Accessibility
Gravesend Shopmobility
Gravesend's Visitor Information Centre at Towncentric offers a shopmobility scooter service to the community and visitors who wish to shop and visit in Gravesend the Town Centre. You can be assured of a warm, personal welcome and help with making the most of your visit to Gravesend.
To become a member of the shopmobility scheme. To join the scheme contact Towncentric on 01474 33 76 00. You will need to complete an application form and will need two forms of identity. When this is completed and you are registered with the scheme you will receive a membership card. And the good news is that this service is completely free to join and use.
Simply phone to check availability and book. The scheme is available 6 days a week and the most convenient place to park is in the St. George's Shopping Centre Car Park where there are disabled parking bays available.
Public Transport
Several local bus services, including the 480 (Dartford to Gravesend/Valley Drive); 490 , 498 and 499 provide dropped platforms which operate when the bus door opens. An auto-sensing device ensures the correct height is achieved. A great benefit to wheelchair users and parents with buggies. All buses now connect with the public transport interchange at Garrick Street in the heart of the town centre.
Trains in to Gravesend
There are regular train services both from London in the West to Gillingham in the East. Whilst the platforms are accessible transfer between them is not possible without going out of the station and walking along the road and over the road bridge.
If you plan to travel by train it is strongly advised to make contact with South Eastern Trains prior to travelling to ensure staff will be on hand to get you on and off the train. Their Special Needs Unit telephone number is 0845 0002211 (Text - 01233 617621)
Taxis
Taxis are available at New Road and local companies and proprietors are mobility aware. For phone numbers please contact Towncentric on 01474 33 76 00.
Dial-a-Ride
Special transport coaches, highly suitable for wheelchair users is available on a day to day basis.
Facilities for disabled people are explained in a Kent County Council publication, 'Out & About' showing details of special services (for example, dial-a-ride operations under the Kent Karrier banner are provided as part of the Integrated Transport Network programme), bus services provided with easy access buses and those stations able to cater for wheelchair users.
A Braille service is also available for those people requesting timetables in this form.
A key aspect of the Integrated Transport Network being developed by the County Council is that of providing a demand responsive Dial-A-Ride service for those people living away from scheduled services and whose disabilities prevent them from using conventional services. Provided that such services prove to be successful, it is likely that the concept would be extended to a wider part of Kent.
This service is run seven days a week and must be booked in advance. There is a charge for this service. For further information please telephone 01622 60 53 49 and to make a booking call 08456 00 65 01.
Orange/Blue Badge Parking in Gravesend
There are a number of locations within the Town Centre where parking for holders of Orange/Blue badges are catered for. Below are a list of Car Parks which have Disable Parking facilities. The number displayed is the total number of parking bays.
Public Conveniences
There are 4 locations within the town centre where toilets suitable for wheelchair users are available. These are at -
- St. George's Centre (at the rear of the centre)
- Clive Road (opposite the railway station)
- Parrock Street Surface Car Park
- Borough Market (on the North side of the Market Building)
These facilities are available 24 hours a day and are accessed by the use of a RADAR key. If you need to obtain a RADAR key, one can be purchased by calling at the Cashiers counter at the Civic Centre on weekdays, Monday to Friday 9am until 4.30pm or the TOWNCENTRIC office, Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. The cost is currently £3 but is refundable upon returning the key when it is no longer required.
For a complete list of the public conveniences visit the link below.
Baby changing facilities
There is a modern unisex baby changing facilities in the Borough Market and a new unisex baby changing facility is available at St. George's Centre.