Unusual EV facilities
3
3
Date of visit: March 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Average
With 22 EV charging bays, 12 accessible parking spaces and 160 standard spaces, the car park is certainly well equipped. But how is the EV charging in practice?
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
There is no shortage of space at this car park. The twelve accessible parking spaces have hatched markings on either side and at the end of each bay, which is always good to see. Sadly, this approach does not extend to the EV charging facilities. While having twenty two bays is impressive and the fact they are under cover is always appreciated, the bays are only the width of a single standard space. Instead of a charging podium or terminal, each charger is mounted on a long metal rail with one charging socket per bay. The placement itself is not too bad, since the sockets and car readers are easy to reach, even from a wheelchair, and they are not blocked by the kerb in front. However, the single bay width combined with the position of the chargers may make it difficult for anyone who stores their wheelchair or mobility device in the boot. If your charging port is at the rear of your car, reversing in could make it tricky to retrieve your equipment. Each charger is a 7 kW Type 2 unit, and cables are not provided.
Accessible facilities: Single-level venue, Step-free entrance
Parking & Transport
Good
I travelled to this place by walk or wheel
The car park is well signposted, with access routes in and out clearly marked. The site is single storey, so there are no stairs or lifts to deal with. The EV chargers are slow chargers, which makes it clear the car park is intended for longer stays. Sunderland Railway Station is 320 metres away, and buses run along Holmeside Road just outside the car park.
Accessible facilities: Electric Vehicle Charging, Dedicated on-site parking
