Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has launched a new campaign for disabled people to be allowed to use their bus passes throughout the day.
At present, with a few exceptions, they are prevented from using their bus passes before 9am in North Yorkshire.
Tom raised this topic in Parliament in February, challenging the policy and asking a Minister what they would do about it.
Tom said that the Minister "didn’t seem to understand the question," and talked about vague funding promises.
He said this has "galvanised" him to start a petition on the issue.
Tom said:
“This unfair and discriminatory practice must be reversed.
"There’s a reason that disabled people get bus passes – to help them get around, live their lives and contribute to society.
"There’s no good reason for throttling their lives with a policy like this."
The issue was originally brought to Tom’s attention following a panel discussion with Disability Action Yorkshire, a local charity focussed on empowering disabled individuals.
In response to the lack of a proper Government response, and concerned about the impacts of the policy, Tom Gordon MP has launched a petition for the policy to be reversed.
It would allow disabled people free travel throughout the day using their pass, rather than just at off-peak times.
He added:
"The Government must act to help disabled people live fair lives. Free bus passes make disabled people’s lives easier and cheaper.
"They already face additional costs in their lives, and there’s no good reason to limit free public transport to certain times of the day.
"It’s a fundamentally discriminatory policy that tells disabled people they’re less important.
"“I want to see a fair society, where everyone is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
"This current practice is wrong and damaging. We need to see action to reverse it, and that’s why I’ve launched this petition.”
New luxury lounge with adults-only area to open at Leeds Bradford Airport
Caretaker to restore Ripon school's historic clocktower
Harrogate CBD business shortlisted for national award
New homes in Kirkby Malzeard allocated to people with connection to the village
New coffee shop to open in Harrogate next week
Yorkshire Children's Charity gala smashes £1 million milestone - in just one night
Hundreds of runners expected for return of Melmerby Ripon 10km race
Piccolino serves final Harrogate customers as it makes way for steakhouse
Horticap volunteer to walk 70km for charity to celebrate 70th birthday
Christmas experience at Mother Shipton's Cave named best in Yorkshire
New gardening weekend heading to RHS Garden Harlow Carr
First fully gluten-free café to open in Harrogate
Change for Bettys as Harrogate venue introduces daytime bookings
Harrogate dance group helps smash Guinness World Record
Council increases pest control fees - with moth infestations costing more than rat problems
North Yorkshire 'standing side by side' with Jewish community after London attack
Harrogate optometrist to walk 105 miles for Vision Support charity
The Kestrel Inn near Harrogate closes for refurb
Police appeal after dog bite incident in Pannal
Harrogate women's community group launches app to combat social isolation
