About DPTAC

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The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) is an independent body established by the Transport Act 1985 to advise government on the transport needs of disabled people.

DPTAC advocate the promotion of an accessible transport system in the advice given to Government. An accessible transport system is one that recognises the need for every stage in the journey to be accessible to disabled people. It sets out to include as many people as possible. It does not attempt to meet every single need. Rather, by considering people's diversity, accessible transport systems try to break down unnecessary barriers and exclusion. In doing so it will often achieve superior solutions that benefit everyone.

DPTAC's role is to give credible advice to Government:

  • to ensure disabled people have the same access to transport as everyone else;
  • on transport legislation, regulations or guidance; and
  • in response to important consultation documents.

DPTAC works closely with the Department for Transport (DfT) advising on how it can meet its aim to provide transport that works for everyone. This means a transport system which balances the needs of the economy, the environment and society. In October 2007 the Department for Transport published the White Paper Towards a Sustainable Transport System (TaSTS) and then in November 2008 produced Delivering a Sustainable Transport System (DaSTS) to outline how it will achieve this.

Both documents promote greater equality of opportunity for all citizens - enhancing access to jobs, services and social networks for everyone, including for the most disadvantaged.

Committee members work collectively to take forward any DfT policy initiatives and any cross cutting issues - these are discussed at Committee Meetings.

DPTAC publishes an Annual Report on its work each year, it also has published a leaflet, Who We Are and What We Do, containing a summary of the aim, role, and objectives of the Committee. Hard copies of this leaflet can be obtained by contacting the DPTAC Secretariat.