FREE Bus pass??

McKneff

sh1305 wrote: »

I do struggle on public transport; but it's more knowing which bus to get (bus drivers are very helpful) and knowing where to get off.

There is no carer pass in Plymouth.

You would have the same dilemma whether you had a bus pass or not though.

As I said in an earlier post you said you were feeling the pinch financially so i think this is the main reason for your wanting a bus pass.

By the way, the +C on bus passes stands for Companion, not Carer.

oldestrocker

Two4Tuesday wrote: »

I have a freedom pass issued by a London council on the grounds of mental illness (clinical depression and personality disorder leading to daily homicidal and suicidal ideation). The basic eligibility conditions they specified that apply to me are:

g) People who, if they applied for the grant for a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, would have their application refused pursuant to section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.

While the clause does not specify illegal or prescription drugs, being pragmatic - it would seem to me that councils would look to limit eligibility to those people who would be refused a license due to their disability (mental or physical) rather than those with a temporary condition based on misuse of any kind of drug be it prescription or not.

This is just my opinion, and I may be wrong.

No I think you are right
But when does temporary become permanent? Also, if you are on long term medication of type, you would certainly not be able to drive and your licence would be revoked.

I do think there is merit in this argument for those that take long term prescription drugs, authorised by the GP that would automatically void the driving licence.

GlasweJen

I had to apply for a drivers licence knowing that I would be knocked back. I sent a cheque and the medical form filled in and signed by the GP. I got the letter back saying I wasn't fit to drive but they still cashed the cheque and it took them ages to write another cheque for a refund.

oldestrocker

GlasweJen wrote: »

I had to apply for a drivers licence knowing that I would be knocked back. I sent a cheque and the medical form filled in and signed by the GP. I got the letter back saying I wasn't fit to drive but they still cashed the cheque and it took them ages to write another cheque for a refund.

That does not surprise me! When the old style red licence books changed over to the first green sheets (1972??) I never received mine. It took 12 years, many solicitors letters and an affidavit to convince them that I had passed my bike test in 1965 and my car test in 1966. All of the records had been destroyed. Then they wanted a fee to give me a new green licence. That was in 1984. I still have it as there is no way am I sending it back to change addresses (had 6 since 1984) - they will no doubt lose me again on their system! Right or wrong - I don't care!

jamespir

my local council goes by the rate of dla you on cause ive tried getting the missus ones(she has severe mental health issues too) and as shes only on low rate for mobility they wont giver her one

dmg24

Two4Tuesday wrote: »

I have a freedom pass issued by a London council on the grounds of mental illness (clinical depression and personality disorder leading to daily homicidal and suicidal ideation). The basic eligibility conditions they specified that apply to me are:

g) People who, if they applied for the grant for a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, would have their application refused pursuant to section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.

While the clause does not specify illegal or prescription drugs, being pragmatic - it would seem to me that councils would look to limit eligibility to those people who would be refused a license due to their disability (mental or physical) rather than those with a temporary condition based on misuse of any kind of drug be it prescription or not.

This is just my opinion, and I may be wrong.

You are wrong - the Act refers to misuse of drugs. If you are taking medication prescribed by a clinician this is not misuse!

Indie_Kid

oldestrocker wrote: »

But when does temporary become permanent?

I know for those who have injuries which affect their ability to walk, you have to have had the injury for at least 12 months (for Plymouth) before you can apply.

gratton20

Please can I put right some mistaken opinions on this matter as I have had to pursue this with my local council a few times for myself and other friends who have menatl illness.

Firstly councils often try to deny eligible mentally ill people a bus pass, either to save money or simply because they impose their own rules which are at best misinterpretations of the law. For example the idea that only people who get the high rate of care in DLA can get a pass is wrong in law ... that is used in the guidance to local authorities as an EXAMPLE of someone who could be eligible. It is I repeat an EXAMPLE and not essential. The guidance to local councils issued by dept of transport is here -

https://www.dft.gov.uk/.../buses/.../informationlocalauthorities/guidancedisabled/ancetolocalauthoritieson3561.pdf

(Not sure if this link will click to open, copy and paste it all into your browser if not)

Please download this and read it carefully, then make your council follow the rules as they exist, not how they like to say they are!

You will see that the main point that mentally ill people will quailfy under is the "Would be refused a licence on health grounds" . You do NOT have to apply for a licence and be refused. If you read the guidance to councils you will see that they may assume someone would be refused a licence if they are severlly mentally ill and do not have to apply and be refused.

Councils try to ignore the bits they dont liket but if you insist they HAVE TO abide by the guidance.

My council claimed they hadnt heard of this guidance, I printed it out and gave them a copy ... i got my pass!! So will you if you really qualify under the conditions .. get support from your CPN or someone if you can ... councils will probably give you the runaround and try and say no to you if they think they can get away with it .. dont let them, if you cant be forceful get help!

My council also claimed it was up to me to get a letter from my GP saying I was exempt .. GPs want paying for that and the law says NO it is up to councils to ask GP or other health worker and they must pay the cost ... it is not up to you to pay ... Don't be conned by the councils, mentally ill people get taken advantage of only if we let them get away with it ... fight back and get your rights.

oldestrocker

gratton20 wrote: »

Please can I put right some mistaken opinions on this matter as I have had to pursue this with my local council a few times for myself and other friends who have menatl illness.

Firstly councils often try to deny eligible mentally ill people a bus pass, either to save money or simply because they impose their own rules which are at best misinterpretations of the law. For example the idea that only people who get the high rate of care in DLA can get a pass is wrong in law ... that is used in the guidance to local authorities as an EXAMPLE of someone who could be eligible. It is I repeat an EXAMPLE and not essential. The guidance to local councils issued by dept of transport is here -

www.dft.gov.uk/.../buses/.../informationlocalauthorities/guidancedisabled/ancetolocalauthoritieson3561.pdf

(Not sure if this link will click to open, copy and paste it all into your browser if not)

Please download this and read it carefully, then make your council follow the rules as they exist, not how they like to say they are!

You will see that the main point that mentally ill people will quailfy under is the "Would be refused a licence on health grounds" . You do NOT have to apply for a licence and be refused. If you read the guidance to councils you will see that they may assume someone would be refused a licence if they are severlly mentally ill and do not have to apply and be refused.

Councils try to ignore the bits they dont liket but if you insist they HAVE TO abide by the guidance.

My council claimed they hadnt heard of this guidance, I printed it out and gave them a copy ... i got my pass!! So will you if you really qualify under the conditions .. get support from your CPN or someone if you can ... councils will probably give you the runaround and try and say no to you if they think they can get away with it .. dont let them, if you cant be forceful get help!

My council also claimed it was up to me to get a letter from my GP saying I was exempt .. GPs want paying for that and the law says NO it is up to councils to ask GP or other health worker and they must pay the cost ... it is not up to you to pay ... Don't be conned by the councils, mentally ill people get taken advantage of only if we let them get away with it ... fight back and get your rights.

I think you will find that this is the correct PDF:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/concessionary/informationlocalauthorities/guidancedisabled/ancetolocalauthoritieson3561.pdf

Two4Tuesday

Thanks. It looks like the link was broken. The PDF from that site can be found here.