Overview

Visiting 'Gala' on a sunny Saturday it was time for a pit stop and a visit to the Interchange. A great place for accessible parking with close proximity to the town's main shops; importantly the Changing Places Toilet too. In the past I've always considered the Interchange as a fine example of accessible and inclusive design. Sadly that crown has now been tarnished as I discovered that the EV Charging point was amongst the most inaccessible that I've ever seen.

Transport & Parking

In the past I have arrived by train and it has been fabulous. Other times I have driven or been driven and parked in the accessible parking bays. I am finding it hard to award the expected five stars for parking and transport as I'd love to give top marks but simply can't bring my self to do it when I see a shiny inaccessible cable clad box beckoning to charge. Disappointed, that on closer examination I find that there are not yellow hatched lines to afford clearance for wheelchair users to get out of their vehicles; especially should another vehicle occupy the adjacent bays. There isn't a hatched extension to the charging bays to allow for larger vehicles; typically used by disabled people. Any WAV trying to park here could well find their vehicle sticking out into the flow of passing traffic. All that said, even if I could park, I wouldn't stand any chance of charging a vehicle at this charger. With metal bollards defending the big box of tricks and a high kerb to mount it would be near impossible for me as wheelchair user to use this charger. I'd have no chance of seeing the screen and control instructions. What would happen if I were low on charge and didn't have other options nearby? Galashiels ... has so many amazingly good accessible places and has been held up as a model of good practice. What happened when the authorities concerned decided to install charging points?

Access

Toilets

I can't leave a review without complimenting the Interchange on having some of the finest toilets I have every seen. A great accessible loo with plenty of room and a fabulous Changing Places Toilet too. Still one of my favourite stopping of points. Spotlessly clean, well appointed and consistently so.

Staff

You tend not to meet many staff at the Interchange but when you do they're super friendly and helpful. That's the railway staff, the bus operators and of course the friendly service in the cafe area too.

Photos