Mobility
Wrightington Mobility Centre
The Centre provides an assessment and information service for older and disabled drivers and passengers who wish to return to driving after illness, continue to drive or start driving. Information and assessment is also given regarding vehicle access, wheelchair loading, safe transportation and seating comfort.
There is a £50 charge for a driving assessment although passenger assessments are free.
Driving
Because of the effects of your stroke you may not be able to drive. The DVLA rules state:
- You must not drive for one month after a stroke
- After one month you must get clearance that you are safe to drive from your GP or consultant
If you do not get clearance then:
- Inform the DVLA and your Insurance Company (failure to inform your insurers could make your insurance void)
- Do not drive
DVLA Drivers Medical Unit
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Tel: 0870 600 0301 |
Blue Badge Scheme
Allows parking concessions to:
- people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers
- registered blind people
- people with severe upper limb disabilities, who regularly drive a vehicle but who cannot turn a steering wheel by hand or are unable to operate, or has considerable difficulty in operating, all or some types of parking meter
- children under the age of two who, due to a specific medical condition, need to travel with bulky medical equipment or be close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment
Application forms for Blue Badges are available from Adult Services offices
Adult Services
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Wigan Office - |
Tel: 01942 828 260 |
| Headquarters - |
Tel: 01942 827 819 |
Or…… you can download a copy of the form (65KB). There is a charge of £2 per application - do not send cash through the post. If you apply by post, send a cheque or postal order made payable to Wigan Council.
You should return your completed application form with two passport-sized photographs (which you must sign on the back) to the office which covers your area - details of areas covered by each office are on the application form.
Road Tax
You may be entitled to a free tax disc if you're a disabled person who gets the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), War Pensioners Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or have an invalid carriage.
Using The Vehicle
To claim exemption from vehicle tax, the vehicle must be registered in your name or registered in the name of someone you nominate to drive for you (a nominee). However, the vehicle must only be used for your purposes, for example shopping or getting prescriptions. If it is being used by the nominee or someone else for their own personal needs, then the exemption will be lost and the normal rate of vehicle tax must be paid.
Obtaining An Exemption Certificate
Before you can get a free tax disc, you'll need to apply for an exemption certificate from the agency that issues your benefit. The exemption certificate will show your name and that of the nominee if you have nominated someone to drive for you.
If you claim the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance contact the Disability Living Allowance Unit and ask for exemption certificate DLA 404.
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DLA Unit
Warbreck House
Warbreck Hill
Blackpool
FY2 0YE |
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Tel: 0845 712 3456 |
| TextPhone: 0845 722 4433 |
If you claim the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement contact the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency and ask for exemption certificate WPA 442.
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Norcross
Thornton-Cleveleys
Lancashire
FY5 3GZ |
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Tel: 0800 169 2277 |
| TextPhone: 0800 169 3458 |
Taxing your vehicle in the disabled tax class
Get your free tax disc at a Post Office® branch that issues tax discs. You can renew it each year online, over the phone, in person or by post.
Buses
Slowly, busses and bus stops are becoming more accessible with innovations such as talking stops, low floor busses, and also the recent introduction of digital information displays to tell you which bus is approaching. Drivers of Low Floor busses are required to use ramps and provide assistance to disabled people on request Not all buses are accessible and are not required to be until 1st January 2015. Comments and Complaints should be addressed to either the Bus Operator, or ring:
GMPTE
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Tel: 0161 244 1050 |
Anyone wishing to apply for a bus permit should go to their nearest Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Travel Shop. These are usually situated at the bus stations or ring:
GMPT Travel Shop
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Tel: 0161 244 1050 |
Travel Vouchers
Travel vouchers are for people who are not able to use ordinary buses, trains or Metrolink and who have serious walking difficulties or are registered blind. They can be used to pay for taxis and for travel on accessible bus services such as Ring and Ride and community transport.
Who qualifies for Travel Vouchers?
You may qualify for travel vouchers if you are a resident in Greater Manchester and:
- you are registered blind with your local authority, or
- you are in receipt of DLA (Disability Living Allowance Higher Rate Mobility Component), or
- you are in receipt of Higher Rate (formerly known as 24 hour) Attendance Allowance, or
- you are in receipt of the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement, or
- If you do not receive any of the above benefits, you may still be entitled to travel vouchers if you are not able to walk 400 metres (440 yards) or more, or climb steps of 300 millimetres (approximately 12 inches) or more, however, this must be certified by your doctor on your application form
Where can I go using Travel Vouchers?
You can travel anywhere in Greater Manchester and the neighbouring counties using travel vouchers. However, you can only use travel vouchers with taxis, community transport schemes and accessible bus services, such as Ring and Ride, which are authorised. If you use transport that is not part of the scheme your vouchers will not be accepted.
We will send you a list of all authorised taxis, community transport schemes, and accessible bus services in your area when we send your vouchers; if you would like lists for other areas of Greater Manchester, we will provide these on request.
How do Travel Vouchers work?
When you join the scheme you will be given a travel voucher user card that shows your name, your photograph and a user number; you must show this card when you pay for a trip using Travel Vouchers. Vouchers are not free but are substantially discounted. Travel Voucher Users can buy up to £120 worth of vouchers for £30, which is just one quarter of the full value.
Vouchers can be used instead of cash, which means that if your journeys costs, say £6, then you will hand to the driver 6 x £1 vouchers, but remember, as you have only paid a quarter of their full value, the journey has only cost you £1.50.
Vouchers change colour every year and you will not be able to use them after the date printed on the voucher. Each voucher has a number on it and we keep a record of which vouchers you have bought in case they are lost or stolen.
Warning! If you already have a Free Travel Pass or Concessionary Travel Permit, which provide free or cheap travel on buses, trains and Metrolink in Greater Manchester, you must hand it in when you join the Travel Voucher Scheme. You cannot have both a bus pass or permit and Travel Vouchers; however, the travel voucher user card provides free or cheap travel on trains and Metrolink in the same way as your pass or permit.
If you do qualify for travel vouchers you are not obliged to have them. Some people who would be entitled to buy travel vouchers may choose not to do so, preferring to keep their free pass or concessionary permit.
How much do Travel Vouchers cost?
Travel Vouchers are not free, you must buy them, but they are substantially discounted. You may buy up to £120 worth of vouchers at a cost to you of £30. The vouchers come in booklets - each booklet contains 20 x £1 vouchers and will cost you £5.
The Travel Voucher year starts on 1st April in one year and runs until the 31st March the following year. It doesn't matter when in the year you join the Travel Vouchers scheme, you can still buy up to 6 booklets.
You may buy a limited number of booklets each year. Currently you can buy up to a maximum of 6 booklets in a year. We are not able to make any exceptions to the maximum number of vouchers allowed per person per year, even if they do not cover all your travel costs. However, the yearly allowance is reviewed each year and may change in future years.
You don't need to buy them all at once, for example, if you buy three books you will pay £15 and get £60 worth of Vouchers. You can buy more if you need them, but only up to 6 booklets. But you must use all your Vouchers before 31st March so if you think you might not spend £120 on travel; it would be best not to buy them all at once.
How do you apply for Travel Vouchers?
For an application form and further information please write to or phone:
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Passes and Permits
GMPTE
2 Piccadilly Place
Manchester
M1 3BG |
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Tel: 0161 244 1050 |
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Website: www.gmpte.com
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Ring & Ride
Ring & Ride provides a door-to-door accessible minibus service for people of all ages who find it difficult to use ordinary public transport. Registration is required before the service can be used.
Registering and general enquiries
To register, or to receive more information about services, phone the enquiry line.
Ring and Ride
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Tel: 01942 492 252 |
Operating times
8am - 10.45pm (Monday - Saturday)
8.15am - 10.10pm (Sunday)
Booking your journey
You must book your journey between 9.30am and 12.45pm the day before you want to travel. If you want a return journey, please remember to book it at the same time.
If you have difficulties using a phone, you can book a journey by writing to:
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Wigan Ring & Ride
Unit 1
Richard Street
Ince
Wigan
WN3 4JN |
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Booking Line (Wigan North / Wigan South): |
Tel: 01942 829 444 |
| Booking Line (Leigh / Atherton / Tyldesley): |
Tel: 01942 829 400 |
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Email: wigan@ringandride.info |
Wigan & District Community Transport
Opening Hours: 7am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday
Local Link Services
Are available in the following areas:
Hindley Area
Link buses operate daily from 8am to 8pm in the Hindley area and twice weekly to Wigan town centre. Passengers can book up to one week in advance or one hour before travel.
Link Travel – Hindley Area (Bookings)
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Tel: 0845 605 5505 |
Standish, Shevington & Red Rock Areas
This Link service will run from 7.30am to 10.30am Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 10.30pm on Sundays.
Adult fares start at £1.50 for single tickets and at £2.50 for a return. The booking centre is open from 7.30am to 10.30pm every day. Journeys can be arranged up to a week in advance.
Link Travel - Standish, Shevington & Red Rock Areas (Bookings)
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Tel: 01257 427 679 |
National Express
A commitment to the continuous improvement of service delivery has led to the introduction of a Code of Practice and a Disabled Persons' Travel Helpline
Concessionary Fares
The concessionary fare applies to all passengers who qualify as disabled, as described by the legislation in the Transport Act 2000. The scheme applies equally to both UK residents and overseas visitors.
The concessionary fare is available on National Express services to destinations within England and Wales, and to Edinburgh or Glasgow from destinations in England and Wales. Concessionary travel is also available on Butlins and summer seasonal express coach services and on Eurolines services 920 and 921 for travel to destinations within mainland Britain.
The discount is calculated as follows:
If you travel on a day that we call an economy day (that is any day except: Fridays, all Saturdays in July and August and peak travel periods around Easter and Christmas) and book your travel at least one day in advance, you will receive a 50% discount off the Adult Single, Day Return or Economy Return fare.
If you travel on an economy day but buy your tickets on the day of travel, you will receive a 50% discount off our standard fares (that is the fare charged on Fridays, all Saturdays in July and August and peak travel periods around Easter and Christmas).
If you travel on a day that we call a standard day (that is all Fridays, all Saturdays in July and August and peak travel periods around Easter and Christmas) and book your travel either in advance or on the day of travel, you will pay the Discount Coachcard fare. (You will not need a Coachcard).
On occasion, disabled passengers may be asked to produce a local authority concessionary travel pass or other identification. Passengers should be prepared to produce this proof of eligibility at any point during their journey if requested.
Disabled passengers should always be offered a concessionary fare. If you are not offered this discount please alert the sales person of your eligibility.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Accessible Coaches
National Express is introducing a new generation of coaches onto the UK network that feature a wheelchair lift incorporated into the passenger entrance.
The easy access coach features a wider entrance and a completely flat floor throughout the coach to aid mobility for all. A streamlined NX Magic Floor Lift is incorporated into the passenger entrance and when deployed, the wheelchair is locked in place and the customer safely and securely uses the same standard three-point seat belt as other customers. Other features include reclining leather seats, air conditioning and a large toilet.
A programme of routes is currently being planned to roll-out the accessible coach across the network, with the whole network being fully accessible by 2012.
Routes with accessible coaches
The following services are already operating with easy access vehicles. The majority of locations along these routes can be used by the easy access coach and wheelchair users, but please contact our Disabled Persons' Travel Helpline for further information before travelling.
* 240 Leeds - Sheffield - Coventry - Heathrow Airport - Gatwick Airport
* 314 Liverpool - Stoke - Birmingham - Coventry - Northampton - Bedford - Cambridge
* 333 Blackpool - Bolton - Mancs - Stoke - Bristol - Yeovil - W'mouth - Poole - B'mouth
* 337 Coventry - Leamington - Stratford - Cheltenham - Bristol – Exeter - Torquay - Paignton
* 341 Burnley - Blackburn - Bolton - Mancs - B'ham - Weston-S-M – Exeter - Torquay (not including night or seasonal services)
* 390 Hull (Docks) - Leeds - Manchester
* 403 Bath - Swindon - Chippenham - Heathrow - London (sideentry passenger lift)
* 538 The Midlands - Manchester Airport - Manchester - Preston - Carlisle - Scotland
* 560 Barnsley - Sheffield - London (not including night or seasonal services)
* 562 Hull - Doncaster - London
* 591 Edinburgh - Newcastle - London (not including night or seasonal services)
* 737 Oxford - High Wycombe - Luton Airport - Stansted Airport
* 767 Nottingham - Leicester - Luton Airport - Stansted Airport
To ensure that you can travel at your required time, and to make the most of our dedicated and experienced travel helpline staff, we highly recommend that you make a reservation.
Although it is not currently possible to reserve through the website, our Disabled Persons' Travel Helpline team will be pleased to make sure that your booking is made and that the drivers are fully aware of when you are travelling.
National Express Disabled Persons Travel Helpline
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Tel: 0871 781 8179 |
| TextPhone: 0121 455 0086 |
Black Cabs
Are required to have ramps and the necessary safety equipment to transport wheelchair users. The newer model taxis are fitted with induction loops as standard. It is an offence for a taxi driver to refuse a disabled person, and any access equipment such as Wheelchairs or Guide Dogs unless the driver has a medical exemption certificate. Comments or complaints about black cabs or private hire vehicles and minicabs should be addressed to your Local Authority (Licensing Department).
Local Authority Licensing Dept
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Tel: 01942 404 627 |
Aristacars Ltd
Aristacars have a fleet of taxis that are specially adapted for wheelchair users.
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Tel: 01942 235 235 |
Metrolink
Trams are one of the most accessible forms of public transport. All trams have accessible seating areas and there is an intercom system on board all Trams, allowing disabled passengers to communicate directly with the driver. If you hold a valid free or concessionary GMPTE travel permit, this also applies to the use of the Metrolink service. Comments and complaints should be addressed to:
Metrolink Customer Services - (lines are manned from 0700 – 2300 Monday to Friday and 10:00 - 1800 Saturday and Sunday)
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Tel: 0161 205 2000 |
Trains
Are slowly becoming more accessible in line with the 1998 Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations. These regulations were brought into force under Section 46 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1996. You can book assistance to get on or off the train, access to ramps, or pre-book accessible seating for any train in the country through National Rail Enquiries.
You may also be entitled to a Disabled Persons Rail Card giving you discounted train fares.
If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult you may qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard. The Railcard allows you - and an adult companion with you - to get a 1/3 off most Standard and First Class fares throughout Great Britain.
Buy a one year card for £18, take a journey that usually costs £54 and the card has paid for itself. A three year card is also available for £48.
You must provide proof that you qualify for a Railcard. You might qualify if you: have a visual impairment or a hearing impairment or have epilepsy or are in receipt of a disability related benefit.
Find out how to get a Disabled Persons Railcard
National Rail Enquiries
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Tel: 08457 484 950 |
Motability
If mobility becomes a problem, you might find that travelling in cars and getting in and out of them troubles you. If this happens to you, there are two main options. Firstly, you can have your current car upgraded with Motability adaptations to make driving more comfortable. If that doesn’t appeal to you, the Motability scheme lets you choose a new car that should suit you better.
How does the Motability Scheme work?
Through the Motability Scheme, you can use your disability allowance to help you buy a new car. The vast majority of those who are eligible choose Contract Hire. This entitles you to certain benefits including insurance and personal accident cover, servicing and maintenance costs, full RAC breakdown assistance, free replacement tyres from Kwik-Fit and free window and windscreen replacement. With Contract Hire, you can buy a new car every three years. The alternative option is Hire Purchase. This is the better option if you would prefer to buy your own car outright. You can negotiate the car’s purchase price with your Motability dealer and order any necessary adaptations to the car, but you must sort out your own insurance, breakdown cover, servicing and repairs, as well as your car tax disc.
Who is eligible for the Motability Scheme?
For the Motability Scheme, you need to be receiving one of the following:
- The Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
- The War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
For more detailed information contact either:
Motability
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Warwick House
Roydon Road
Harlow
Essex
CM19 5PX |
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Tel: 0127 963 5999 |
Fax: 0127 963 2000 |
| Customer Helpline: 0845 456 4566 |
| TextPhone: 0127 963 2213 |
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Website: www.motability.co.uk |
Or
RADAR
Mobility Finance
Charities
You may be able to get an individual grant from local charities see Ins and outs of choosing a car.
Statutory sources
Social services may be able to help you with costs if you do not get DLA. Or if you are in or applying for a job, try the Access to Work scheme. Contact your local Job Centre for information or visit:
Job Centre Plus
VAT exemption
You do not pay VAT on adaptations, their installation, repairs nor maintenance. If you use a wheelchair or stretcher, you may not have to pay VAT on the purchase price of an adapted car; information from HM Revenue and Customs.
Vehicle Excise Duty (Road Tax)
You don’t have to pay this on your car if you get the Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA or the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement; get an exemption certificate from the DLA Unit or the Veterans Agency.
DLA Unit
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Tel: 0845 712 3456 |
Veterans Agency
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Tel: 0800 169 2277 |
Car Insurance
Under the Disability Discrimination Act, insurers are not allowed to refuse disabled drivers insurance or charge extra without justifying evidence.
Shop around for the best deal. Mobility Centres and Mobilise the organisation for disabled drivers have lists of companies that specialise in insurance for disabled drivers and try other disabiliity organisations as well. See Helpful organisations.
Wheelchairs
Option 1 – Free wheelchairs
NHS standard range wheelchairs which will meet the patient’s clinical needs are available, free of charge, to those who meet the criteria through a referral prescription from the GP or Occupational Therapist. The NHS wheelchair Service will be responsible for the repair and maintenance.
Option 2 – Partnership wheelchairs
If the NHS wheelchair is not suited to your needs, then you can apply for a wheelchair voucher. It allows you to add your own money to the value of the wheelchair prescribed by the NHS so that you can have the wheelchair of your choice, providing it meets your clinical needs. (this would be from a range specified by the wheelchair service from an agreed NHS supplier)
Option 3 – Independent Option
You receive your voucher to the value of the NHS wheelchair, plus an amount to cover repairs and maintenance. You then pay the additional cost of a wheelchair of your choice from your chosen supplier, who must be NHS approved. You then own the wheelchair and will be responsible for its repair and maintenance.
British Red Cross
Wheelchair and equipment loans
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Tel: 01925 229 740 |
Wigan Wheelchair Fund
Provides wheelchairs and equipment for people of all ages
Wigan Wheelchair Service
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Tel: 01942 481 162 |
Fax: 01942 481 175 |
| Tel: 01204 390 742 (Maintenance, repairs & collections) |
Other organisations offering information and advice about wheelchairs:
Scooters
For a wide range of factsheets relating to mobility and the use of wheelchairs/scooters etc see:
Disability Living Foundation (Mobility)
Driving Your Scooter Safely
Modern scooters are equipped with many safety features that can protect the rider and the vehicle when out and about. Although accidents involving scooters are very rare, a scooter is not a car and can be small and vulnerable in comparison. When riding your scooter on roads and pavements it is important to take every precaution to prevent accidents.
The British Healthcare Trades Association has produced The Highway Code for Electric Scooters and Wheelchair Users - a guide to staying safe when using a scooter or wheelchair. Some important points are listed below:
Before buying a vehicle…
Make sure you are able and fit to use it safely. See well enough to be safe, Adequately control your vehicle and be able to do all the possible manoeuvres such as reversing, climbing and descending kerbs and turning safely. Crossing busy roads (this is not as easy on a scooter as on foot)
Make sure your vehicle is the right one for you. You should choose a vehicle that you can find a comfortable driving position - considering things like seat height and tiller position.The reasons for choosing a three or four wheeled vehicle are varied and can depend on many factors such as your weight height and perhaps if the scooter is to be folded or not. You will need to be extreamly careful when assending and descending kerbs and when turning as if it not done correctly the scooter may tip over.
Do not be ambitious where distance is concerned. The range given in the manufacturer's literature is just a guideline. The full range will vary depending on user weight, the state of the terrain and the amount of charge left in the batteries.
Sensible guidelines for safety…
When using the footpath just because you are on the footpath or pedestrian precinct does not make you a pedestrian. If you are on a motorised vehicle you are no longer a pedestrian. Remember that pedestrians always have right of way. Many people on foot will be kind and helpful to drivers of a wheelchair or scooter. But not everyone.
In a crowded precinct or market area it is your responsibility to ensure you do not run in to anyone or do any harm with your vehicle. While many people will make room for you, don’t expect everyone to do so.
When climbing or descending kerbs always approach at right angles, with your front wheels straight to the kerb. In some power chairs it is necessary to descend high kerbs backwards. Do not try to climb or descend kerbs higher than the manufacturer recommends.
Watch out for children, elderly people, and disabled people on foot, people with visual problems or impaired hearing, or other motorised vehicle users. You may be doing all the right things but this does not guarantee everyone will do likewise.
When you need help
Don't struggle to do the impossible, or even the very difficult things when there are people around who would help if asked.
When inside shops and buildings it is your responsibility to drive safely and not damage fittings, stock or hurt other shoppers or store workers. Don't risk pulling down a whole display to reach the top shelf. Ask for help!
Speed in shops and buildings - reduce it! Set the speed control to a lower setting. Be especially careful if you need to reverse.
On the road
Remember you are not driving a car, but a very small and slow vehicle, which is therefore more vulnerable. If it is possible, use the footpath. It is wise to avoid using roads, particularly busy ones.
Remember although it is legal to ride all vehicles on the road, it is not always safe or sensible to do so. You are responsible for your own safety and that of other road users. The normal rules of the road apply - but modified.
Observe the law
Never drive against the traffic certainly moving faster than you.
Give way where cars would give way. Give way to pedestrians Obey Traffic lights and all other road signs and signals and remember the car you can see when you look behind you is almost certainly moving faster than you, It could well be upon you before you complete your manoeuvre and it may not be able to stop in time.
Shopmobility
A registered charity which provides wheelchairs and powered scooters for people to use around Wigan and Leigh town centres (there are also smaller facilities in Ashton and Atherton). They are available for people who have difficulty walking for any reason, either temporary or permanent. Shopmobility also provides a shoppers volunteer escort service for people who have visual impairments.
Shopmobility – Wigan Office - Opening Hours – 9.30 to 4.15 (Monday to Friday), 10am to 3.45pm (Saturday)
Shopmobility – Leigh Office - Opening Hours to 10am to 3.45pm, Monday to Saturday
Independence
Disabled Access Information
DisabledGo provides free detailed access information for disabled people across the UK. Our detailed access information will empower you to judge the disabled access to venues for yourself.
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Ground Floor
Ardent House
Gatesway
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 3HG |
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Website: www.disabledgo.info |
Ableize is a comprehensive UK and Ireland resource of disability and mobility information. Find disability and disabled products and services, sports and holidays, children's needs, education, wheelchairs and vehicles plus mobility and walking aids.
Free Accessibility Guide for Blue Badge Holders
The guide contains 175 inspiring ideas for great days out, information on a broad range of attractions across UK and reviews by disabled visitors with accessibility details.
To obtain your free copy either call: 0800 953 7070 and quote MO256 or visit: www.accessibleguide.co.uk
Non blue badge holders can obtain a copy for £6.99 (incl p&p) by ringing the above number.
Stair Lifts
Minvator and straight stair lifts only.
AML Stairlifts, Ashton-in-Makerfield
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