One group of particular users of these parking spaces are disabled drivers or vehicles driven by carers of disabled passengers, and for these people, being able to park is often essential to their quality of life. Therefore, over the years, legislation has been put in place to ensure dedicated spaces exist on roads and in car parks, to ensure accessibility, and to empower disabled individuals and their carers to find spaces when needed.
In this short article, we look a little closer at disabled parking bays and 4 reasons why they’re an essential part of the road system, and how they make the lives of disabled drivers and their carers better.
Disabled parking bays promote inclusivity
Disabled parking bays in cities and towns etc., are symbols of inclusivity and send a powerful message that regardless of their physical abilities, all drivers should have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the road system. These dedicated spaces, often clearly marked by yellow or white road markings (including large lettering), help to ensure drivers with mobility issues can gain convenient access to work, shopping centres, leisure centres and more.
Disabled parking bays ensure practical accessibility
For people with mobility issues, journeys are often made more difficult because of their disability, whether it is due to the pain of each movement, or the practicality of transporting equipment vital to their mobility. With the inclusion of disabled parking bays at strategic points, disabled people can park closer to amenities and areas of interest, therefore reducing the physical strain of walking long distances and saving time carrying out everyday duties.
Disabled parking bays increase safety
Safety is a top priority for any responsible line marking company, and by creating clearly marked disabled bays using applications such as thermoplastic line markings, they’re provided with a unique way to achieve this objective.
Clearly marked disabled bays outside building entrances help create a safer environment for pedestrians and drivers by clearly showing that extra care must be taken in these areas, which in turn helps to prevent accidents.
Disabled parking bays encourage social engagement
When situated outside leisure centres, shops, or various social events, disabled parking bays give many disabled people the independence to engage with everyday life in the same way as able-bodied people have. This function of disabled parking bays therefore creates a much more inclusive and welcoming society for people of all abilities, whilst also allowing disabled people to actively support and participate in their communities.
Looking for a line marking specialist?
Are you looking for a line marking specialist to install disabled bay markings, car park markings, or any other type of line markings anywhere in the UK? Then contact City Road Markings, one of the UK's leading line marking experts.