When you live with mobility issues, accessible parking spaces can be a godsend. They make it possible to access work, meetings, community and social events, appointments and more. Accessible parking spaces are clearly marked with dimensions that enable disability parking permit (DPP) users to safely access buildings and their vehicles as easily as possible.

That’s why these designated spaces appear in most large shopping centres, main streets of metro areas, outside high traffic locations like accommodation venues and healthcare buildings, as well as large workplaces and more.

In this article we explain five of the main reasons behind accessible parking spaces and dimensions and design. But first we answer an important question.

Are there enough accessible parking spaces?

Many of us would argue there are nowhere near enough. Especially with the rising number of Australians with mobility issues. On top of this there are too many drivers without DPPs who park in disability parking “just for 10min while I run in”.

Those ten minutes can make the world of difference. In our Invisible Disabilities Week survey, 77% of respondents have gone home empty-handed because there were no accessible spaces.

If you don’t need accessible parking, simply drive a few extra metres to park legitimately. Don’t limit other people just because it’s easy.

Where are accessible parking spaces required by law?

All property developers must adhere to the Australian Standards around accessible parking. Also known as the ‘Premises Standards’, these outline required aspects such as the size, signage and ground surface situation of parking spots created for people with disability.

You can find the full guidelines by searching for AS/NZS 2890.6-2009. According to these standards, accessible carparking must be provided in:

• 1. a Class 7a building, i.e. a carpark, required to be accessible (unless it has a parking service available or direct access to any parking space is not provided to the public), and
• 2. a carparking area on the same allotment as a building required to be accessible

Read about the number of spots required per building type in our article on are fantastic parking spots and where to find them. Now let’s look at why these parking spots are the way they are…

1. Close proximity to building entrances

Accessible parking spaces need to be as close as possible to the building’s main pedestrian entrance. If in an underground parking lot, these spots will usually be located near the elevators and lifts.

At present, there isn’t a maximum distance requirement between the parking spot and building entrance. Why is that? A review of the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 in 2016 found that:

“Provision for a maximum distance was not included due to the difficulty of accommodating the wide range of building and entrance configurations. For example, there may be multiple accessible pedestrian entrances distributed around a building while parking areas may not be similarly distributed.”

2. Room to manoeuvre

Accessible parking spots must be larger than other parking spaces. Anyone living with mobility disability understands how much extra space they need to safely enter and exit a vehicle. Especially if they are using mobility equipment.

It is so important to have enough space to side transfer via a wheelchair and/or to accommodate a scooter or other bulky mobility devices. Not to mention the need to have enough room for a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) ramp and lifting equipment.

Some WAVs have ramps at the rear of the vehicle, but many wheelchair users exit the vehicle at the side. As do other DPP users. The Australian Standards recognise this.

That’s why angled accessible parking space dimensions are required to be 2.4m wide x 5.4m long, while parallel parking spaces are not allowed to be less than 3.2m wide x 7.8m long.

Even people with painful joints need the extra space. They require enough room to open their car door fully to get out and in as comfortably as possible. Read more about how invisible disability affects mobility at times.

The extended sizing of accessible parking space dimensions not only assists the DPP holder. It removes the risk of tight manouvering and therefore the potential for damaging others’ vehicles.

3. Shared common space

For every accessible parking space there needs to be a shared common (loading) space next to it. Again, this allows safer and easier vehicle access. These are made obvious with clearly marked, yellow, slip resistant diagonal lines striped across their width. Size-wise accessible parking space dimensions must be “not less than 1600 mm wide by 7800 mm long”.

When there is just one car parallel parking space, the shared area must be on the non-trafficked side. If there are two consecutive car spaces it must be in between these spaces.

If you are not a DPP user and find yourself next to a shared space like this it is crucial to not park your trolley or other gear over these lines. Park as far away from them as possible! It is not your loading area.

And every driver, including DPP holders, needs to know that it is illegal for anyone to park in these striped areas. They are loading spaces only.

4. Easily manoeuvrable surface

If you are already on shaky ground due to limited mobility then accessing your vehicle is made infinitely harder by uneven ground.

That’s why accessible parking spaces must “comprise a firm plane surface with a gradient not exceeding 1:40 in any direction (or 1:33 if a bituminous seal and area is outdoors)”.

It is also important to provide a kerb ramp where required.

5. Symbol of access identification

Unsurprisingly, all accessible parking spots need to have signage. The signs clearly need to show they’re designed for DPP holders only. This needs to include the International Symbol of Access, which is recognisable for anyone living with disability.

Accessible parking spaces are fine-worthy

Anyone who parks in an accessible parking spot and doesn’t have a DPP is risking a considerable fine. That’s because these are regulated parking spaces. And so they should be. They are often the only way a DPP holder can access a building.

Fines are increasingly hefty. For example, illegally using an accessible parking space in Queensland can see you cop a $5333 fine. This doubled only recently, indicating state/territory governments might be becoming more focused on the needs of their PWD constituents.

Speak your mind

Have a complaint to make about the accessible parking spaces in your area? If the parking area is privately owned then contact management. And if it’s public then you can contact local council.

You can also contact the Premises Standards Review Team of the Department of Industry and Science. The new review of the Premises Standards is due in 2021, so the timing is good to share your views. Email [email protected], send a letter to GPO Box 9839, Canberra ACT 2601 or call (02) 6102 9636.

Insure your mobility

Many DPP holders don’t realise they may be eligible for discounts of up to 25% on insurance for wheelchair accessible vehicles and disability car insurance.

Our comprehensive insurance also covers carers, friends, family, carers and support workers. Plus, we provide up to $5k in cover for assistive technology while it is in their car.

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