06 December 2006

RADAR, the leading disability rights organisation, has produced a new ‘Get Motoring’ guide to the ins and outs of getting the best deal on purchasing or leasing a car. Released for International Day of Disabled People on 3 December 2006, Get Motoring is written for disabled drivers, by a disabled driver, and is available free from RADAR.

Set against the situation that ‘for many disabled people getting a car is still the only feasible mobility option’, the guide is published by RADAR and is supported by Motability Operations, the company that delivers the Motability car scheme for disabled people in the UK.

The new publication, Get Motoring, addresses everything from driving lessons to potential depreciation values. As well as additional features specific to disabled motorists such as adaptations, VAT exemption, and the Motability Scheme, the publication simply explains other costs associated with getting on the road as encountered by all motorists.

Phil Friend, Chair of RADAR explains: “Promoting independent living and freedom are subjects highly important to RADAR. A crucial area of activity for the organisation is to provide reliable and relevant information on such topics. For many disabled people having access to a car achieves this mobility, and so delivering the best possible advice in a user friendly format is key; we believe that Get Motoring is an essential tool for any disabled person looking to increase their freedom.”

Topics covered in the new publication include choosing the right financing option such as buying outright, personal contract hire, or personal contract purchase. Get Motoring also runs through the benefits and considerations of the Motability Scheme and makes the steps towards buying or leasing a car simple to digest. The main aim of the publication is to ensure disabled people understand how to go about getting a car in the way that suits their own budget requirements.

Mike Betts, Chief Executive of Motability Operations comments: “Although there can appear to be complex issues around motoring with a disability, Motability Operations supplies new cars to hundreds of disabled people every day. Our support of the new RADAR Get Motoring is to also share the knowledge and experiences of Motability with disabled people who might be unsure about how to take the first steps towards getting on the road. Regardless as to whether these new motorists choose the Motability Scheme, it is a priority of Motability Operations to ensure that no disabled person is missing out on benefits of the hassle-free motoring it offers due to ignorance.”

The new publication, Get Motoring – finding and financing your car – a practical guide for disabled motorists, was edited by Helen Smith, the Motoring Editor of Disability Now.

Available now Get Motoring is free from RADAR by calling 020 7250 3222, textphone 020 7250 4119. Get Motoring is also available to download at www.radar.org.uk