Approved Decree: From 2019 all buildings of more than two storeys must have lifts
The Andalusian government this week approved a decree declaring that from 2019 all buildings of more than two floors in the region must install lifts. Micaela Navarro, head of the Equality department explained that the new regulations are not only a matter of modernising architecture in the region, but also of wiping from the public conscience long-held prejudices about the way disabled people live.
Breaching the decree would incur fines of up to 300,000 euros. The mandate seeks to benefit not only people with disabilities, but also older citizens, pregnant women and people with restricted mobility, amongst others, which implicates around 40% of the population of Andalucia.
Navarro commented that the decree marks a new era in the quest to increase public mobility, and that it attempts to adapt the environment to its citizens, and not the reverse scenario. In addition, open air spaces with a recreational, educational or cultural capacity must also provide alternative accessible routes for those with reduced mobility.
The regions’s beaches are included within this requirement, and must provide amphibious chairs or similar technical aids wherever beach rescue teams are found. As regards public transport, each bus company will have to provide 10-15% more accessible buses with respect to fleets of ten or more vehicles.
Tourist accommodation will also have to increase the proportion of accessible rooms.
It is wonderful news and truly brings joy to my heart, for many sufferers it has been long overdue, but let us all agree this is finally a positive step in the right direction.
