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Shopmobility schemes aim to provide equipment, such as wheelchairs
or scooters, on loan to anyone with a mobility impairment. Shopmobility schemes
give individuals with mobility impairments greater access to shopping and other
facilities in town centres. The number of schemes is increasing as support and
funding increases from businesses and retailers who recognise the benefits to
themselves in improving the accessibility of their premises.
The need for Shopmobility schemes is also expanding as the UK
population over the age of 60 increases. When it is considered that 46% of people
who use Shopmobility are over 60 (Source: AA, 1995), there is clear evidence
of the growing need to promote and encourage schemes wherever possible.
Schemes are especially successful in opening up large pedestrianised
areas to people with mobility impairments. An AA survey in 1995 revealed that
99% of people who use Shopmobility felt they had benefited from its use.
Ideally, the Mobility Centre for schemes should be based alongside,
or as near as possible to, areas where elderly and mobility impaired people
can arrive by bus, train, taxi or Dial-a-Ride, with reserved parking for those
arriving by car. The advantages of such a centre are:
Parking at Shopmobility schemes must complement Blue Badge holder
parking schemes and should not be used as substitutes. Many Blue Badge holders
can stand for periods or walk limited distances and do notalways need mobility
aids to get around. Others may not be able to use the equipment available within
the Shopmobility scheme and require their own customised wheelchairs.
Visitors may not be aware of Shopmobility so clear signs to schemes
must be erected (see 4.3 Signs and Notices).
It is also preferable to make schemes as visible as possible, e.g. on the periphery
of open air carparks or in the centre of shopping malls. This encourages people
to enquire about the services available, either for themselves or for others.
Shopmobility schemes are located throughout the country. For more information on these services in general contact the National Federation of Shopmobility. For details about Shopmobility within areas see 8 Useful Information in this Code of Practice.
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