Park Access® - the benchmark for accessible and inclusive parking & EV charging
British Parking Association and Disabled Motoring UK launch pioneering new accreditation
Park Access® is a brand new accreditation that aims to become recognised throughout the whole of the UK for accessible and inclusive parking and electric vehicle charging facilities. Park Access will enable everyone, regardless of their accessibility needs, to identify car parks and facilities, such as EV charge points, that they can use with ease.
Park Access brings together the very best of two accreditations – the Disabled Parking Accreditation and People’s Parking Award to automatically become the UK's industry benchmark for accessible and inclusive parking and electric vehicle charging facilities.
Park Access EV includes requirements and recommendations for accessible EV charging informed by the new British Standard Institution accessibility standard, PAS 1899. A Park Access Handbook has been produced to provide parking operators with guidance and clarity, simplifying the process to ensure that their car parks and EV charge points are accessible to everyone.
Sara Fisher, BPA Head of Operations and Business Development, said: “The parking sector is constantly evolving with the exciting growth in popularity of electric vehicles and the drive to net zero. The BPA is leading the EV parking revolution and recognises there is also a need to ensure that car parks and EV charge points are accessible to everyone. Park Access is a brand-new benchmark for accessible parking and charging."
“We want all motorists, whatever their abilities, to plan their journey, parking, and EV charging with confidence. That’s why we have included Park Access sites alongside Safer Parking sites on our Park Mark® car park finder and on other major parking apps.”
For more information visit: www.britishparking.co.uk/Park-Access
Park Mark® Car Park Finder: https://parkmark.co.uk/car-park-finder?query=
Notes to editors
For more information please contact the BPA press office – email: media@britishparking.co.uk or visit our Newsroom.
1) The BPA is a not-for-profit membership association representing the UK’s parking and mobility sector. We provide a leading membership community to support parking and traffic management professionals to deliver the highest quality services that benefit society and the environment. It represents over 750 corporate members including local government, commercial providers, parking system operators, consultants, and academics. In addition, the Association has a separate membership structure for over 650 individuals and a range of benefits to support their professional development. The BPA’s Vision is for a diverse and inclusive membership community that supports a parking and travel experience that exceeds expectations.
2) Park Access® is jointly owned by the BPA and Disabled Motoring UK and will be managed and administered by the BPA. The BPA has successfully assessed and awarded parking facilities with its acclaimed accreditations for 20 years. These include the coveted Park Mark® award, part of the Safer Parking Scheme owned by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), as well as Park Mark Plus and Park Mark Freight.
3) Disabled Motoring UK is a national membership charity fighting to improve personal mobility and access for all people with disabilities including drivers, passengers, Blue Badge holders, scooter, and wheelchair users. The charity represents disabled motorists across the whole of the United Kingdom and campaigns nationally on their behalf, acting as a platform to voice their concerns. It also works closely with other organisations to improve personal mobility and access to goods and services for people with disabilities.