An accreditation scheme that recognizes how parking operators look after all their customers has been launched by disability rights campaigner Helen Dolphin MBE.
Helen lost all four of her limbs to meningococcal septicemia on Christmas Day 1997 but this has not held her back. She has worked in television, holds several British swimming records and last year received an MBE in recognition for her services to disabled people. Making life better for disabled people is where the idea for People’s Parking came from.
The People’s Parking initiative seeks to recognise how car parks cater for the needs of a variety of different users. Car parks applying for the People’s Parking accreditation will need to prove they are: well managed; have good signage; are clean and bright; offer good pedestrian access; and that parking rules are enforced.
Depending on the facilities offered, car parks can also gain additional accreditations if they are: accessible for disabled people; family friendly; have no height restrictions; provide cycle parking or feature charging for electric vehicles.
There are also accreditations for car parks that are convenient for commuters, close to shops, good for airport passengers and where parking can be pre-booked or paid for by phone.
The accreditation scheme requires completion of a self-assessment supplemented by photographic evidence.
People’s Parking is currently UK based but Helen hopes it could become international in the future.
www.peoplesparking.org