HC Deb 14 July 1986 vol 101 cc672-3
12. Mr. Stern

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department is taking to advise disabled people about driving.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The Department has set up MAVIS, the mobility advice and vehicle information service at Crowthorne in Berkshire, where disabled people can come for advice on their potential ability to drive and on finding a suitable vehicle. A wide range of adapted cars is available for test driving.

I shall circulate further details in the Official Report.

Mr. Stern

Will my hon. Friend congratulate the young lady concerned on her appointment? Can he tell the House about the aims of the new initiative and how much it encourages disabled people to look at the possibility of being able to drive, something which they might not have considered previously?

Mr. Bottomley

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. This may not be a subject which gets people shouting across the Floor of the House, but it is important to develop disabled people's ability to drive. That often means explaining where they can go for specialist advice and to try out cars and controls. I do not want to exaggerate, but if people can see, and if their minds are working, they can probably drive. MAVIS is the person for them to talk to and she can be found at Crowthorne. Those who want to make inquiries should contact the Department of Transport and we will put them in touch with MAVIS.

Mr. Coombs

When does my hon. Friend expect to announce the results of the review that he has undertaken into the working of the orange badge regulations, which was announced in a recent parliamentary answer?

Mr. Bottomley

I cannot say precisely when, but I hope that it will be done without too much delay. If it is possible, I may circulate MAVIS' telephone number in some way.

Following is the information: MAVIS: Transport and Road Research Laboratory, Old Wokingham road, Crowthorne, BERKS 0344-77901/01-212-5257