Highways England issues guides to help disabled motorists better access motorway services
Highways England has partnered with accessibility information provider AccessAble to help disabled motorists plan where to stop for a break at any one of the 114 motorway service areas across England, for better, safer journeys.
The new guides, available online or via the free AccessAble app were produced in response to feedback from disabled people and carers about how much they would value having access guides for motorway services, according to Highways England.
Filled with accurate facts, figures, and photographs to help motorists plan their visit, the guides cover key areas including parking, toilets, petrol stations, shops, and restaurants, with detailed information on everything from staff training and hearing loops, to walking distances and accessible Changing Places toilets.
In addition, the two organisations have worked together to create virtual route guides. This new type of guide, which uses 360-degree imagery, will enable visitors to ‘virtually’ explore routes to key facilities like accessible toilets and Changing Places, so they can find out exactly what to expect when they arrive.
Highways England Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Julian Horsler, said: “We’re committed to ensuring our disabled customers can travel safely on our roads. We’re making good progress to ensure our roads and services are more accessible and inclusive, and there’s lots more to do.
“Whatever the nature of your disability, the access guides for motorway service areas take the guesswork out of journey planning, giving you the information you need about facilities along your route.”
Dr Gregory Burke, Founder and Chair of AccessAble, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Highways England on this ground-breaking initiative to deliver a world class standard of access information across England’s motorway service area network.
“It’s clear that Highways England share our commitment to user-led service development and improving access and customer experience for the UK’s 18 million disabled people and carers.
“The new Access Guides will not only give people all the information they need to plan a trip but also support Highways England and motorway service operators to see how facilities could be improved in the future.”
Recently, independent watchdog Transport Focus asked disabled road users – drivers and their passengers – how they felt about travelling by road, with Highways England stating that it was listening to their feedback. The review also covered the general layout of services, as well as fuel stations, electric vehicle charging points and disabled parking bays.
https://thiis.co.uk/highways-england-issues-guides-to-help-disabled-motorists-better-access-motorway-services/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/accessable.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/accessable-150x150.jpgInvestments & FundingNewsroomSector NewsThird Sectoraccess,AccessAble,disabled motorists,Highways England,Motorway,ServicesHighways England has partnered with accessibility information provider AccessAble to help disabled motorists plan where to stop for a break at any one of the 114 motorway service areas across England, for better, safer journeys. The new guides, available online or via the free AccessAble app were produced in response...Liane McIvorLiane McIvorliane@thiis.co.ukEditorTHIIS Magazine