Lib Dems ask will there be a fast track to the Olympics Games for blue badge holders?

2.00.00pm GMT Wed 19th Nov 2008

Dee Doocey, Liberal Democrat Olympics and Paralympics spokesperson on the London Assembly, today secured two important commitments from Lord Coe for people with disabilities visiting the 2012 Games.

Responding to a proposal put to him by Dee Doocey at a meeting of the London Assembly today, Lord Coe chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympics Games agreed to examine ways to allow people who are blue badge holders, with tickets for the events, to drive to venues using the dedicated Olympic lanes being set up for the duration of the Games.

He also agreed that the forthcoming ticketing strategy for the Olympic and Paralympic Games would look at ways of providing concessionary tickets not only for disabled people but also for their carers.

Dee Doocey said:

"I have no doubt that the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be spectacular for all concerned, but we must ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the show as much as anyone else. Today's comments by Lord Coe clearly demonstrate that LOCOG are very serious in their commitment to make the Games accessible to all."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Blue Badge scheme provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The scheme operates throughout the UK