Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed a number of temporary changes which are being introduced to the way disabled drivers vehicles qualify for their special discount scheme.

There are a number of changes being introduced by external agencies dealing with the arrangements for registration of disabled drivers’ vehicles which affect the way CalMac has been operating its concession scheme.

The changes will result in the withdrawal by issuing agencies of the DLA 404 documentation which was a key element in the level of proof required to enable a disabled car (or motor home) driver to qualify for the 50% discount off the normal car single fare for a single journey.

Operations Director Phil Preston said: “CalMac regrets any inconvenience these changes may cause and is implementing the changes with immediate effect in order to protect the integrity of the system which offers disabled vehicle drivers a very high level of discount. Proof of entitlement must be delivered to CalMac before travelling and for the time being, until the authorities provide some other meaningful level of verification, this will involve inspection of the vehicle’s actual tax disc.”

Bookings will still be taken in the normal way and confirmations issued, but tickets will not be issued until the tax disc is verified by CalMac staff at the port of departure.

·                     The tax disc must be inspected and verified before tickets are issued.

·                     Photocopies of tax discs are not acceptable levels of proof of entitlement.

When arriving at a port for departure, if customers do not have tickets but are booked to travel, the tax disc must be removed from the vehicle and taken to the counter so that verification can be completed.

Supporting documentation (the “orange/blue” card, bearing the name/photograph of the disabled person) must be carried at time of travel and be presented when requested. Failure to produce the documentation will result in the full fare being charged.

The disabled person must travel with the vehicle. Assistance will be offered to vehicles conveying disabled persons wherever requested, e.g. through use of hazard warning lights at arrival or time of boarding.

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, Caledonian MacBrayne.   Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Issued:  Tuesday, November 1 2005  : 1100