The Italian Ministry of Sustainable Infrastructures and Mobility (MIMS) and ANGLAT, the National Association for the promotion and protection of the rights of people with disabilities and their families (primarily in the field of mobility, transport, and accessibility), have recently signed a Convention committing them to the establishment in Rome of a Single National Point for Accessible and Sustainable Mobility. The main goal of the new organisation will be to promote the personal mobility of people with disabilities and those with reduced mobility (PRMs) in order to increase their autonomy and safety when travelling, as well as to facilitate their social and professional integration.

The Single National Point will carry out research and programming activities in order to plan and improve the future of mobility for people with disabilities and PRMs. In addition, it will organise seminars and training courses on mobility, driving, technological devices and legislation for the staff of the Local Medical Commissions, who are in charge of issuing and renewing special driving licenses, and for the staff of the peripheral offices of the MIMS’ Department of Sustainable Mobility.

As the current Minister Enrico Giovannini highlighted, sustainable mobility needs to consider PRMs’ mobility needs through the introduction of regulatory measures and innovative mobility services: “Simplifying procedures for PRMs to be eligible to drive and providing suitable cars for driving tests means guaranteeing the right to mobility.”

Among the initiatives taken in the past 18 months to improve the mobility of PRMs, the Minister recalled the national platform for the management of car license plates, which is associated with the EU parking card for people with disabilities (CUDE), that enables access to all Italian Limited Traffic Zones (LTZ) for people with reduced mobility without then having to seek individual authorisations. In addition, tender requirements for buses now include provisions for the purchase of safe and accessible buses, and an app has also been developed that will enable people to monitor the availability of reserved parking spaces.

The Single National Point for Accessible and Sustainable Mobility will also facilitate the development of projects to ensure accessible mobility. For its part, the Territorial General Direction of the MIMS will ensure free access for those with mobility challenges to all services for the assessment and evaluation of driving skills that are necessary for obtaining or renewing their driving license.

Finally, the Single National Point aims to support people with disabilities and PRMs by establishing a technical framework common to and for all public and private bodies and institutions, car manufacturers, rehabilitation centres, driving schools and trade associations. This will help to implement the right to mobility through the provision of professional competences and simplified procedures (e.g., for Ministries, Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agencies) and in relation to the assessment and confirmation of the eligibility to drive, both for private and professional use.

Original article published by mit.gov.it on 23 September 2022.

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