Not enough accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities claims Manx Stroke Foundation

Charity says it wants to address issues that its members have highlighted with government

It's feared accessibility issues are impacting some disabled peoples' decisions to go out in public. 

The Manx Stroke Foundation has claimed that accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities have 'dramatically reduced'.

The charity says it wants to address the issues that its members have highlighted with government. 

Chanelle Sukhoo spoke to Edward and Michelle from the foundation: 

The Department of Infrastructure has told Manx Radio:

"We try to consider the needs of all our passengers within the restrictions of operating a heritage railway and provide assistance for passengers wherever possible, including a specially adapted disabled tram, an accessible carriage and enhanced access platforms at all our main stations.

"We are grateful for the observation from the Stroke Foundation that the Douglas station car park is not of the mandated width for disabled spaces.

"This will be reviewed after the end of the season as the disabled bays are currently in regular use by our customers."

Mark Horsthuis, the owner of Cycle 360, has told Manx Radio:

"That makes us really sad to hear someone has had that experience at Cycle 360 as our purpose-built building has accessibility in mind within all aspects of the building, including the car park where we have one disabled parking space with signage within the space and from our entrance, floor plan, café table access, garden terrace ramp and dedicated disabled toilet, as well as lift access to the first floor.

"Cycle 360 is family-owned and we have family members who require wheelchairs, so not only was it key from a commercial point of view and Cycle 360 being a space for everyone, it was personal to me and my family too, to ensure we provided that.”

Treasury has also introduced an online application form for people who are applying for incapacity benefits. 

Sarah Maltby, Douglas South MHK and member with responsibility for Social Security, says it's a step towards helping people who have mobility issues:

The DoI has added it welcomes feedback from groups and charities wishing to identify additional locations for accessible parking spaces.

It's urged people to get in touch in the following ways:

•    Visit reportaproblem.im

•    Use the Notifyim app

•    Email enquiries@highways.gov.im

•    Call 850000

You can hear more regarding this story in the latest edition of Manx Radio Newscast.