UK Four Nations

The Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) chaired this Four Nations Meeting, with the MACS Planning and Strategy work stream agreeing issues that would benefit from a cross-UK discussion. The Convener also took the opportunity to update on MACS's high-level objectives. The main areas of discussion covered were:

Motability – David Hunter drafted a letter to Motability following publication of the Motability Operations Annual Report, which was agreed by Four Nations colleagues. It asked for two specific changes to policy, firstly, that in future any surpluses generated by Motability Operations in excess of operational needs are returned to customers each year as an annual dividend rather than passed to the Motability Charity or being added to reserves. Secondly, that customers who lease power wheelchairs, mobility scooters and similar personal mobility aids are permitted to keep them at the end of the lease period, rather than return to Motability for second-hand sale and generation of further profits to the organisation.
Post-EU Exit Transition Travel with Assistance Dogs – IMTAC colleagues updated that due to the Northern Ireland (NI) protocols in place, NI now had access to their own pet passports which will enable individuals, including those travelling with assistance dogs, to travel without barriers between the UK and EU. However, they highlighted the major issues for those in the rest of the UK who have to abide by a different set of protocols, which will require travelers to have an animal health certificate for every journey they make.
Changing Place Facilities at Key Transport Termini – Northern Ireland colleagues raised the fact that their administration was looking to amend the building regulations to require changing places facilities with major developments, but that there is suggestion that transport infrastructure will not be included. They were keen to hear the different approaches across the nations. MACS pointed them to the Planning Circular 1/2020, 'Changing Places Toilets Regulations' introduced by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 and that a map of changing places across Scotland is already available.
Cycling Infrastructure and Bus Stop Design – given the increasing policy prominence given to promoting walking, wheeling and cycling, IMTAC were keen to learn if there were examples of where disabled people, policy makers and the active travel lobby sector had worked well together. MACS raised awareness of a walk, wheel, and cycling group which was established to build bridges (particularly with sight loss organisations), in order to accommodate inclusive design. However, at the time of writing this report, MACS is unaware if a solution has been found.
Demand-Responsive Transport and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) – MACS gave an overview of the definition and concept of MaaS, focusing on its main purpose to modernise and make access to public transport easier and simpler for all. We also spoke about the modal shift to public transport reducing reliance on private cars and supporting key Government agendas to reduce carbon emissions for healthier more sustainable travel and build on innovation and digital skills. MaaS supports this agenda as an enabler, using digital solutions to improve people's access to travel information, allowing them to make informed decisions on journey options. This includes platforms to gather personalised travel requirements into a single app. It will provide solutions for improved end-to-end journey planning and travel information, including smart ticketing, apps, integrated fares and retailing.

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