Eero Herranen advocates for accessible parking solutions at Tampere University Hospital in Finland

Eero Herranen, a 110-centimeter-tall resident of Tampere, points out that the world is designed for 180-centimeter individuals. This disparity becomes evident in everyday situations such as using ATMs, bottle deposit machines, and buffet tables. At the Tampere University Hospital (TAYS), Herranen encounters the same issue at a parking payment machine that is so high he cannot reach it, complicating his volunteer work in the children’s ward.

Since August, parking at TAYS has changed, with all drivers now required to pay for parking in the garage. Prior to this, individuals with mobility issues were allowed free parking with a special permit, allowing Herranen to avoid machine use. The free parking spots for those with disabilities were moved outside. According to the Pirkanmaa welfare region, this change aims to ensure equality.

Herranen believes the challenges with the parking machines are not limited to short individuals. He acknowledges that older buildings may struggle with accessibility improvements, but expresses frustration that new constructions continue to prioritize the needs of taller people.

The garage is operated by Europark, whose CEO Christer Hede admits that the height of the machines exceeds accessibility recommendations. He states that while the machines are set at 145 centimeters—above the recommended range of 90-110 centimeters—this decision was made as a compromise for the majority of users. Hede claims that disabled parking spots are rarely used, as there are often free street-side options available.

Saara Vänskä, the property manager for the Pirkanmaa welfare region, noted that they have not received feedback regarding the height of the machines, but intends to investigate whether one machine could be replaced with a lower model. Meanwhile, both Hede and Vänskä remind users that payments can also be made through a mobile app, online, or by bill.

Herranen, who has experienced difficulties with ATMs in various locations, calls for a standardization that would define optimal machine heights, ideally around one meter, arguing that it is easier for taller individuals to bend down than for shorter individuals to stretch up.