A DISABLED man who cares for his autistic son has said his life and that of his son would be ruined if he was made to give back his mobility car.

Peter Sanford, from Turnpike Lane in Redditch, who relies on his car to not only get himself around but take his five-year-old son Gabriel to vital therapy sessions, faces having it taken away following government welfare changes.

"We desperately need the car," said Mr Sanford.

"Without transport I cannot get my son to any therapy sessions or tuition that he desperately needs. The loss of transport would halt Gabriel’s progress.

"For Gabriel to have any chance at all of a normal life he needs these sessions. He also has the usual check-ups at GP, three miles from home, and any other medical appointments that come with his condition.

"At some point my health will diminish, that’s just the way it is I have a degenerative illness. The car is needed by myself as well."

He added the nearest public transport he can use is a bus stop 150 yards away from home, but Gabriel's lack of awareness of danger would put him at risk.

After being in an accident in 2009 which resulted in a broken knee and tibia and nerve damage, Rapid Onset Osteo-Arthritis set in, meaning now he can barely walk.

Until recently, anyone receiving the highest rate of the "mobility component" of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was eligible for the Motability Scheme, which allows disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair using their government-funded mobility allowance.

However, as part of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) welfare changes, the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) began replacing DLA from April 2013.

Under DLA, most people completed their own application form and did not have to reapply once entered into the scheme.

With PIPs, people have to attend a face-to-face assessment and only those scoring 12 points or more will qualify for support.

Despite being disabled and only able to take a few steps, Mr Sanford did not score the points needed to keep his Motability car.

"The damage to our lives with regard to being isolated at home is beyond measure," he said.

"Without transport, reliable transport, we would have appalling lives."

He added: "The PiP evaluation was deeply flawed. I have tried the last couple of weeks to appeal to the Department for Work and Pensions but the car is returning soon.

"It all seems like I'm banging my head against brick wall."

The government has stressed that the new process is fairer and that people can appeal.

A spokesman from DWP said: "Decisions on eligibility for Personal Independence Payment are made after consideration of all the evidence, including an assessment and information provided by the claimant and their GP.

"Most people leaving the motability scheme are eligible for a one-off payment of £2,000 to help meet their mobility needs."