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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