Comment from the RNIB: 01 October 2009
Moira Fraser, Regional Campaigns Manager from RNIB said:
"The free bus pass or a companion pass, that allows someone to travel with a blind or partially sighted passenger is vital to ensuring blind and partially sighted people from across Mid Devon and the South West can get around safely and independently.
"An unrestricted bus pass helps blind and partially sighted people to get to work, take children to school, attend doctors and other important appointments and to enjoy life to the full.
"Restricting or removing these, or as happened in Mid Devon threatened blind and partially sighted people's safety and independence.
"RNIB is delighted that the Ombudsman has agreed that this should not have happened in the way it did in the Mid Devon authority. However, this affects many more blind and partially sighted people across the country.
"RNIB will be contacting other authorities, as we did in connection with Mid Devon authority, who have restricted blind and partially sighted people's bus passes, to make others aware of the Ombudsman's decision. We will be asking them to reconsider any decisions they have made that could restrict the independence and safety of blind and partially sighted people.
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