You cannot guarantee the health of any person, including yourself. Physical handicaps need not always be congenital. An accidental circumstance or a physical ailment may lead to such unfortunate situations anytime.
A physical handicap may not always lead you to become bedridden. For example, dwarfism is classified as a physical challenge. However, the person is 100% fit otherwise.
Nevertheless, life is tough for people with physical challenges. They require special care and treatment to make their journey comparatively smoother. The law is not ignorant of this fact and rightly offers several schemes and designs in their favour.
What is 'handicap car parking'?
As the term suggests, 'handicap car parking' denotes special car parking spots and facilities exclusively reserved for people with physical disabilities. Parking is given priority for such people. No one is allowed to deny a car parking facility to a physically disabled person.
Handicap Parking Location
Ideally, a parking spot for the differently abled should be nearest to the main entrance. The distance between the main entrance and the accessible parking spot should be at most 30 metres.
In the case of elevators, the parking spot must be located within 30 metres of the concerned lift lobby.
If there is any higher pedestrian access way, then the presence of a befitting kerb ramp is mandatory.
In the case of indoor parking, there must be a befitting passenger lift with easy accessibility to the concerned parked vehicle and the main entrance.
Number of Parking Spaces
BMC has revised its norms and designated 3% of the available parking spaces for physically challenged car users. Apart from this, the standard reservation norms for 'handicap parking' are:
At least one space is required for every standard parking area.
For ten parking spaces, one 'handicap parking' is mandatory.
For up to 50 spaces, three are reserved.
For up to 100 spaces, four remain booked.
For up to 200 spaces, six remain reserved.
For over 200 spaces, six spots are reserved, and for every 100 additional 100 spaces, one extra spot is provided.
Signage
The designated parking spots must display the standard international signage for disabilities, along with directional hints.
The signs must be placed at least 2100 mm above the ground. It must be square, with dimensions ranging between 1000 mm and 1500 mm., designed in contrasting colours of white and blue.
Surface Requirements and Dimensions
The minimum car parking space for the differently abled should range between 3900 mm and 5400 mm, including a minimum transfer area of 1500 mm.
The surface must be firm and level without a hitch or any aeration slab.
Every possible spot must be sheltered.
The location gradient ratio must be 1:50 throughout the entire width and length.
A wheelchair-accessible route of 1200 mm must be present.
Must include a van-accessible spot of 9000 mm by 2400 mm.
Conclusion
With Park+, you can easily get current updates regarding the nearest available parking spots. It is all the more essential if you or any of your co-passengers have any physical disability. You can download the Park+ app and enjoy their car parking services, doorstep carwash services, car trading services, FASTag services, and more.