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M1 - Northampton Services - Northbound - Roadchef

M1 Junction 15a, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN4 9QY

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Access Guide

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Summary

Getting Here

  • The motorway services are located directly off the M1 at junction 15a for both northbound and southbound directions of travel with direct access from the A43 also.
  • There is signage along the motorway indicating the distance to the services.
  • The car park has 5 Blue Badge parking bays, 2 electric charging points and a number of standard parking bays on both the northbound and southbound services.
  • There is 1 Blue Badge parking bay and limited standard parking available at the petrol station.
  • There is ample coach parking available at the services.

Petrol Station

Parking

  • Parking View
    • The car park is located at the front of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is lighting in the car park.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
    • Additional parking is available outside the petrol station.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • There is signage available to direct users to the Blue Badge parking bays.
    • There is/are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 220cm x 510cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The marked zones around the Blue Badge parking bay(s) have at least the recommended width of 120cm.
  • Paying View
    • Parking charges apply after a limited time.
    • Free parking for all users is limited to 2 hours.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located throughout the car park.
    • Payment term signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment for parking charges is made over the phone and via an app/online.
    • To see the parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
    • To pay via the NexusPay app use the location code 1995.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • Pedestrian walkways are available in the car park.
    • The surface on the pedestrian walkways is tarmac.
    • The pedestrian crossings have tactile paving on both sides.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 19m from the accessible entrance.
    • There are dropped kerbs and slopes/ramps from the Blue Badge bay(s) to the building.
    • The entrance is clearly visible from the Blue Badge parking bay(s).

Electric Vehicle Charging Points (Gridserve)

  • Standard Electric Vehicle Charging Point(s) View
    • There is a/are electric vehicle charging point(s) available.
    • The provider of the charging point(s) is Gridserve.
    • Rapid charging is available.
    • The electric vehicle charging point(s) is/are located at the far right of the car park as you face the main entrance.
    • Staff are able to provide assistance with the electric vehicle charging points.
    • If you require assistance with accessibility to our chargers then please contact our Duty Manager between 7am-10pm on 07826 872 806 or going in and asking for help at WHSmith.
      When you arrive please let us know the following: colour and model of car and how we can support you. For all other assistance with charging please call GRIDSERVE on 0333 1234 333.
    • There is/are 2 electric vehicle charging point(s).
    • The electric vehicle charging bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the electric vehicle charging bay(s) surveyed are 230cm x 400cm.
    • The charging point(s) is/are located to the front as you approach the bay(s).
    • The height range of the electric vehicle charging point controls/screen is 107cm to 127cm.
    • The height of the electric vehicle charging point nozzle slot is 100cm.
    • The charging point(s) require tap and pay (contactless payment).
    • Parking charges apply for all users (including Blue Badge holders).
    • Charging for all users is limited to 45 minutes.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment for charging is made at the charging point(s).
    • For more information and a guide to electric vehicle charging please click here.
  • Blue Badge Electric Vehicle Charging Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not designated electric vehicle charging point(s) available for Blue Badge holders.

Seating Area (Outside Seating)

  • The seating area is located outside the main entrance and rear of the car park.
  • There is step-free access to the seating area.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
  • In this area there are picnic tables with fixed seating and bench seats available.
  • Some chairs are fixed to tables and the floor.
  • Some tables are fixed to the floor.
  • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest table is 77cm.
  • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest table is 79cm.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Outside Access (Main Entrance - Right Side)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front right side of the services buiding.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Entrance'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance area which may look like a hole to some people.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 102cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of this entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 102cm.
    • There are bollards at this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the bollards is 220cm.
    • The height of the bollard(s) is 95cm.
    • The bollards do contrast visually with the paving.
    • There is a/are hand sanitiser(s) in this area.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser(s) is/are 80cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the approach to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Outside Access (Main Entrance - Left Side)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the services building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Entrance'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance area which may look like a hole to some people.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 102cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 102cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of this entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There are bollards at this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the bollards is 220cm.
    • The height of the bollard(s) is 95cm.
    • The bollards do contrast visually with the paving.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located immediately beyond the exit leading to the car park.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the services building, to the left of the main entrance.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Accessible Only'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of this entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the approach to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Getting Around

  • Access and Circulation View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Music is played everywhere.
    • The cash machine(s) is/are located next to WHSmith.
    • The controls/screen heights of the cash machine(s) vary between 110cm and 130cm.
    • There are hand sanitisers in the building.
    • The height of the hand sanitisers range between 80cm and 123cm.
  • Signage View
    • There is signage for the shop(s)/restaurant(s), overhead written signage, overhead pictorial signage and dementia friendly signage available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout the building.

Seating Area

  • The seating area is located near McDonald's and Fresh Food Café.
  • There is step-free access to the seating area.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
  • In this area there are chairs without armrests, bench seats and tables available.
  • Some chairs are fixed to the floor.
  • Tables are not permanently fixed to the floor.
  • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest table is 72cm.
  • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest table is 76cm.
  • Music is played everywhere.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Lighting levels are good.
  • There is a/are hand sanitiser(s) in this area.
  • The height of the hand sanitisers range between 100cm and 123cm.

Changing Places

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located at the rear right of the service station.
    • The facility is approximately 27m from the accessible entrance.
    • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is level access into the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • The contrast between the external door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from The WHSmith Reception.
    • There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door opening is 96cm.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 343cm x 368cm.
    • The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
    • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 156cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 131cm.
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm.
    • There is a spatula flush.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The toilet seat contrast is good.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 185cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the wall fixed soap dispenser is 119cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 91cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 95cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm for the facility.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The coat hooks are 102cm and 154cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The lighting is activated by a sensor.

Accessible Toilet (Left Door - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located ahead to the far right as you enter from the accessible entrance, just after WHSmith.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 27m from the accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The signage says 'Accessible Toilet and Baby Changing'.
    • The contrast between the external door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door(s) is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 200cm.
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The lighting is activated by a sensor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 75cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin, general waste (with lid) and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a colostomy bag shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm.
    • The toilet seat contrast is good.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 116cm.
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wall fixed soap dispenser is 88cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 137cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby changing table available.
    • The height of the baby changing table is 88cm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located ahead to the far right as you enter from the accessible entrance, just after WHSmith.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The toilet(s) is/are approximately 32m from the accessible entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet entrance.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 88cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 123cm.

Standard Shower

  • The shower facilities are located in both the female and male standard toilets.
  • The shower facilities are approximately 32m from the accessible entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the shower facilities.
  • A key is required for the shower facilities.
  • The key can be obtained from WHSmith.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the shower door.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 79cm.
  • The contrast between the external door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • The contrast between the internal door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • The lighting is activated by a sensor.
  • The shower is ahead as you enter and has a small step to enter measuring 7cm in height and not well marked.
    The shower push button to activate is 120cm in height.
    There is a bench seat on the left as you enter to change.
  • There is one shower available in both the female and male standard toilets and they are the same specifications.

Emergency Evacuation Procedure

  • There is an audio alarm for emergencies.
  • Fire wardens/marshals are available on site.
  • There is not a/are not internal refuge point(s).
  • People exit the building using the fire exits or main entrance.
  • There is an external emergency meeting point.
  • The external emergency meeting point is located at the rear of the main car park as you exit from the main entrance.

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