DISABLED and elderly residents are being urged to take advantage of the updated Freedom Pass.

Transport for London (TfL) will be visiting Waltham Forest in a drive to make sure people eligible for free travel take advantage of the scheme by March 31.

The new passes will include a smart card to help prevent fraud, and will take up to 10 days to process rather than be available over the counter, as they previously were.

They will also be valid for five years rather than just two.

Waltham Forest Council’s cabinet member for health, adults and older people, Cllr Liz Phillips, said: “Freedom passes give older and disabled people free travel on London’s public transport system and can be invaluable in helping them live an independent and active life.

“I would urge all Freedom Pass holders to ensure they renew their passes well before March 31 to ensure they continue to enjoy the benefits of the scheme.”

More than a million people in London are eligible for the Freedom Pass and about 32,000 Waltham Forest residents have them.

TfL is holding a road show at The Mall, in Selbourne Walk, Walthamstow, on February 3.