Reconfiguration of Handicapped Parking Spaces to Maximize Utilization of Available Space

Abstract

Abstract-This paper presents a design solution based on analysis of the appropriate width of handicapped parking space for individuals with different levels of disabilities in Saga. The methodology followed in this study revealed an option for increasing the available quantity of handicapped parking within the available space by selectively reducing the width of alighting space requirements built into space standards. A physical simulation was carried out with assistance from volunteers with different types of disabilities who were asked to park in a confined space in order to obtain meaningful data for space requirements by disabled individuals. The investigation found that the current standard of 3.5 m width adopted for handicapped parking is conservative and has little merit from the point of view of functionality for handicapped individuals. The data collected allowed the research team to develop a methodology to propose a new arrangement for increasing the parking spaces for disabled persons. The paper explains the physical data collection process and details of the proposed arrangement that could better utilize the available space.Index Terms-Parking for disabled people, severity of disability, width of handicapped parking, alighting space, reconfiguration of parking space.

Do the Elderly Need Wider Parking Spaces? Evidence from Experimental and Questionnaire Surveys

“…Moreover, allowing all elderly to use disabled parking spaces may bring more controversies as contention about accepting older people using disabled parking spaces has erupted in Japan [14,50]. Lu et al [18] recorded a public symposium held in Japan about the rationale of expanding the amount of disabled parking spaces. Twelve older people who were using canes and walkers agreed that current disabled parking spaces were quite big for their usage.…”

“…Moreover, there was also a lack of data indicating that any local government considered the influential factors on the use of different sizes of parking spaces. Only Lu et al [18,19] mentioned that body sizes and physical strength of individuals might be crucial influential factors.…”