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To: MPs, Metro Mayors, Local Authorities & Friends of Community Transport

Keep our communities moving!

At the beginning of August 2017 the Department for Transport sent out a letter which could have major implications for charities, community groups and public bodies that provide transport for their service users.

This is intended to settle how European regulations relating to passenger transport operator and driver licensing are interpreted into UK law. Whilst there will be a consultation in the autumn on exactly what this looks like, nobody should lose sight of the biggest risk that might result from this decision.

Many tens of thousands of people could find their quality of life and independence diminished by this decision.

This is not just about community transport services, but all those other charities and community groups that provide transport for their beneficiaries to participate in whatever their social purpose is- be that sport, positive and healthy activities for young people, tackling rural isolation and helping older people stay independent.

The government will say its hands are tied legally, and maybe they are, but the government is free to choose the moral and political stance it will take.

All the signs are that they will do the right thing, but to let them know how much support there is for them doing so, we asking you to personally sign and promote this pledge.

This is not about transport. It’s about the kind of country we want to live in and make everyone feel that they belong.

Why is this important?

I stand with all those charities and community groups that provide transport for a social purpose and community benefit. They enable people to live, learn and work independently, to stay fit and active, to access vital public services and participate in their community.

This type of transport provision is Britain at its best with communities doing things for themselves and it must be cherished, protected and nurtured.

I want the UK Government to work with its counterparts in the devolved nations to commit themselves to making sure that nobody suffers as a result of its proposed changes operator and driver licensing.

I want them to commit to fully understanding the impact of their proposed changes so they can decide whether all this upheaval is worth it and choose another path or decide how they can support those communities most affected, especially our most vulnerable and isolated citizens.

Links

Updates

2017-11-08 19:22:59 +0000

5,000 signatures reached

2017-09-26 14:31:02 +0100

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdTDeInc_dE&feature=youtu.be

2017-09-11 09:27:14 +0100

4,000 signatures - thank you to everyone!

2017-08-29 08:56:30 +0100

3,100 signatures - amazing thank you so much!!

2017-08-24 18:36:24 +0100

2,800 signatures you are amazing thank you!!

2017-08-17 09:59:38 +0100

1,000 signatures reached

2017-08-16 21:07:47 +0100

Community Transport near, far and always there https://vimeo.com/199140548

2017-08-16 19:06:14 +0100

Over 900 signatures in two days... wow please keep the signing up!!

2017-08-16 08:49:52 +0100

Want to collect signatures off line email [email protected] and we will email you a paper form. Email it back and we will add the names on for you!

2017-08-16 08:48:48 +0100

What a wonderful surprise this morning we reached 700 signature. Thank you so much 😊

2017-08-15 20:58:56 +0100

600 Signatures thanks so much for all your support!

2017-08-15 16:23:50 +0100

500 signatures reached

2017-08-15 13:24:04 +0100

We reached 400 signatures in just one day! Thank you to everyone for your support! Keep them coming lets get more people signing up!

2017-08-15 13:23:30 +0100

"When you're younger, you never think anything can go wrong" Thank goodness for Community Transport https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHC1snpD_34&feature=youtu.be

2017-08-15 13:08:29 +0100

Across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England - Community Transport is there for all https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuO8H3hzQYI

2017-08-15 13:01:37 +0100

Community Transport understand that sometimes things are best done by local communities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xofrew9nddo

2017-08-15 12:59:03 +0100

A short film about volunteering for Wiltshire Community Minibus Group and Link Schemes. Including interviews with some of our volunteers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSsQCp8TNR8

2017-08-15 12:40:49 +0100

Chelmsford Community Transport share this lovely video - What does this service mean to you? "Its feeling someone cares, id be lost" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKm-Zm3sVZM

2017-08-15 12:26:46 +0100

Bexley Accesible Transport Scheme - Every Person Matter - They really do! https://youtu.be/HQLBwk5Uon8

2017-08-15 12:18:15 +0100

Thank you to H.A.R.T Community Transport for sharing their video about these vital services. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg7Ih8y6a5w&t=75s

2017-08-15 10:06:42 +0100

Alison Mackenzie, ITV reports on the threat of Dial a Ride and its local community https://www.facebook.com/AlisonMackenzieITV/videos/1852105461706592

2017-08-15 09:44:21 +0100

“I would be a prisoner in my home without community transport” https://vimeo.com/193039084

2017-08-15 09:42:29 +0100

Westway CT sees transport as a key tool that assists the varied and many voluntary organisations that make up the voluntary sector. We are aware that some organisations are reliant on us to be able to deliver their services efficiently and effectively. We are committed to providing high quality, safe and affordable services to you and will serve you for many years to come. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4Ffk7sACg

2017-08-14 22:32:01 +0100

Every day including Christmas Day Community Transport supports communities that have residents who are isolated and lonely, this work is under threat - Please help us to keep our sector thriving - https://vimeo.com/188300301

2017-08-14 22:15:10 +0100

Please share: Why Community Transport Matters - https://vimeo.com/151803936

2017-08-14 18:10:55 +0100

100 signatures reached

2017-08-14 15:57:49 +0100

50 signatures reached

2017-08-14 15:14:49 +0100

A year in Community Transport - what have you been doing in 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xayw3toeUBc

2017-08-14 14:57:45 +0100

25 signatures reached

2017-08-14 14:03:32 +0100

10 signatures reached