[MLIT] Guidelines Prepared on the Proper Use of Parking Facilities for Wheelchair Users

On 31 March 2023, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) published the Guidelines for the Proper Use of Parking Facilities for Wheelchair Users.

The Act on the Promotion of Smooth Transportation of Elderly Persons, Persons with Disabilities, etc. (Barrier-Free Act) (2006, Act No. 91) mandates the installation of parking facilities for wheelchair users in certain cases. To date, necessary parking facilities have been provided, and efforts have been made to ensure their proper use through laws, regulations, and the local governments' own efforts (e.g. Parking Permit System). However, it has been pointed out that there have been cases where persons without disabilities, who do not need such facilities, actually use them, and thus, those who do need the dedicated parking spaces are not able to use them.

In response, the MLIT held a Study Group on the Ideal Parking Facilities for Wheelchair Users in 2021 to study future measures and compiled an interim report. Based on the report, in FY2022, the MLIT held a Study Group on the Preparation of Guidelines for the Proper Use of Parking Facilities for Wheelchair Users and prepared the current guidelines.

The guidelines present the following new ideas to promote the appropriate use of dedicated parking spaces for wheelchair users:

1. Clarify that wheelchair users are the only persons eligible to use wheelchair-user parking facilities:
It has been noted that wheelchair-user parking spaces are heavily used because older persons and persons with disabilities other than wheelchair users who do not require large parking spaces also use wheelchair-user parking spaces. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify that only wheelchair users can use wheelchair-user parking spaces, e.g., by displaying the sign "for wheelchair users only."
2. Setting up parking slots with a double-space system:
In addition to parking facilities for wheelchair users, priority parking slots should be introduced for people with mobility support needs other than wheelchair users (double space system).
3. Ensuring a variety of parking slots
A wide range of priority parking slots should be set up to include wheelchair users who may also park in them. These include information on who can use the parking slots through easy-to-understand pictograms, color codes, and road surface painting. For vans with a lift for wheelchair users, providing more space for getting in and out is necessary. Spaces adjacent to general parking spaces are for wheelchair users to get in and out of their cars. These measures are implemented according to local conditions and trends in the use of parking spaces.

For wheelchair-users,For Persons with Disabilities, Priority,

Priority parking area display example, pictogram, etc.

For more information, see the website below:
https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/sogo09_hh_000355.html