6.3 Car Parking
6.3.1 Linking places
The availability of public transport, provision of car parking spaces and lay bys greatly improves the mobility (6.3.1a) and participation opportunities of the elderly, people with disabilities and adults with young children in our community.

Covered passenger drop-off area, taxi and Rehabus lay-bys, as well as parking areas should be considered for community facilities in general, especially for those venues attracting international visitors. Accessibility and connectivity should be amongst the major considerations in planning our built environment.

Designers should also refer to statutory requirements and guidelines relating to the provision of designated car park for the disabled and street parking in the Transport Planning & Design Manual issued by Transport Department and the Design Manual Barrier Free Access issued by Buildings Department.

6.3.2 Accessible car parking
Accessible car parking (6.3.2a) means that sufficient space is provided next to the vehicle so that the wheelchair users and people requiring assisted devices can transfer and manoeuvre to and from the vehicle on level ground. The following items require attention:-

• The accessible car parking space should be on level ground and gradient of accessible parking area should not exceed 1 in 40.
• Locate designated parking bays (6.3.2b) for the persons with a disability close to the main building entry or lift lobby linking to the main entrance and upper floors.
• Provide safe passenger drop-off area for the elderly and people with disabilities near the main entrance if the parking space cannot be located close to the entrance or lift lobby.
• Provide safe accessible path to the building entry i.e. the main front door or the entry to the building used by most people.