Special keys that allow disabled people access to facilities throughout Britain are now being provided free of charge in the Caerphilly area.
Caerphilly county borough council has agreed to scrap the charges for the RADAR keys, which allow access to disabled facilities such as public toilets and some public rights of way.
In the past, these keys, available from the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR), were sold at a cost of £3.50 to residents. This charge reflected the cost of the key to the council.
The RADAR key can be used to open disabled facilities in public toilets, as well as the ‘kissing gates’ that are used within country parks and on some public rights of ways to prevent illegal use by motorbikes etc.
Cllr Lyn Ackerman, cabinet member for the environment welcomed the decision, “We want to take steps to remove barriers facing disabled people and improve access to local facilities. Providing these RADAR keys free of charge means that more people will be able to enjoy getting out and about across the county borough.”
To request a free key, the applicant must provide evidence that they are a resident of the Caerphilly county borough. They must also provide evidence that they are registered as disabled by showing their registration certificate or blue disabled drivers badge. Applicants are also entitled to the key if they provide evidence that they are in receipt of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.
The keys are available from any council cash office or Customer First centre. If you have any other queries regarding the keys or disability issues in general, please e-mail equalities.
