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ASDA USE CITYSYNC ANPR TO RAISE THE BARRIER FOR DISABLED DRIVERS
The misuse of disabled parking spaces could soon be a thing of the past for disabled customers at ASDA, thanks to a revolutionary new parking system being piloted by the retailer.
From mid May, a number of disabled parking bays at stores in Eastbourne and High Wycombe will only be accessible to disabled customers who have signed-up and registered their number plate details in store. Entry to the specialist-spaces will be through a barrier controlled by a CitySync ANPR system, which will automatically rise when a registered vehicle approaches.
Disabled customers visiting the store for the first time or a one-off shop will still be able to use regular disabled parking spaces outside the zone.
Ed Passant, Chief Executive of the Disabled Drivers Motor Club, said: “The abuse of disabled parking spaces remains a major problem and we commend ASDA for its innovative approach and continued commitment to championing the rights of disabled customers.”
Earlier this year Baywatch* reported a rise in the number of people misusing disabled parking spaces to one in five - and it remains customers’ number one bugbear.
Douglas Campbell, Executive Director of the Disabled Drivers Association, said: “This is a welcome move to improve the availability of parking spaces for disabled customers. We congratulate ASDA on investing in such an exciting new venture.”
John Irwin, Director of Customer Service at ASDA, said: “Preventing the abuse of disabled parking spaces is a constant battle and one we are committed to win.
“We’re delighted with the response that the scheme is getting and hope it will go some way to stamping-out the misuse of disabled parking spaces for good.”
All ASDA colleagues are currently undergoing additional training to help them understand the Disability Discrimination Act (the final stages of which come into force this October) and how to help customers with disabilities.
The scheme is now being rolled out across the country to bring the benefits to all of ASDA's customers.
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