Over 20 million car journeys were taken in the UK this summer, and the personal needs of travellers, regardless of their disability status, is front of mind for Moto Hospitality, the UK's largest motorway services operator.
As car travel accounts for three in five journeys undertaken by a person with a severe disability, the majority of focus still remains on improving accessibility across public transport, including rail and seaports. In 2024, it is predicted that over a quarter of a million road trips will be made by people with severe disabilities, making it even more important that this challenge is overcome.
To address the gap, a collaboration between Moto and disability technology expert Innova Care Concepts has delivered 30 Changing Places Toilet facilities at Moto Services locations across England; unique spaces which go well beyond standard accessible toilets and offer convenience to every visitor regardless of their disability.
Part funded through the Department for Transport's Changing Places Toilet £2m fund, a further five Changing Places Toilets will also be installed and registered later this year at Moto Service Areas.
"All road users should expect to be treated with the same level of respect and understanding. At Moto we are totally committed to making our locations a place that everyone can easily access to reset and recharge," said Ken McMeikan, CEO of Moto Hospitality. "Our continued work with Innova and the installation of more Changing Places Toilets is a hugely important element of ensuring we deliver on that. As the first motorway services provider to reach the milestone of installing 30 Changing Places Toilet facilities, we're delighted to be playing our part so that individuals travelling with severe disabilities can undertake car journeys with confidence."
Changing Places Toilets aim to provide a more inclusive environment, enabling people with severe disabilities to access public spaces with dignity and independence. While Changing Places Toilets are typically found in locations including sports venues, shopping centres, museums and larger public buildings, making them available for car travellers has been a more significant challenge.
Without access to advanced toilets like Changing Places, the risk to an individual's safety and wellbeing increases as suboptimal toilet facilities present problems and challenges.
"What Moto has achieved to date is extraordinary and represents a genuine commitment to enabling everyone, whoever they are, to travel and enjoy a summer break," said Tom Hulbert, Managing Director, Innova Care Concepts. "Changing Places Toilets are technologically sophisticated, advanced support systems which require a great deal of planning to get right. We're thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Moto to make the UK one of the most accessible countries in the world for travellers."
Key features unique to Changing Places Toilet facilities include:
Larger size than normal toilet facilities: Changing Places Toilets are larger than standard accessible toilets to allow for freedom of movement, and typically have a minimum floor area of 12 square meters, providing ample space for a wheelchair user and up to two assistants.
Adjustable Changing Bench: Changing Places Toilets include a height-adjustable changing bench which allows for safe and comfortable transfers – the bench is padded and designed to be easy to clean.
Hoist System: Changing Places Toilets are equipped with a ceiling-mounted hoist system to assist with lifting and transferring individuals who cannot independently move from a wheelchair to the toilet or changing bench, with comfort and dignity.
Height-Adjustable Washbasin: The washbasin in a Changing Places Toilet is designed to be height-adjustable, making it accessible for both wheelchair users and standing individuals. It ensures that people with different needs can comfortably use the facilities.
Non-Slip Flooring: To ensure safety, Changing Places Toilets typically have non-slip flooring to prevent accidents and provide stability for wheelchair users.
Privacy and Support Rails: These facilities often feature privacy screens or curtains to ensure the user's privacy and dignity. Support rails are installed throughout the Changing Place, to provide additional assistance and stability.
Changing Places Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, Karen Hoe, added "We are delighted that this funding has enabled 30 new Changing Places Toilets to be built by Innova, at Moto services across England. We know how much of a difference this will make opening up opportunities for people now to travel with confidence, reassurance and dignity knowing their toilet needs can be met."
Click here to find out more about Innova Care Concepts