A new initiative has launched to improve motorway journeys for people with disabilities.
Highways England has partnered with AccessAble, a UK organisation which provides detailed accessibility information, to help motorists plan where to stop for a break at any one of the 114 motorway service areas across England.
New information guides, available online or via the AccessAble app, have been created providing facts, figures, and photographs to help motorists plan their visit to the services. They cover key areas including parking, toilets, petrol stations, shops, and restaurants, with detailed information on everything from staff training and hearing loops, to walking distances and designated places of safety.
In addition, Highways England and AccessAble have worked together to create virtual route guides for the services. This new type of guide, which uses 360-degree imagery, will enable visitors to ‘virtually’ explore routes to key facilities like accessible toilets and changing places, so they can find out exactly what to expect when they arrive.
“We’re committed to ensuring our customers with disabilities can travel safely on our roads,” said Highways England Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Julian Horsler.
“That’s why we’re introducing new services to break down barriers and help people reliably plan and feel confident about their journeys.”
