Disabled man loses free bus pass

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 3rd Apr 2008

A disabled man has criticised the government's new free travel scheme for over-60s and the disabled after being told he no longer qualifies. Stephen Twigg, 59, from Long Eaton lost his travel concessions after the new National Travel Pass scheme was introduced on 1 April.

The pass replaced the Gold Card scheme which operated throughout Derbyshire. Mr Twigg had his arm amputated due to cancer and said he relies on the pass to travel for treatment.

He said: "This is unfair and is going to make a huge difference to my lifestyle. The loss of the Gold Card and the free travel completely is going to have a profound impact on my daily life."

Erewash Borough Council, which issued Mr Twigg with his bus pass, said the new guidelines meant he is not eligible. The Department for Transport, which issues the National Travel Pass, said the local authority issuing passes has the discretion to extend services. An Erewash Borough Council spokesperson said they will discuss the matter further.