Disability card would aid North East travellers

A new card for disabled travellers could give them greater independence and peace of mind according to North East Euro MP Fiona Hall.

Around one in six people in the North East is affected by disability and calls are growing for the introduction of a European mobility card to ensure their rights when abroad.

Lib Dem Fiona Hall has signed a Written Declaration in Parliament supporting the idea. She said:

"In order to help disabled people go about their normal lives, they are afforded certain special rights and benefits in the UK, such as the blue parking badge.

"But I know from letters I've received from constituents that there is real uncertainty over what rights and benefits carry over to other European countries. The situation is particularly difficult because in some countries, such as Italy, the rules vary considerably from one town to another.

"That uncertainty alone can be enough to put people off travelling. It's really fundamental that we all share the same freedom to travel and work anywhere in the EU and a European mobility card could make that much easier."