Disabled Drivers
Mobilise was formed a few years ago following a merger of the Disabled Drivers Association (DDA) and the Disabled Drivers Motor Club (DDMC). Since the two organisations represented a similar demographic group, it made sense for them to join rather than compete with each other.
With the merger came an opportunity to modernise the image
of the two clubs and at the same time, they expanded their remit to cover all road users – Disabled Drivers, Passengers and Blue Badge Holders.
What Does Mobilise Do?
Mobilise is a campaigning and lobbying organisation that aims to shape the policies that affect their members. They are involved with big campaigns like BayWatch, Hospital Parking as well as fighting for the rights of Blue Badge Holders and accessibility at Petrol Stations. Their website goes into detail but they state that they have categorised their campaigns under the three banners of Driving, Parking and Re-Fueling.
As well as the big campaigns, Mobilise is there to support its membership. To do this they produce a monthly magazine and a number of information leaflets. They also provide a telephone helpline and will happily advocate on behalf of individuals.
As well as advice and information, there are a number of “Club Benefits”. These range from discounted web shopping to insurance and car purchase deals. Of particular note is their ability to negotiate car ferry discounts and the club runs its own travel booking service.
Further Information
Mobilise membership costs from £16 a year, a fee that can easily be recouped from ferry fares.
Much more information can be found on their website: http://mobilise.info
Cars For Disabled People
Motability is a UK charity set up to help Disabled People keep mobile. The main scheme that they operate allows DLA – High Rate Mobility Allowance recipients to swap their allowance for a new car.
The scheme works by taking your DLA (High Rate Mobility) and using it to pay the contract payments of the car that you choose. If your allowance is not enough to meet the cost of the contract, then Motability charges you an “Advance Payment” to make up the shortfall. Although it is possible to get a car with no advance payment, most of the cars on offer do involve some level of extra payment.
What’s Included
- A new car of your choice every three years
- Road Fund Licence (Car Tax) is included and arranged for you
- Servicing and Maintenance is included
- Tyres are included and changed free of charge at your home (or wherever you choose)
- Full UK Breakdown Cover
- Insurance is included (although some cars may have restrictions)
Not Covered:
- Petrol/Diesel
- Other consumables – oil, screenwash etc.
Do I Qualify?
To qualify for any vehicle through Motability you must be in receipt of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance at the Higher Rate. You must have at least 12 months of award remaining when you start on the scheme.
Do I Need To Drive?
No. You can nominate two drivers one of which can be you but doesn’t have to be. The rules say that the car has to be used for your benefit but you don’t always have to be in the vehicle when it is used.
What Else Does Motability Offer?
In addition to the main Contract Hire Scheme for Cars, Motability also offers a Hire Purchase Scheme for Cars (essentially a loan scheme).
You can also use Motability to purchase a Motorised Wheelchair or Scooter. In a similar way to the Car Schemes, there is a Contract Hire or Hire Purchase Scheme.
More Information?
Visit the Motability website at: http://www.motability.co.uk
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