Winchester City Council gain four accreditations 

Disabled parking facilities in Winchester officially recognised with Disabled Parking Accreditation

Winchester City Council is the first local authority in the south to receive the Disabled Parking Accreditation at 4 car parks; Jewry Street, Middle Brook Street, Tower Street and South Winchester Park and Ride.

Richard Hein, Head of Parking Services, said: “It’s fantastic that Winchester’s car parks have achieved this accreditation which reflects the City Council’s commitment to providing high levels of customer service to all and its ongoing investment in its car park stock.”

Councillor James Byrnes said: “Achieving this award is an important part of our efforts to make Winchester a great place to live, work and visit for everybody, not just a few. We remain one of the most attractive cities in the region both for leisure visitors and business people, and our easy to access car parks are a key driver in being recognised as a city that is ‘open for business’ all year round”.

Dave Metcalf, British Parking Association Area Manager, said: “I am delighted that Winchester City Council has achieved the Disabled Parking Accreditation at four sites.  Disabled Motoring UK’s report into disabled parking facilities across the UK showed that many car parks failed to make provision for disabled drivers.

“There is a designated DPA website where disabled people can search for a car park with the accreditation and it’s great that disabled motorists in and around Winchester can park with ease. “

Graham Footer, Chief Executive of DMUK said: “Disabled Motoring UK is delighted that Winchester City Council has embraced the DPA and has already managed to get four of its car parks accredited and we hope that other local authorities will follow suit and bring their car parks up to standard”.

To qualify, car parks must have accessible bays that meet British standards, which are at least 2.4 meters by 4.8 meters with a 1.2 meter safety or transition zone marked with cross patterned stripes along one side of the bay.

Signage must give clear information and instructions for the use of a building and there should be level access between pedestrian entrances/exits and parking bays.  Lifts or ramps must be provided where levels are not even.  Lighting, payment machines and alternative payment methods also form part of the criteria as well as concessions where appropriate to allow disabled people additional time.

Photo (left to right) Phil Hammer, BPA President, Simon Finch, Assistant Director for Environment, Dave Metcalf, BPA Area Manager, Richard Hein, Head of Parking Services and Scott MacBrayne, Assistant Parking Manager.