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Effective Placement of Permanent Bollards on Larger Disabled Car Parks
Permanent Bollards for Disabled Parking Bays Effective Placement of Permanent Bollards on Larger Disabled Car Parks 1

Placement Of Permanent Bollards For Larger Disabled Car Parks

In days gone by a disabled or accessible parking space was a rare occurrence. These days, most car parks offer at least a few accessible spaces for those with limited mobility or even parents with small children. However, the new larger space layout can create issues for bollard placement, and you need to be aware of the permanent bollard Perth requirements for any disabled bay spaces.

Why Accessible Spaces Now So Big?

You may have noticed that accessible or disabled car park spaces seem larger than they used to and this is not your imagination. In the past, a car park design layout of 3.2 x 5.4 metres was thought to provide sufficient space for a wheelchair user to transfer from the side into their vehicle. Unfortunately, it did not allow space for ramped side access. The Australian Standard AS2890.6 was introduced to ensure that shared common space was adopted for disabled spaces to make vehicle access both easier and safer. This design layout is easier as it provides more space for side access vehicles and this provides a safer method of accessing the vehicle rather than rear access that may be in traffic access lanes or other more hazardous areas.

The New Regulations

In order to comply with the new regulations, each space should now easily identifiable with a white access symbol with pavement markings in the centre of two shared spaces creating space for access. The pavement markings are required to be outlined with unbroken lines on all sides with shared areas marked with longitudinal lines. The regulations also dictate the size and designation of the space, walkways and other non traffic areas. The main aim of this is to provide a shared space that is in trafficked areas to ensure that those with limited mobility can safely access their vehicle.

Bollard Placement

The regulations also determine where permanent bollards should be placed. The most important consideration is the bollard height. The bollards need to be the appropriate height, so they are visible from the rear window to avoid reversing accidents. The Australian Standard AS2890.1-2004 clause 2.4.5.3 Barriers states that barriers need to be a height of at least 130 centimetres if they are at the end of the parking space, so they will be visible when backing into the space. Additionally, the upper portion of your bollard could be a light structure to further enhance visibility.

If you are considering permanent bollards for disable spaces in your car park, you should speak to us. We offer a range of barriers and bollards including Dugite permanent bollards. The Image Extra team members are also on hand to answer any queries you may have and help you find the right bollards for your premises.