On Friday I returned my Multi-Storey Car Parks (Safety) Bill, known as Gabe’s Law, to Parliament and although this was objected to by Government they have announced their promised Call to Evidence on Part K of Building Regulations.
Part K covers protection from falling, collision and impact and the Bill’s aim to raise height of barriers and fencing from 1.1 metres to 2.7 metres in multi-storeys covers some of this area in existing regulations. Changes to Part K will only influence newly-built car parks, so we still need the bill for changes to existing multi-storeys. The Call for Evidence, which will open soon, is an information-seeking exercise to gather data, expert knowledge and real-world experience. The Call for Evidence is good news and I encourage all families impacted by falls from multi-storeys to take part. I will share the link once it goes live.
Sadly just last weekend there was another death from falling from a Liverpool city centre car park, which highlights the importance of this Bill in minimising risk and saving lives by doing so. You can hear more about this above. |
