EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.

DfT: Aviation Minister Jim Fitzpatrick has outlined measures coming in later this month to give disabled people new rights when travelling by air in Europe. From 26 July 2007 it will be illegal for an airline, travel agent or tour operator to refuse a booking on the grounds of disability or to refuse to embark a disabled person who has a valid ticket and reservation.
 
The law also covers persons with reduced mobility, including people who would not normally be classed as disabled, such as those with a temporary mobility problem. Anyone who has been refused boarding on the grounds of disability or reduced mobility will be able to complain to the Disability Rights Commission (DRC).
 
From 26 July 2008, airport managing bodies will also be required to organise the provision of the services necessary to enable disabled/reduced mobility passengers to board, disembark and transit between flights, with costs recovered through a charge on airlines proportionate to the total number of passengers they carry to and from the airport.
Press release ~ EC Regulation 1107/2006 ~ EU Regulation 1107/2006: Government response to consultation ~ DfT Factsheet ~ Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ~ Disability Rights Commission (DRC) ~ Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC)
 
Defra: The UK has withdrawn its application to the European Commission for an extension to the derogation from double tagging of sheep. The derogation expired on Saturday 30 June and the Commission had advised that an extension was extremely unlikely.
 
Defra is advising farmers that the current arrangements for tagging will continue to apply after 30 June until further notice, and that they should continue with current requirements as normal.
Press release ~ Defra - Livestock movements, identification and tracing - Sheep & goats ~ National Sheep Association - Double Tagging Derogation Crunch Time
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story