I believe that children with additional needs should be entitled to free Oyster card replacements! We need this petition to become noticed by Sadiq Khan  to be able to attempt to make a change and make these children’s lives that little bit less stressful. 

I have a niece who was diagnosed with ADHD last year at the age of 12. Part of ADHD is forgetfulness. She is constantly losing, misplacing things and having belongings stolen by bullies!. However, the thing that is lost/misplaced/stolen the most is her Oyster card. When her card goes awol she faces a 2 hour and 30 minute round trip by foot to and from school. If she doesnt have an oyster card bus drivers refuse to let her on the bus. To ensure her safety her mum tops up her own card and she'll pay an adult fare especially during the winter months when It gets dark early. Within the last year she has lost 7 of them and racked up over £90 worth of replacement funds and adult fares.

Her Mum (my sister) is a full time universiry student doing a degree in education as well as supporting her 4 children. 3 of whom have different types of additional needs. She is doing an incredible job but funds get tight when it comes to the end of her student finance money. It is quite unreasonable that TFL charge for the replacements until the child is 16. 

People with additional needs should not pay a penalty! If a child with additional needs has supportive documentation or diagnosis letter from a paediatriction which is supported by their school, then children with additional needs should be entitled to FREE oyster card replacements!