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Why are disabled car parks now so big?

  • February 21, 2014
  • Bruce Bromley

Or to be more politically correct, why are accessible car parking spaces so big?

Key access issue

The previous carpark design of 3.2M x 5.4M whilst providing enough space for wheelchair users to side transfer into motor vehicle did not allow sufficient space for ramped side access, see photo below.

Disabled Car Park Side Access

There are already a large number of vehicles available with side access that provide a safer way for occupants to access the vehicle.

Side access ramp to vehicle

The Solution

With the introduction of Australian Standard AS2890.6 the shared common space has been adopted to make vehicle access easier and safer. Easier because it provides sufficient space for side access vehicles which provide a safer way of accessing motor vehicles instead of rear access into traffic access lanes etc.

Single car space design

 

Right Hand DIsabled Car ParkLeft Hand Disabled Car Park

Double car space design

Double Disabled Car Park

Cad Plans

Download the CAD File for carpark designs

Space Identification

Each dedicated space shall be identified by means of a white symbol of access in accordance with AS 1428.1 between 800 mm and 1000 mm high placed on a blue rectangle with no side more than 1200 mm, placed as a pavement marking in the centre of the space between 500 mm and 600 mm from its entry point as illustrated.

Space Delineation

Pavement markings specified in Items (a) and (b) of this Clause shall be yellow and shall
have a slip resistant surface. Raised pavement markers shall not be used for space
delineation.

Pavement markings shall be provided as follows:

(a) Dedicated parking spaces shall be outlined with unbroken lines 80 to 100 mm wide on all sides excepting any side delineated by a kerb, barrier or wall.

(b) Shared areas shall be marked as follows:

  1. Walkways within or partly within a shared area shall be marked with unbroken longitudinal lines on both sides of the walkway excepting any side delineated by a kerb, barrier or wall.
  2. Other vacant non-trafficked areas, which may be intentionally or unintentionally obstructed (e.g. by unintended parking), shall be outlined with unbroken lines 80 to 100 mm wide on all sides excepting any side delineated by a kerb, barrier or wall, and marked with diagonal stripes 150 to 200 mm wide with spaces 200 mm to 300 mm between stripes. The stripes shall be at an angle of 45 ±10 degrees to the side of the space.
  3. No shared area markings shall be placed in trafficked areas.

Bollards

A bollard shall be provided as detailed in the above drawings however the heigh of bollards is not nominated within the standard. If the bollard is to low motorists cannot view it out of their rear window and has been the case they back into it.

Australian Standard AS2890.1-2004 clause 2.4.5.3 Barriers: states if at the end of a parking space, they shall be at least 1.3 m high so that drivers of cars backing into the space can see the barrier above the rear of the car.

NOTE: The upper portion of such a barrier may be a light structure provided for sighting
purposes only.

We therefore recommend all bollards are to be installed at a minimum height of 1.3M and painted disability blue.

 

Purchase Bollards Here

Purchase 1300mm High Blue Flexible Disabled Carpark Bollards

 

Cad Plans

Download the CAD File for carpark designs

Where to buy the Australian Standard

AS/NZS 2890.6:2009, Parking facilities – Part 6: Off-street parking for people with disabilities