Accessible Parking Calculator - BS 8300 Bay Dimensions & Hatching

Under BS 8300-1:2018, a perpendicular (off-street) accessible parking bay is marked at 2400mm wide × 4800mm long, with a 1200mm transfer (hatching) zone at the side — giving 3600mm total width — and a further 1200mm zone at the rear for boot or rear-hoist access. Adjacent bays can share a single 1200mm side zone if it is at least 1200mm wide. For parallel (on-street style) bays, GOV.UK Inclusive Mobility gives a minimum marked width of 2700mm (3000mm if in the centre of the carriageway, 3600mm preferred), a minimum length of 6600mm and 1200mm clear at each end.

BS 8300-1:2018 sets provision by use class. For workplace (employee) car parks up to 200 spaces, provide the greater of 2 designated bays or 5% of capacity, plus one bay per disabled employee; over 200 spaces, provide 6 bays plus 2% of capacity. For visitor car parks (shopping, recreation and leisure) up to 200 spaces, provide the greater of 3 designated bays or 6% of capacity; over 200 spaces, provide 4 bays plus 4% of capacity. These are minimums — local planning authorities may require more, and an enlarged bay for minibuses or wheelchair-accessible vehicles should also be considered.

The hatching zone (minimum 1200mm wide) provides the essential transfer space that wheelchair users need to get in and out of their vehicle. It must be kept clear at all times and marked with yellow cross-hatching on the surface. Adjacent accessible bays can share a hatching zone if it is at least 1200mm wide between the two bays.

The surface must be firm, durable, level (maximum 1:50 crossfall) and slip-resistant in wet conditions. Tarmac, concrete and resin-bound gravel are all suitable. Loose gravel or unbound surfaces are not acceptable. The route from the bay to the building entrance must also be smooth, level, and clearly defined with no steps or steep gradients.

Accessible bays should be on the shortest accessible route to the building entrance, ideally within 50m. They should be on level ground (maximum gradient 1:60, crossfall 1:50) and well lit. They must not require wheelchair users to travel behind parked vehicles or across traffic routes. If a dropped kerb is needed, it must have tactile paving and a maximum 6mm upstand.