Left-Side Access in New Zealand

In New Zealand, mobility parking must allow access from the left-hand side of the vehicle.

This is not optional — it is a fundamental design requirement.

Why Left-Side Access Matters

Most wheelchair vans in New Zealand are configured with:

Left-side ramps, or
Left-side hoists

This aligns with:

Roadside parking
Footpath access
Safe vehicle exit away from traffic

Common Mistake

Designing the access aisle on the right-hand side.

This makes the space:

Difficult or impossible to use
Unsafe
Non-functional in real-world conditions

Real-World Impact

If the access aisle is on the wrong side:

The user may not be able to exit the vehicle
Equipment cannot be deployed
The space becomes effectively unusable

Design Rule

Always design mobility parking with:

Left-side access aisle
Direct connection to an accessible route

Bottom Line