Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) - response to Building Regulations: Proposed Changes to Energy Standards, including ventilation, overheating and electric vehicle charging provision - 2021

Scottish Building Regulations: Proposed Changes to Energy Standards, including ventilation, overheating and electric vehicle charging provision

Question. Do you agree with the Scottish Governments preferred options for the exemptions as set out in section 7.6.1?

Answer. Yes

Question. What are your views on how our preferred option relating to existing non-residential buildings with car parks with more than 20 spaces could be properly monitored and enforced, given that the Building (Scotland) Regulations will not apply?

Answer. Where abuse of bays can take place, particularly abuse of accessible parking bays, monitoring and enforcement is always welcomed.

Question. What are your views on the proposed provision for charge points for accessible parking spaces? Do you have examples of current best practice for the provision of charge points for accessible parking spaces?

Answer. Detailed specifications should be provided within the Technical Handbooks in relation to the size of the bays, access to the charging infrastructure and access to surrounding areas.  There are a number of examples of inaccessible charging infrastructure currently in place where for example a wheelchair user would be able to park in the bay but would not be able to physically access the charger due to additional infrastructure i.e. bollards or rails put in place to protect the charging point.

Due to the time taken to charge some vehicles, any ancillary areas e.g. seating and / or picnic benches should be accessible both in terms of barrier free access to these areas, firm level surfaces and the type of facilities being provided; accessible furniture.

Question. Do you have any other views that you wish to provide on the EV section of the consultation (e.g. the minimum standard of EV charge point or safety within the built environment)?

Answer. MACS welcomes the introduction of guidance on EV Charging infrastructure and the inclusion of accessible bays that will also accommodate EV charging facilities.