WIREDGOV

Directgov's Blue Badge map on mobile - video demonstration

DIRECTGOV News Release issued by COI News Distribution Service on 8 June 2009

BBC TV comedy actors, Paul Henshall and Mark Benton, (stars of the BBC's I'm with Stupid), feature in a new video, available on Directgov. The short downloadable film promotes a new mobile phone service for disabled Blue Badge holders, and their drivers. Using their mobile phone Blue Badge holders can view parking bays, accessible toilets, petrol stations with service call and more, via an interactive map. The new service even allows users to check the local council parking rules all via their mobile phones. Take a look at the demonstration video via the Directgov website - just visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/bbmobile

The film, produced by the Office for Disability Issues, aims to raise awareness of the new technology available for Blue Badge holders. It's available to download free on Directgov from 22 May 2009. Directgov is the government's flagship digital service, and welcomes more than 18 million visitors a month*.

Actor and Blue Badge holder Paul Henshall, who stars in the film, said:
"I've used the online service before and found it great in getting me to appointments without wasting time trying to find convenient parking. The mobile version is great and it means I can get local knowledge on the go. I hope this film allows more people to benefit from it. Directgov's Blue Badge map can make life a lot easier especially when you are in an area you don't know."

Stephen Martin from the Office for Disability Issues said:
"We are always looking for new ways to engage with disabled people, their families and carers. This short film is a great way to find out more about the Blue Badge map on Mobile Service and how it can help disabled people to increase the control and independence in their lives."

A spokesperson from the charity Motability said:
"The Blue Badge map on Mobile Service is an excellent idea and we're sure our customers will find it very reassuring to have so much helpful information at their fingertips. Using this service will take the worry out of driving to new places."

Katie Turner from Leonard Cheshire Disability added:

"For some disabled people finding the right parking space can make the difference between getting to where they want to go or simply having to turn back - it is that important.

We are delighted to see any steps that will help to make sure that this vital information actually gets to the disabled people who need it. Blue Badge map on Mobile Service will help to improve access to information about the availability of Blue Badge spaces and, combined with the video, help to raise awareness of the barriers that disabled people can face when trying to access these services."

ENDS

Notes to editors

* The Blue Badge scheme provides a national range of parking concessions for disabled people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. Find more at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/MotoringAndTransport/DG_4001061

* The Blue Badge map is available at http://www.direct.gov.uk/bluebadgemap , or by texting BLUE to 83377.

* Directgov, provides user-friendly, 24/7 information on all government services - including education, transport, tax, crime, the environment, employment - all in one place and in plain English.

* As well as being available on the website http://www.direct.gov.uk, which now attracts more than 18 million visits a month1, it can also be accessed on any internet-enabled mobile phone, and on TV.

* http://www.direct.gov.uk is a Hitwise Top 10 Award winner for the quarter ending October - December 2008. During this period, http://www.direct.gov.uk ranked No. 2 based on market share of visits among all United Kingdom websites in the Hitwise Government - Central industry category. For more information, please visit http://www.hitwise.co.uk/

* Please note: Directgov is spelt as one word and with a lower case 'g'.

For any queries please contact:

Natalie Hobbs - 020 7449 5068
natalie.hobbs@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Marketing: Directgov Disabled people and Carers
Communications Team
Office for Disability Issues
Caxton House
6-12 Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA

1 Directgov received more than 18 million visits to the website in March 2009