We all know the importance of providing easy and safe access for all visitors and staff at every business or commercial property. However, what are our responsibilities when it comes to the car park? What are the legal requirements for disabled parking spaces?
If your business provides car parking for staff and visitors then it will be subject to several duties you must adhere to. Here are answers to a few common questions relating to the obligations expected:
How Many Disabled Parking Spaces Do I Need?
There are no specific rules in place however there are guidelines for you to follow.
• The BSI British Standards states that you should provide one disabled parking bay for each disabled motorist you have working at your premises plus 5% of the total capacity of visiting motorists and a further 4% of the spaces should be enlarged standard spaces.
• You must be aware of the current demand for disabled spaces within your business and understand that it’s something that must be kept under regular review.
• The key issues to focus on are the number of spaces, their proximity to the building and also the policing of their use.
What Size Should the Disabled Parking Spaces Be?
The BSI British Standards Code provides the following guidelines:
• The spaces should be 2400mm x 4800mm with a 1200mm wide marked access zone on either side and at the rear to provide space to get in and out as well as allowing easy access to the boot.
The spaces must be a sufficient size in order for both staff and visitors with mobility impairments to make use of them safely and with ease. If there are any complaints about the size or locations of the disabled spaces then you have a duty to follow this up and consider whether reasonable adjustments need to be made.
If you would like further information on disabled parking spaces then be sure to get in touch with the team here at K5. We have an extensive knowledge of the industry and can advise you on the best plan of action moving forward.
We also provide Handipark barriers to help you police your disabled spaces and to ensure there is no misuse.