A disabled nurse in Somerset is facing significant challenges accessing public car parks following the installation of new height barriers. Chloë Hammond, 34, who uses a wheelchair and drives a specialised van equipped to support her powered wheelchair, says many car parks are now inaccessible because her vehicle exceeds the 2-meter height restrictions recently implemented.
Last month, Somerset Council installed 2-meter height barriers at the Silk Mills park and ride in Taunton, citing concerns about unauthorised encampments and the need to improve security. Councillor Richard Wilkins explained the move was a necessary step to prevent disruptions and maintain safety at the site.
However, the changes have left Chloë unable to use the Taunton park and ride and facing similar barriers across the county. In Weston-super-Mare, she was denied access to the Hutton Moor Leisure Centre car park due to similar height restrictions. Upcoming events, like the North Petherton Carnival, require extensive planning to find suitable parking, as even the event’s designated park and ride has a height barrier.
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Chloë expressed frustration at the difficulties, stating, “The organisers had to speak with local businesses to find me somewhere to park. It shouldn’t take three weeks just to arrange accessible parking.” While she understands the council’s need to address illegal encampments, she urges better solutions that accommodate disabled drivers. One suggestion is installing liftable height barriers that allow verified vehicles to enter despite exceeding height limits.
“It’s not a choice,” Chloë emphasized. “I can’t just change my vehicle—it’s designed to support my powered wheelchair.”
Somerset Council acknowledged the inconvenience but maintained that most wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) and other vehicles are under the 2-meter height limit. The council also highlighted alternative parking options in Taunton’s town centre for taller vehicles. A spokesman explained the barriers were necessary to prevent repeated unauthorised encampments, which have caused costly damage, disruptions, and safety concerns. Due to legal constraints on removing encampments swiftly, physical barriers were deemed the most effective solution.
Meanwhile, North Somerset Council clarified that height restriction barriers at Hutton Moor car park are designed to be removable when needed. A buzzer system allows staff to open barriers for vehicles requiring access, including taller ones such as WAVs.
Chloë’s experience highlights the ongoing tension between security measures and accessibility needs, calling for more inclusive and flexible solutions to ensure disabled individuals can navigate public spaces without undue hardship.