Written question on EU-wide free travel for the disabled

Publication date: 29 June 2009

WRITTEN QUESTION by Jim Higgins (EPP-ED) to the Commission on EU-wide free travel for the disabled

Could the Commission please clarify whether it has considered the possibility of issuing free EU‑wide travel passes to recipients of disability benefits?

Answer given by Mr Špidla on behalf of the Commission

The delivery of free EU-wide travel passes to recipients of disability benefits is an issue that rests entirely with the Member States. Therefore, the Commission cannot intervene in this matter.

This being so, the Commission is committed to ensuring effective mobility for all EU citizens, including those with physical disabilities. It has taken action which has resulted in the adoption of legislation on the rights of passengers, including disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility [1]. Similar measures were proposed in 2008 for travel by sea and inland waterways and for bus and coach transport.

Furthermore, on 2 July 2008, the Commission adopted a proposal [2] for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective, inter alia, of disability. Lastly, the Commission is promoting the use of the standardised model parking card for people with disabilities introduced by Council Recommendation 98/376/EC [3] and which is intended to be mutually recognised by all Member States. It provides that the holder of a standard Community model parking card issued by a Member State can utilise parking facilities available to people with disabilities in any Member State.

 [1]. EC Regulation 1107/2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air:

 2006-1107-EC-Regulation.pdf (96.5 KB)

EC Regulation 1371/2007 of Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations:

 2007-1371-EC-Regulation.pdf (194.8 KB)

[2]. Council Directive 2008(426) FIN on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation

 2008-426-CouncilDirective.pdf (91 KB)

[3]. Council Recommendation on parking card for people with disabilities

 1998-376-EC-Recommendation.pdf (38.6 KB)

Source: European Parliament

The FIA is currently carrying out a worldwide survey, in order to determine which countries operate parking permit (Blue Badge type) schemes for their disabled citizens, what are the parking facilities and rules, and whether disabled visitors from abroad will be able to use their own national disabled parking permit during their stay in the country being visited. Ultimately, we would like to see a worldwide harmonised Parking Card for people with disabilities, and will work the UN and other international institutions to achieve it. More information on the initiative is available under the following link:

http://www.fiabrussels.com/en/fia_groups/legal__consumer_wg/news/launch_of_a_worldwide_fia_survey_on_parking_badges_for_disabled_people.htm