Park Access provides a benchmark for accessible and inclusive parking and EV charging

British Parking Association and Disabled Motoring UK's new look accreditation covers electric vehicle charging

A new accreditation for accessible and inclusive parking and electric vehicle charging facilities has been launched by British Parking Association (BPA) and Disabled Motoring UK.

Park Access is designed to enable everyone, regardless of their accessibility needs, to identify car parks and facilities, such as EV chargepoints, that they can use with ease.

Park Access brings together two existing accreditations, the Disabled Parking Accreditation and People’s Parking Award.

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 chargepoints are accessible to everyone.

Park Access is jointly owned by the BPA and Disabled Motoring UK and will be managed and administered by the BPA.

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 electric vehicle parking revolution and recognises there is also a need to ensure that car parks and EV chargepoints 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.”

The BPA is a not-for-profit membership association representing the UK’s parking and mobility sector. 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 has assessed and awarded parking facilities with its accreditations for 20 years. These include the Park Mark award, presented as part of the Safer Parking Scheme owned by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), as well as the Park Mark Plus and Park Mark Freight awards.

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.cerns. It also works closely with other organisations to improve personal mobility and access to goods and services for people with disabilities.