

The potential for a dedicated journey planning platform for disabled passengers was discussed, with concerns about the reliance on technology potentially reducing human support.

Cross-departmental working

The importance of cross-departmental collaboration, particularly through the Cabinet Office disability unit, was noted to ensure cohesive policy impact across sectors.

Rail reform

The rail reform agenda was seen as an opportunity to integrate the National Rail Accessibility Strategy and improve accessibility investment prioritisation, with the upcoming accessibility duty highlighted as a foundation for ensuring accessibility is central to passenger journeys.

Engagement with disabled people’s organisations

The committee recognised the value of regular engagement with disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) to enrich DPTAC’s expertise with frontline insights.

Non-visible disabilities

The need to enhance support for people with non-visible disabilities was discussed, including mental health conditions, autism and dementia.

E-scooters

Further work to improve e-scooter safety for disabled pedestrians was identified as a priority.

Mobility scooters on buses

The committee deliberated on how amending regulations would provide better accommodation of Class 2 mobility scooters on buses, noting the complexity and potential impacts on bus design and safety.

Concessionary bus fares review

DfT’s plans to review concessionary fares funding for bus services, including the consideration of extending eligibility to non-visible disabilities were discussed. DPTAC agreed to assist in the review and to offer a member to join the steering group.

June 2023

In June 2023, the DPTAC main meeting focused on refining the committee’s working model, enhancing communication strategies, reviewing IT infrastructure, developing a publication scheme, and planning the work programme. Key points discussed include:

New working model

The Chair emphasised structuring DPTAC’s working arrangements to ensure a holistic view of engagement and facilitate tracking of workstream progress. Monthly updates from working group leads were proposed to effectively record outcomes and follow up on provided advice.

Review of DPTAC communications

Highlighting the importance of external communication to enhance transparency about DPTAC’s activities and goals. A communications working group is to be established to spearhead this initiative, focusing on both external visibility and improving the DfT’s understanding of DPTAC’s role. The importance of a consistent narrative and the potential utility of social media, such as a Twitter/X feed were also discussed.

Review of IT

Plans were outlined to provide DPTAC members with GOV.UK email addresses for better access to documents and communication, requiring a clear policy and management as a small IT project, including timeline, transition period, induction and training.

DPTAC publication scheme

Efforts to develop an improved publication scheme aim to increase transparency through the proactive publication of key documents, including meeting minutes and advice. Training on the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) for new members was suggested to balance transparency with the provision of confidential advice.

Transport Select Committee accessible travel inquiry

Department officials briefed on the launch of the Transport Select Committee (TSC) inquiry and its call for evidence, with consideration given as to whether DPTAC would be asked by the TSC to provide evidence.

Work programme – ongoing activities and future work

The committee discussed current and future workstreams, seeking member involvement in areas such as micro e-mobility, personal mobility devices, rail reform proposals, maritime issues, autonomous vehicles and electric vehicle chargepoints.

Creation of autonomy working group

The Chair proposed the formation of an autonomy working group to address issues related to all forms of autonomous transport and their impacts on disabled people, setting a framework for focused exploration and advice in this evolving area.

September 2023

In September 2023, DPTAC provided advisory contributions, engaged in strategic discussions, and focused on enhancing operational effectiveness. Key points from the meeting include:

Advisory contributions

DPTAC provided substantial advice across various transport sectors, including responses to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) consultations, engagement on ticket office closures, maritime accessibility survey input, taxi/private hire vehicle accessibility policy, station accessibility data and bus and coach travel research. Feedback was also given on draft guidance for school streets, bus user priority and Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (2000) PSVAR.

Implementation of a publication scheme and GOV.UK domain

Update on work to secure DPTAC’s communications and document sharing, including the setup of a GOV.UK domain and shared folders for easier member access.

Engagement with Motability policy

Discussions were held about maximising benefits for disabled people through the Motability scheme, highlighting the importance of ensuring disabled people’s travel needs are met.

Findings from a light touch governance review

DPTAC reviewed recommendations from the DfT public bodies centre of expertise, focusing on the development of a forward work plan to address key policy areas and emerging priorities. The importance of strengthening internal awareness of DPTAC across the DfT was underscored, with plans to integrate DPTAC members into relevant networks and promote their role.

Update on National Disability Strategy and disability action plan consultation

The meeting highlighted DPTAC’s active role in shaping accessible transport policy across various modalities, its commitment to improving operational efficiency, and its engagement with broader government strategies to enhance the lives of disabled people (subsequent to this meeting, DPTAC submitted a response to the government consultation on the draft Disability Action Plan in October 2023).

December 2023

In December 2023, DPTAC continued its efforts to influence and improve accessibility across various transportation sectors. The main points of discussion at the December meeting included:

DPTAC advisory contributions

DPTAC provided advice addressing a wide range of issues including maritime passenger accessibility, bus and coach passenger rights, cross-pavement cable solutions for EV charging, e-cycles, rail retail and assistance facilities, station accessibility and the future of autonomous vehicles among others.

Secretariat updates

Progress was reported on several projects, notably the launch of a recruitment campaign for new DPTAC members and the publication of DPTAC’s annual reports for the years 2018 to 2019, 2020 to 2022 and 2022 to 2023. Updates on IT improvements were also discussed to ensure secure and efficient communication among DPTAC members.

Working practices forward look

An interim approach to handling DPTAC business with a limited number of members was discussed to manage resource pressures effectively.

Network North plan

The DfT’s local transport co-director provided insights into the Network North plan, highlighting funding allocations and aims to enhance connectivity and improve local journeys in the North and Midlands. The importance of considering carbon reduction and community engagement in transport authority development plans was emphasised.

TSC accessible travel inquiry

The TSC’s main lines of inquiry were briefly outlined. DPTAC’s role would now focus on advising the Department of Transport on any subsequent TSC recommendations expected in the new year.

Contactless ticketing project

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) discussed the multi-operator contactless ticketing system being developed outside London. DPTAC emphasised the need to prevent digital exclusion and ensure the scheme accommodates concessionary passes, with an equality impact assessment recommended.

Rail ticket office closure consultation findings

Transport Focus (TF) shared findings from the ticket office closures consultation, highlighting the importance of staff presence and support for disabled passengers. DPTAC discussed the variability in responses from train operating companies and expressed interest in the concept of welcome points as potential contact points for passengers, especially those who are vision impaired.

March 2024

In March 2024, the DPTAC meeting covered several key areas of work and strategic discussions to advance accessibility across various transport sectors, including:

Review of DPTAC work during the previous quarter

DPTAC provided advice on several important topics, including Active Travel England’s (ATE) quiet lane advice note, accessible railway station design standards, ATE’s planning application assessment toolkit and proposals being discussed at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) proposing updates to bus and coach accessibility standards.

The committee reviewed work across multiple areas such as automated vehicles, aviation, maritime, rail, local transport, personal mobility and accessibility-related research.

The committee received an update from the Chair on his discussions with the department’s executive board, where the committee’s priorities were discussed and how these should align with the department’s principal work areas including responding to the TSC inquiry and the strategic objective of transport for the user.

Secretariat update

The recruitment campaign for new DPTAC members received a positive response, with interviews planned for the coming month.

TSC accessible travel inquiry: legal obligations

The Chair summarised issues raised during the TSC’s inquiry into accessible travel, highlighting systemic failures, the burden on disabled people for seeking redress, cultural and attitudinal issues, international comparisons and the role of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

DPTAC will provide advice to the Department for Transport in response to the TSC’s final reports and recommendations.

Discussion with Ministerial Disability Champion, Guy Opperman MP

Minister Opperman discussed his reflections on his role and the accessible travel inquiry, touching on topics like pavement parking and clutter, e-scooters, bus stop bypasses and how accessibility is considered by the EHRC and within infrastructure design and environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.

Ways of working

Ahead of new members joining, the committee discussed administrative setups, work management, roles and the balance between attending meetings and reviewing policy proposals.

DPTAC working groups

DPTAC adopts a working group structure to undertake its work. During the reporting period 2023 to 2024 there were 5 active working groups, covering:

• aviation and maritime
• rail
• local transport
• personal mobility
• research and evidence

During this time the committee also agreed to create an autonomous vehicle and communications working groups. These groups are expected to be fully active from the next reporting period, 2024 to 2025.

Aviation and maritime working group

The aviation and maritime working group advises on airport and aviation related policy, working with the Department for Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the government-appointed Disability and Access Ambassador for aviation to promote aviation accessibility. The working group also advises on maritime accessibility policy working with the Department for Transport and the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The working group was chaired by Tanvi Vyas until October 2023. Sue Sharp then took up this role.

Members:

• Tanvi Vyas (Chair and member until October 2023)
• Sue Sharp (Chair from October 2023)
• Helen Dolphin MBE
• Mike Brace CBE DL
• Sharon Brennan

Through 2023 to 2024, activities spanned consultations, meetings, and contributions to research and policy developments, aiming to improve the travel experience for disabled passengers, including:

Aviation

Meetings and consultations

Engaged in several meetings including discussions on the PAS 6463 ‘design for the mind’, updates on ground handlers training video, social research and consumer policy consultation responses. A ministerial roundtable and a CAA consultation framework meeting were also significant activities, gathering insights for DPTAC’s consultation response.

Framework and standards discussions

Discussed with the CAA around research and consultation on a framework for airline accessibility, aiming to parallel the current airports framework. Discussions with DfT also touched upon training surveys across the sector and ‘fit to fly’.

Events and outreach

Attended a Gatwick Airport event organised by the Disability and Access Ambassador focusing on PAS 6463, planning further events with captains and industry stakeholders to discuss accessibility standards. A parliamentary reception on ‘rights on flights’ campaign was attended.

Research and policy input

Contributed to discussions on updating the air passenger travel guide, with emphasis on making accessibility information more centralised. Feedback was provided on various drafts and research studies to enhance accessibility guidelines.

Maritime

Shipping week participation

DPTAC members were actively involved in London International Shipping Week and invited to host an accessibility session for industry stakeholders. Regrettably, the session was cancelled but is being repurposed as part of the conference engagement (below).

Stakeholder engagement

Meetings with the Chamber of Shipping and the MCA focused on accessibility issues and inspections. Participation in the new maritime passenger accessibility network panel set up by the Department for Transport and participation in the British chamber of shipping accessibility working group.

Conference planning

A start was made on organising a maritime accessibility conference, discussing venue procurement and session planning, with DPTAC expected to host a session.

Accessibility surveys and research

Input was provided on industry passenger accessibility surveys, with attention to the geographical distribution of responses and operator commitments to accessibility improvements.

Rail working group

The rail working group advises on matters relating to rail accessibility. David Mapp was the working group chair until October 2023, with Dave Partington taking on the role of acting chair on an interim basis.

Members:

• David Mapp (Chair and member until October 2023)
• Dave Partington MBE (Chair from October 2023)
• Tanvi Vyas (until October 2023)
• Niki Glazier
• Professor Roger Mackett
• Mike Brace CBE DL
• Sue Sharp (until October 2023)
• Bryan Matthews (since December 2023)

During 2023 to 2024, the rail working group (RWG) continued its focus on providing advice aimed at enhancing rail accessibility and engaging with key stakeholders in the rail industry. This included engaging in consultations, strategic reviews, workshops and direct advisory roles, including:

Ticket office closure proposals

Provided advice on proposals from train companies regarding the future of railway ticket offices and their accessibility.

Participated in a ministerial roundtable and advised on extending the consultation period, which was implemented.

Office of Rail and Road consultation

Responded to the ORR’s consultation on changes to the network code and licence, advocating for maintaining the current timetable publication requirements.

Attended the ORR’s ‘year in rail’ and ‘PR23’ events, preparing to submit feedback on the PR23 consultation, impacting rail accessibility.

Participated in ORR’s project advisory group considering research around the experiences of disabled people in relation to complaints and redress processes.

National Rail accessibility strategy

Engaged with the National Rail accessibility strategy (NRAS) steering group, discussing and contributing to the development of the draft strategy in advance of the planned public consultation.

Contributed to discussions on improving station accessibility and participated in workshops focusing on the information needs of disabled travellers.

DfT interoperability standards

Attended workshops on the adaptation of EU interoperability standards to UK national technical specification notices (NTSNs), highlighting the need for a coherent accessibility framework.

Meetings, engagements and workshops

Participated in a series of meetings and workshops with the DfT, ORR and other stakeholders, focusing on a range of issues from the design of accessible rail stations to the implications of proposed changes to rail accessibility standards.

Consultation responses and submissions

Submitted responses to consultations on the persons with reduced mobility national technical specification notices (PRM NTSN) and design standards for accessible railway stations and provided feedback on the draft NRAS consultation document.

Local transport working group

The local transport working group (LTWG) advises on matters relating to bus, coach, taxi and private hire vehicle accessibility. It is chaired by Will Bee.

Members:

• Will Bee
• Sharon Brennan
• Professor Roger Mackett
• Tanvi Vyas (until October 2023)
• Mike Brace

During 2023 to 2024, the local transport working group (LTWG) provided advice across a range of activities including consultations and policy development, related to local transport accessibility, including:

Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR) review

The LTWG worked on a response to the call for evidence on the PSVAR review, with the submission of a comprehensive response in August 2023, outlining detailed comments on current regulations and suggestions for improvement.

The Rights of Passengers in Bus and Coach Transport (Exemptions and Enforcement) Regulations 2013 review

The LTWG reviewed and provided feedback on a draft questionnaire for the passenger rights review. DPTAC subsequently completed the questionnaire to set out its view of the current passenger rights regulations.

Meetings, engagements and workshops

National taxi and private hire vehicle licensing group

Participated in a meeting to gather intelligence on licensing practices and the impact on services for disabled passengers.

Research steering group on concessionary bus pass

Advised on research concerning potential changes to the eligibility criteria for the disabled persons’ bus pass in England, emphasising the need to assess the impact of widening criteria.

Guidance note on bus priority measures

Advised on the need for a balanced approach to cyclists’ and disabled passengers’ needs at bus stops, especially concerning bus by-passes and cycle lanes.

United Kingdom Coach Operators Association (UKCOA)

Discussed the PSVAR review, detachable destination signs for coaches, and future zero-emission coach options in an introductory meeting in October 2023 and a follow-up in November 2023.

Other advisory activity

Advice relating to updated best practice guidance for licensing taxis and PHVs.

Provided guidance to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in preparation for their testimony to the transport committee.

Personal mobility working group

The personal mobility working group advises on matters relating to personal mobility. This includes active travel, Blue Badge policy, built environment, driving and micro-mobility. The working group is chaired by Helen Dolphin.

Members:

• Helen Dolphin
• Sue Sharp
• Tanvi Vyas (until October 2023)
• Professor Roger Mackett
• Bryan Matthews

The personal mobility working group (PMWG) focused on several areas during 2023 to 2024, contributing to policy development including e-cycle regulation and EV charging solutions. Activity included:

E-cycle regulation proposals

Engaged in discussions about proposals to increase the power of electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) to 500 watts and introduce throttle assistance up to 15.5 miles per hour (mph) to make EAPCs a more viable alternative for disabled individuals, older people and for use in freight operations.

This included addressing potential safety risks associated with more powerful EAPCs and e-cargo bikes. Discussions considered the feasibility of limiting these proposed changes to only disabled people and e-cargo bikes, highlighting challenges in determining disability and eligibility.

Road safety education

Met with the road safety education forum to discuss guidance for designing and delivering road safety education.

Active Travel England’s draft school streets guidance

Reviewed Active Travel England’s (ATE’s) draft school streets guidance and provided feedback on the inspectorate scheme review and design assistance tools.

Cross-pavement solutions for EV charging

Reviewed draft guidance for local authorities with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) to mitigate tripping hazards from EV charging cables across pavements.

Wheelchair accessible vehicle transition monitoring

Participated in meetings to monitor progress towards zero emission wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), discussing accessible charging infrastructure and challenges related to accommodating batteries while maintaining lower floors and accessibility.

Transport Scotland commissioned research on inclusive design at bus stops and continuous footways

Concluded our participation in the project’s reference group, in which we had contributed advice and ideas over several years.

Cycling and walking stakeholder group

Attended meetings to discuss updates on low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), the ‘plan for drivers’, and potential changes to electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) regulations, highlighting the need to consider the impact on disabled road users.

ATE planning application assessment toolkit update

Provided feedback on ATE’s review of the toolkit used to assess the active travel merits of planning application submissions for which it is a statutory consulted.

LTN review

Contributed to a review of LTN schemes, discussing the potential positive and negative impacts on disabled individuals.

Contributions to other working groups

Engaged with the UK Chamber of Shipping and the rail delivery group on accessibility issues, sharing insights and offering support for ongoing initiatives.

Research and evidence working group

The research and evidence working group advises on research and the use of data in relation to disabled people’s access and use of public transport. The working group is chaired by Roger Mackett.

Members:

• Professor Roger Mackett
• Bryan Matthews
• David Mapp (until October 2023)

The research and evidence (R&E) working group engaged in numerous activities throughout 2023 to 2024, focusing on enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in transport research. Their work spanned across multiple meetings with DfT staff, contributing to various consultations and providing advice on research methodologies and data analysis related to accessible transport, including:

DPTAC R&E working group meetings

Held discussions on the DfT’s current and future accessible travel research, expressing interest in the breadth of work whilst raising the need to make sure that the department is clearly communicating its research plans to DPTAC in good time.

ITS evaluation

Engaged with the evaluation of ITS, reviewing additional analysis of qualitative and survey data to maximise data usage and impact understanding.

Suggested improvements to the oversight process for the ITS, advocating for detailed information provision to enable effective monitoring and contribution.

Consultations and framework discussions

Participated in roundtable discussions, including a policy-focused roundtable on the disability action plan and meetings with ministers and the CAA to emphasise the importance of accessible transport in societal inclusion.

Questionnaire reviews

Provided detailed feedback on various questionnaires related to accessibility in ferries, cruises, buses and rail, aiming to improve clarity and inclusivity.

Self-driving vehicles research

Raised the issue that more could be done to bring out the findings related to disabled passengers in self-driving vehicle (SDV) research, and suggested that further discussion on implications for disabled people would be useful.

National travel survey data analysis

Analysed national travel survey (NTS) data from 2018 to 2023 to identify trends in travel by disabled people, highlighting a potential narrowing gap in travel frequency between disabled and non-disabled people.

Accessible transport research documentation

Discussed the challenges and potential of documenting accessibility-related evidence and research, noting resource constraints and the importance of updating and sharing knowledge.

Accessibility and inclusivity of bus and coach travel

Advised on the clarity and inclusiveness of survey questions to ensure they accurately capture the experiences of disabled travellers.

Innovative technology impacts

Provided insights into the effects of new technologies on the streetscape, focusing on the accessibility implications for disabled people.

Register of members’ interests

Professor Matthew Campbell-Hill: DPTAC Chair

Employment: Professor of Novel Technology Design and Adoption at the University of Birmingham.

Directorships:

• Non-executive Director at DVSA
• the International Innovation House Ltd
• Aerosol Shield Ltd
• Ted’s Light CIC Ltd

Shares: Nudea Ltd.

Bryan Matthews

Employment: Lecturer at the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds.

Directorships: a member of the steering group of the Centre for Disability Studies at the University of Leeds.

Dave Partington MBE

Employment: Heritage Development Officer.

David Mapp

Employment: Retired.

Shares: Lloyds Bank.

Helen Dolphin MBE

Employment: Consultant at Dolphin Diversity – contracting for Great British Railways transition team, co-chair Heathrow accessibility group, member of CAA consumer panel.

Niki Glazier

Employment: service lead for Mental Health Together.

Shares: Rolls Royce.

Professor Roger Mackett

Employment: Co-investigator on the Wellbeing Impact Study of HS2 (WISH2) project with RAND Europe investigating how the development of HS2 might affect the mental health and wellbeing of people who live near the railway line in his role of Emeritus Professor of Transport Studies at University College London (since 1 June 2021).

Sharon Brennan

Employment: Head of Policy and External Affairs at National Voices.

Sue Sharp

Employment: CEO of the Royal Society for Blind Children (until October 2023).

A member of the Independent Gatwick Advisory Panel (IGAP).

Directorships: Trustee of Driveability Scotland (since October 2023).

Tanvi Vyas

Employment: Freelance Disability Equality Consultant and Trainer. A member of the Heathrow advisory group.

Directorships: Trustee for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Will Bee

Directorships: Directorship for the Board of Trustees at Wellspring Settlement.

On the control period 7 (CP7) planning group.

Budget

DPTAC is funded by the Department for Transport to cover members’ fees and expenses. DPTAC’s budget for the 2023 to 2024 financial year was £145,000, this included fees and sundry expenditure.