Access Guide
Summary
-
Getting Help and Assistance
View
- This motorway services is open 24 hours.
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- For assistance please see a member of staff in WHSmith or ask for the Duty Manager.
- There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
- There is not a portable hearing assistance system.
- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
-
Services Available
View
- The following services are available here; a hotel, a petrol station, electric car charging points, cash machines, free WiFi, a first aid point and a defibrillator.
-
Toilets and Changing Facilities Available
View
- The following facilities are available here; shower facilities, standard toilets, baby changing facilities and an accessible toilet.
- For detailed information on the toilets available please click here (new tab).
- The Virtual Access Guide below shows the route from the Blue Badge parking bays to the accessible toilet within the female standard toilets, please click the link below.
- For a Virtual Route Guide to the toilet facilities please click here (new tab).
- The Virtual Access Guide below shows the route from the Blue Badge parking bays to the accessible toilet within the male standard toilets, please click the link below.
- For a Virtual Route Guide to the toilet facilities please click here (new tab).
- There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
- The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located on the grass next to the car park.
-
Shops
View
- The following shops are available here; Waitrose and WHSmith.
- For the Waitrose - M1 - Leicester Forest East Services - Northbound - Welcome Break AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the WHSmith - M1 - Leicester Forest East Services - Northbound - Welcome Break AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
-
Catering Facilities
View
- The following catering facilities are available here; Burger King, Chopstix, Harry Ramsdens, KFC, Starbucks, Subway.
- For the Burger King - M1 - Leicester Forest East Services - Northbound and Southbound - Welcome Break AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the Chopstix - M1 - Leicester Forest East Services - Northbound and Southbound - Welcome Break AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the Harry Ramsden's - M1 - Leicester Forest East Services - Northbound and Southbound - Welcome Break AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the KFC - M1 - Leicester Forest East Services - Northbound and Southbound - Welcome Break AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the Starbucks - M1 - Leicester Forest East Services - Northbound and Southbound - Welcome Break AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the Subway - M1 - Leicester Forest East Services - Northbound and Southbound - Welcome Break AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
-
Hotels
View
- The following hotels are available here; Days Inn.
-
Adjoining Motorway Services
View
- There is an adjoining motorway services building which can be accessed via an internal bridge.
- The following services are available at the adjoining motorway services; a petrol station, electric car charging points, cash machines and free WiFi.
- The following facilities are available at the adjoining motorway services; an accessible toilet, standard toilets, baby changing facilities and shower facilities.
- For the M1 - Leicester Forest East Services - Southbound - Welcome Break AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
Getting Here
- The northbound services are located directly off the M1 between junctions 21 and 21a.
- There is signage along the motorway indicating the distance to the services.
- The main car park has 7 Blue Badge parking bays, 6 electric charging points and a number of parent and child and 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 to the left of the Days Inn Hotel.
Petrol Station
- The following services/facilities are available at the petrol station; a cash machine, accessible and standard toilet facilities, Blue Badge parking bays and standard parking bays.
- For detailed information on the petrol station please click here (new tab).
Parking
-
Parking
View
- The car park is located in front of the services building.
- 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 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 7 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 230cm x 420cm.
- 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 .
- The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
-
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.
- Payment can also be made at WHSmith.
-
Access from the Car Park
View
- Pedestrian walkways are not available in the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 5m from the main entrance.
- 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.
- Fast and slow charging is available.
- The electric vehicle charging point(s) is/are located to the right of the services building as you face it.
- Staff are able to provide assistance with the electric vehicle charging points.
- Customers can get assistance by either phoning the services or going in and asking for help at WHSmith.
- There is/are 6 electric vehicle charging point(s).
- The electric vehicle charging bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
- The dimensions of the electric vehicle charging bay(s) surveyed are 250cm x 450cm.
- 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 105cm to 129cm.
- The height of the electric vehicle charging point nozzle slot is 107cm.
- 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 not provided.
- Payment for charging is made at the charging point(s).
- There is a tap and pay charging machine.
The height of the card reader is 90cm.
The height of the nozzle is 90cm. - 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 front of the service building and the hotel.
- 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 and bench seats available.
- All chairs are fixed to tables.
- Tables are not permanently fixed to the floor.
- The standard height for the underside of tables is 80cm.
- Lighting levels are varied.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
-
Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the services building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Welcome Break'.
- There is step-free 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 150cm.
- 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) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 150cm.
- There are bollards at this entrance.
- The minimum width between the bollards is 105cm.
- The height of the bollard(s) is 100cm.
- The bollards do contrast visually with the paving.
-
Ramp/Slope
View
- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
Getting Around
-
Access and Circulation
View
- There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- There are mats on the floor that might be perceived as holes.
- There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
- The lighting levels are varied.
- Music is played in some areas.
- There is a play/activity area located in the entrance foyer.
- The cash machine(s) is/are located in the entrance foyer.
- The controls/screen heights of the cash machine(s) vary between 93cm and 124cm.
- There are hand sanitisers in the building.
- The height of the hand sanitisers range between 87cm and 132cm.
-
Signage
View
- There is directional signage, signage for the shop(s)/restaurant(s), overhead written signage and overhead pictorial signage available.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
Accessible Toilet (Female - Right Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
-
Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located in the female standard toilets, along the corridor to the right as you enter the services building.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 17m from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a female toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door(s) and wall(s) is good.
- The door(s) open(s) outwards.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 84cm.
- 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 132cm x 225cm.
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are good.
- The lighting is permanent.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 76cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
- There is a flush 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 poor.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- There is not 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).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 165cm and 175cm from the floor.
-
Additional Fixtures
View
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is 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 poor.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 98cm.
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
- 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).
- The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wall fixed soap dispenser is 90cm.
- 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 95cm.
- 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 79cm.
-
Comments
View
- There is a baby/toddler seat in the accessible toilet at a height of 97cm.
Accessible Toilet (Male - Right Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
- The accessible toilet was out of use at the time of the survey.
-
Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located in the male standard toilets, along the corridor to the right as you enter the services building.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 16m from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from WHSmith.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- 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 locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm.
- The contrast between the internal door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
- 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 150cm x 210cm.
- 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 permanent.
- 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 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 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 poor.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 125cm from the floor.
-
Additional Fixtures
View
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is 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 poor.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
- 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 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 good.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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 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 93cm.
-
Comments
View
- There is a flip down baby seat located on the left wall.
- The height of the seat is 90cm, the seat has attached seat belts.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
-
Toilet Facilities
View
- The female toilet is located along the corridor to the right as you enter the services building.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The toilet(s) is/are approximately 13m from the main entrance.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet entrance.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
- There are vertical wall mounted rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
- Lighting levels are good.
- The lighting is permanent.
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- These toilets are shown in photographs 1 - 5.
-
Baby Changing Facilities
View
- Baby changing facilities are available in the toilet that was surveyed.
- There is a flip down baby changing table available.
- The height of the baby changing table is 99cm.
-
Toilet Facilities 2
View
- The male toilet is located along the corridor to the right as you enter the services building.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The toilet(s) is/are approximately 16m from the main entrance.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet entrance.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
- There are vertical wall mounted rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
- Lighting levels are good.
- The lighting is permanent.
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- These toilets are shown in photographs 6 - 10.
-
Baby Changing Facilities 2
View
- Baby changing facilities are available in the toilet that was surveyed.
- There is a flip down baby changing table available.
- The height of the baby changing table is 80cm.
Standard Shower
- The shower facilities are located to the right as you enter the services building.
- The shower facilities are approximately 14m from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access to the shower facilities.
- 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 66cm.
- The contrast between the external door(s) and wall(s) is good.
- The contrast between the internal door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
- The lighting levels are good.
- The lighting is permanent.
- There is level access into the shower.
- This shower is shown in photographs 1 - 5.
There are additional showers between the entrance and this shower.
Some of the additional showers are accessed by 1 medium height (14cm) step and have a small lip on the threshold of the door (shown in photographs 6 - 11).
Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (WHSmith and the Northbound Services Stairs and Lift)
- There is a ramp/slope located at the entrance to WHSmith.
- The ramp/slope is used to access WHSmith and the Northbound services stairs and lift.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
Stairs
- The stairs are located at the rear of the services building, to the rear left of WHSmith.
- All floors are accessible by these stairs.
- There are 24 steps between floors.
- The height of the steps are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the steps are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the steps.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are not easy to grip.
- Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities/services are provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are good.
Lift
- The lift is located to the rear of the services building, at the rear left of WHSmith.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 22m from the main entrance.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is fair.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
- The width of the door opening is 90cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 106cm x 142cm.
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The internal controls for the lift are 85cm - 89cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing assistance emergency alarm system in the lift.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does not have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
- The lift door is manual, opens towards you (pull) and is heavy.
Escalator(s)
- The escalator(s) is/are located ahead as you enter the building.
- The escalator(s) is/are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The escalators only go up.
- The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are G and 1.
- The escalator(s) steps are clearly marked.
- The foot and head of the escalator(s) are clearly marked.
Link Bridge (Northbound and Southbound Services)
-
Access and Circulation
View
- The link bridge is internal.
- There is step free access, via lift, to the bridge.
- There is step-free access along the bridge.
- There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Background music is played throughout this area.
- There are hand sanitisers in the building.
- The height of the hand sanitiser(s) is/are 97cm.
-
Signage
View
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- There is written and pictorial signage available throughout.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
-
Services and Facilities
View
- The following services are available on the link bridge; free WiFi.
- The following catering facilities are available on the link bridge; Subway, Starbucks, Harry Ramsdens, Chopstix, Burger King, KFC.
Seating Area (First Floor - Link Bridge)
- The seating area is located on the first floor, in the central area of the link bridge.
- There is step-free access to the seating area, via lift.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
- In this area there are chairs without armrests, booths, high tables, bench seats, high stools 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 73cm.
- The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest table is 94cm.
- The standard height for the underside of tables is 73cm.
- Background music is played throughout this area.
- There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes 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 87cm and 103cm.
Emergency Evacuation Procedure
- There are audio and visual alarms for emergencies.
- Fire wardens/marshals are available on site.
- There is a/are internal refuge point(s).
- The internal refuge point(s) is/are located in the stairwells at either end of the bridge.
- There is an Evac Chair available at the refuge point(s).
- People exit the building using the entrances/exits.
- There is an external emergency meeting point.
- The external emergency meeting point is located at the rear of the car park.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
- The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower helps businesses support colleagues and customers with non-visible disabilities. It is a simple tool for someone to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent and may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time. View more information about this venue on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website (opens new tab).