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M1 - Watford Gap Services - Southbound - Roadchef

M1 Junction 16/17, Northampton, NN6 7UZ

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Access Guide

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Summary

Getting Here

  • The southbound services are located directly off the M1 between junctions 16 and 17.
  • There is signage along the motorway indicating the distance to the services.
  • The main car park has 9 Blue Badge parking bays, 2 electric charging points and a number of standard parking bays.
  • There is 1 Blue Badge parking bay and additional standard parking bays located at the front of the petrol station.
  • Coach parking is available at the front of the Days Inn Hotel.

Link Bridge

  • Access and Circulation View
    • The link bridge is external.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access to the bridge.
    • There is step-free access along the bridge.
    • From the northbound services there is a 20cm high step and a long steep ramp leading to the bridge.
      From the southbound services there is a dropped kerb and a long steep ramp leading to the bridge.

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.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
    • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
    • Additional parking is available outside the petrol station.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • There is not signage available to direct users to the Blue Badge parking bays.
    • There is/are 9 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 250cm x 480cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides but not at the 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 around the edges of the car park.
    • Payment term signs do not 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 2237.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • Pedestrian walkways are not available in the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 2m from the entrance ramp.
    • 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 to the left as you face the main services building.
    • 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 872 819 or going in and asking for help.
      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 4 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 250cm x 410cm.
    • The charging point(s) is/are located to the rear 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.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'roadchef'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 178cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The 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 double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 176cm.
    • There is a/are hand sanitiser(s) in this area.
    • The height of the hand sanitisers range between 90cm and 135cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 130cm.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 8 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a second lower handrail.

Getting Around

  • Access and Circulation View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The cash machine(s) is/are located along the toilet corridor.
    • The controls/screen heights of the cash machine(s) vary between 100cm and 125cm.
    • There are hand sanitisers in the building.
    • The height of the hand sanitisers range between 90cm and 135cm.
  • Signage View
    • There is signage for the shop(s)/restaurant(s) and overhead written signage available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout the building.

Seating Area

  • The seating area is located to the right as you enter the services building.
  • 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 tables, bench seats and chairs without armrests 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 71cm.
  • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest table is 74cm.
  • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer - Baby Changing)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the main walkway.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m from the 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 Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The signage says 'Not Every Disability Is Visible'.
    • The contrast between the external door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door(s) is medium.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 200cm.
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • 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 high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is low.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The alarm did not sound when tested.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 189cm from the floor.
  • 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 low.
    • 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 120cm.
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • 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 95cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 82cm.
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
    • 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.

Accessible Toilet (Left Hand Transfer - Baby Changing)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the main walkway.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 21m from the 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 Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The signage says 'Not Every Disability Is Visible'.
    • The contrast between the external door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door(s) is medium.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm 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 85cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • 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 high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is low.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 188cm from the floor.
  • 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 low.
    • 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 120cm.
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • 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 95cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 87cm.
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
    • 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 towards the rear right of the main walkway.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the entrance.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet entrance.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 90cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The lighting is permanent.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 112cm.

Standard Shower

  • The shower facilities are located within the female and male standard toilets.
  • The shower facilities are approximately 20m from the 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 and written text signage on or near the shower door.
  • The signage says 'Shower (Key Available From Retail Shop)'.
  • 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 76cm.
  • The contrast between the external door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • The contrast between the internal door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • The lighting is permanent.
  • There is a metal threshold at the entrance into the shower room and also to access the shower.