I WRITE this letter in large print as I am visually impaired and registered blind.

I can get around familiar places okay, but have to rely on friends and relatives and if they’re not around have to get taxis.

I have a friend who is blind and she doesn’t go out on her own unless in a taxi or with someone she knows.

Despite these problems and a free bus pass that sometimes is no use, some blind people find it impossible to use public transport and have had to accept low Disability Living Allowance for the mobility component. People in wheelchairs get it and they are often able to drive a car, yet we are excluded from this.

The Government is about to make a decision on whether to let blind people have the higher rate mobility of DVLA.

Whilst they make their decision we need to remind them how strongly we fell about this issue. We need to let them know ‘we won’t go away’.

Many people can’t go out of their homes and do normal social things and miss vital hospital appointments because of lack of funds to get a taxi.

I support the Royal National Institute of the Blind in their campaign to have the Government increase the low rate DLA to higher rate for those with severe sight losses. It is unfair the way it stands, we need change.

There is a lobby at Westminster on October 15 and we need as many people to attend as possible. If any readers want further information about this please cal the RNIB on 0202 7391 2096.

Dianne Finnegan, address supplied