Ikea car park detail sparks confusion among Aussies: 'Not good enough'

Disability advocates have questioned whether "anyone with a disability was even consulted in the design process" after a new set of accessibility parking bays were rolled out at an Australian Ikea car park, which they say lack a range of critical components.

Photos taken at an Ikea store in Adelaide show several accessibility spaces with newly painted markings, which closely resemble the neighbouring parenting bays. Some argue that the similar markings make it "confusing for some people" wishing to use one of the spaces.

Additionally, accessibility advocates say it's clear the bays were "not good enough" as they fail to include the crucial yellow lines beside each spot — which allow wheelchair users in particular enough space to safely enter and exit their vehicles — and they seemingly don't adhere to size requirements.

Melbourne-based disability advocate Zoe Simmons, who is a wheelchair user, said the images reflect yet "another example of a business doing something and thinking it will benefit the disabled community, without actually consulting the disabled community".

Yellow lines beside accessibility bays 'crucial' for safety

"It’s incredibly frustrating," Simmons told Yahoo News Australia. "While it might not seem important, the yellow lines you usually see next to a disabled park have a purpose: this extra space is vital for getting mobility aids out.

"It’s useful for people who use walking sticks, walkers and wheelchairs. That yellow space is also vital for people who use ramps to get into their vehicles — a lot of the time, wheelchair users need that extra space for their ramps, and having the parking space like this means many mobility aid users won’t be able to use this park."

Simmons pointed out that the fact the parent bays are also blue could also be "very confusing" for some people. "They’re usually a different colour to avoid confusion," she said.

• 'Horrible' reality millions of Aussies face every time they board a flight

• Frustrated wheelchair user unleashes over 'inconsiderate' parking act

• Hidden danger affecting vulnerable Aussies outside supermarkets

"I really wish more businesses and organisations would actually ask disabled people. There should be nothing about us without us, and yet we are constantly left out of the conversation.

"For anyone suggesting this isn’t a big issue, it is — and disabled people deal with things like this every day. Like using elevators for storage. Like disability and accessibility not even remotely being considered. It’s exhausting, and we really need allies to speak up with us when issues happen."

Size of accessible parking bays not up to scratch

James Wood, a wheelchair user of over 30 years, agreed with much of Simmons' sentiment. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, he also questioned whether the size of the bays were up to the legal standard.

"My first impression is the size of these bays," he said. "A wheelchair user needs to be able to open the car door fully to access a vehicle. Without actually measuring these bays it appears they are a bit narrow.

"There are Australian standards for the width of an accessible car space — 2.4 metres wide and 5.4 metres long. So I’d like to get someone with a tape measure to check these ones."

Ikea weighs in

Yahoo News Australia questioned Ikea about whether any Australians with disabilities were consulted during the design process but a spokesperson declined to answer directly.

"Ikea Australia is committed to ensuring we are inclusive and accessible for our customers and our co-workers," the spokesperson told Yahoo.

"We acknowledge and appreciate the concerns raised regarding disability parking spaces at an Ikea store, and welcome any feedback that can help us improve accessibility and inclusion at Ikea."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.