Saudi Highway Code Sets New Design Standards For Disabled Parking Spaces

The Roads General Authority (RGA) highlighted that the Saudi Highway Code has set unified standards for designing parking spaces for people with disabilities. These standards aim to enhance safety and comfort for these individuals. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life and achieve high safety and efficiency levels in the road network.

The Saudi Highway Code outlines specific technical requirements for accessible parking spaces. These include positioning the spaces closest to building entrances and elevators to facilitate access. Additionally, the code mandates clear signage, road markings, and pedestrian sidewalks equipped with necessary ramps and adequate lighting to ensure user safety.

Moreover, a longitudinal access lane must be provided on both sides of the road to ease movement. Adopting these requirements enhances road safety, improves quality of life, and ensures the best comfort and security levels for people with disabilities.

The code serves as a comprehensive technical reference for all entities responsible for roads in the Kingdom. This includes ministries, city development authorities, regional municipalities, and other local governments. The goal is to provide these entities with the necessary information to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain all types of roads across the Kingdom while considering environmental aspects and autonomous vehicle requirements.

Included in the code are guidelines, drawings, procedures, and checklists for all road networks in the Kingdom. These elements ensure minimum acceptable levels of quality, safety, security, economic efficiency, and sustainability are met.

The RGA's emphasis on these standards reflects a commitment to improving accessibility and inclusivity within Saudi Arabia's infrastructure. By adhering to these guidelines, entities can contribute to a safer and more efficient road network that caters to all users' needs.

With inputs from SPA