This section encompasses key aspects of mobility: car travel. We all want to be able to get to where we want to go, whether it is to the local shops or across the country to visit relatives.
For information regarding mobility and travel whilst abroad, please see the HOLIDAYS AND TRAVEL section.
Milton Keynes’ grid road system makes driving easier, quicker and means you’re much less likely to be sat in traffic. For disabled drivers, a primary concern is parking. In Central Milton Keynes, a person with a blue parking badge can park in most parking bays (except in permit and residents-only bays, or privately owned car parks) free of charge for an unlimited amount of time. It is always best to check local signage for parking information. There are also a substantial number of parking spaces designated specifically for disabled people, meaning that you can drive and park with ease.
AA Disability Helpline
Automobile Association, Contact Centre,
Carr Ellison House, William Armstrong Drive,
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE4 7YA
Free Helpline: 0800 26 20 50
Textphone: 0800 328 2810
Email: customer.services@theaa.com
Web: www.theaa.com
The AA provides information on a range of disability-related subjects, such as motoring in the UK and overseas, route requests, car adaptations and wheelchair maintenance. All services are free to AA members. Membership is available at discounted rates to Blue Badge holders. Call free on 0800 444 999 and quote ‘Blue Badge’.
Once a member, individuals can register their particular requirements in regard to how roadside assistance may be provided.
The AA Disabled Traveller’s Guide is a comprehensive information source that is free to members. It contains information on motoring, insurance, driving tests, vehicle adaptations, and airports. The guide is only available for free if you are an AA member.
Blue Badge Scheme
Milton Keynes Council, Civic Offices
1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3EJ
Enquiry Line: 01908 253449
Web: blue-badge
Anyone who is registered as blind, receives the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or 8 or more points in the “Moving around” section of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or is in receipt of a war pension supplement is entitled to a Blue Badge. It is also possible to qualify if you are not in receipt of DLA but still cannot walk or have considerable difficulty in doing so.
A photograph and a form of ID is required for application. The form can be filled out online or via telephone if help is required.
The cost for the badge is currently £10.00. Milton Keynes Council require payment via debit/credit card as cash cannot be accepted.
The Blue Badge is valid for three years.
It is possible to check your eligibility and start the process of applying badge online at the GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge) website.
MKCIL can normally offer appointments for those who require assistance in applying. There is no charge for this service.
Disabled Motoring UK
Folly Farm
Upgate Street
Carleton, Roade, Norfolk, NR16 1NJ
Tel: 01508 489449
email: info@disabledmotoring
web: https://www.disabledmotoring.org/
Disabled Motoring UK is a membership charity which campaigns on behalf of disabled people on issues relating to their mobility. Members have access to an information and advice service run by experienced information officers. The information and advice service is there to answer questions on disabled motoring issues such as Blue Badge queries, parking problems and information about where to get vehicle adaptions. Members receive a monthly magazine and are eligible for discounts on a variety of goods and services. There is an annual membership fee.
Motability
Warwick House, Roydon Road, Harlow,
Essex, CM19 5PX
Helpline: 0300 456 4566
Web: www.motability.co.uk
The Motability scheme enables disabled people to use their government-funded mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter, or powered wheelchair.
If an individual receives the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement (WPMS), the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Armed Forces Independent Payment, they may be eligible to join the Motability scheme. Parents and carers can join on behalf of a child aged three and above. The vehicle must be used for the benefit of the disabled person.
Insurance, servicing, repairs, and breakdown assistance are included in the cost of the lease. A range of adaptations are also available, some at no additional cost.
As a national charity, Motability also raises funds and provides financial assistance to those who may otherwise be unable to afford the mobility solutions they need.
For more information, please visit the Motability website.
BSM Driving Tuition
3 St Patricks House, Penarth Road,
Cardiff, CF10 5ZA
Web: www.bsm.co.uk
BSM offer specialist driving tuition programmes developed by driver training experts. BSM aims to meet the needs of people with disabilities and older learners.
Lessons are tailored to each individual student’s needs and are provided in a fleet of 240 dual-controlled driving school cars equipped with a range of specialist adaptations.
BSM Instructors are Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) who have undergone further professional training to ensure students receive the support they need to develop their skills behind the wheel.
For more information about the specialist driving tuition programmes contact BSM on the above telephone number.
In Car Safety Centre
16 Dunsby Road, Redmoor, Milton Keynes, MK6 4AD
Tel: 01908 220909
Email: info@incarsafetycentre.co.uk
Web: www.incarsafetycentre.co.uk
The In Car Safety Centre offers advice and sale of safety equipment for children in cars, including children’s car seats. They can also give advice on specialist safety equipment for children with disabilities. Visits by appointment only.
Open: Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5:00pm
Access: Ground floor access through large up and over door.
PB Conversions
Units 1 & 2, Clipstone Brook Industrial Estate,
Cherrycourt Way, Leighton Buzzard,
Bedfordshire, LU7 4GP
Tel/ Fax: 01525 850588
Email: pbconversions@aol.com
PB Conversions are specialists in vehicle adaptations for disabled people. Please contact for more advice; a no-obligation quote service is offered.
PB Conversions are able to carry out all adaptations, including:
- Push/pull hand controls
- Other types of hand controls (Autoadapt, Guido Simplex, floor mounted radial and others)
- Switches for hand controls (horn, indicator, wipers, lights)
- Left foot accelerator
- Lighten power steering
- Steering aids
- PB 4-way powered hoists
- Parking aids, automatic wipers, and other devices.
- Van conversions (Including drive from wheelchair)
- Voice control systems
- Electronic brake and gas systems
PB Conversions also stock a small range of mobility scooters available for sale.
Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC)
Patricks Farm, Meriden Road,
Hampton in Arden, B92 0LT
Tel: 0300 300 2240
Web: www.rdac.co.uk
Email: info@rdac.co.uk
The Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC) is a registered charity that specialises in providing driving assessments for people who have a medical condition or a disability. Anyone can go to RDAC for an assessment, but most people are referred by the DVLA, Access to Work (page 56) or Motability. If you have a disability and would like to determine your ability to drive, or any adaptations you may need to your vehicle, you can self-refer for an assessment by contacting RDAC on the above details.
RDAC help disabled people of all ages and older people maintain their independence by ensuring they are driving or travelling safely. RDAC also helps those who are travelling as passengers in vehicles and their carers. A car seat clinic is also available for disabled children travelling in cars, or teenagers who are concerned about learning to drive.
RDAC has a team of driving advisors, occupational therapists and administration staff who can offer advice and information to people who may have concerns or anxiety about driving with a disability.
RDAC have driving assessment centres nationwide. The website contains a full list. All the centres have adapted vehicles permanently available, which cater to a range of mobility needs. Please contact directly for more information.