Accessible Reading

We want Reading to be accessible to all of our visitors, and we hope you have no difficulty navigating your way around the town, whatever mode of transport you are using. 

If you have limited mobility or are a wheelchair user, we especially welcome your comments on any access concerns you have when visiting Reading.  Please feel free to use our contact form and let us know if we can help in any way.   

Shopping In Comfort

The whole of the town centre is subject to pedestrian hours, between 11am-4pm, every day. During these hours private vehicles are not permitted on Friar St, Station Road, Queen Victoria St, Cross St, West St, Minster St, Gun St, east end of Oxford Rd, and most of St Mary's Butts. ALL vehicles are excluded from Broad St. and Town Hall Square at all times, except for loading.

Of course The Oracle and Broad St Mall are completely car-free. You will see one or two boats going through The Oracle, but we guarantee they won't disturb your shopping!

Facilities for the Disabled

There is parking for Disabled Badge holders throughout the town centre, including areas within the pedestrian zone (which badge holders may enter at all times). This includes parking on Friar St., Oxford Rd., West St, and St Mary's Butts.  For information on parking: (0118) 939 0483.

Major department stores are well-equipped with lifts. Some have automatic doors for ease of entry. Toilet and information facilities for the disabled are available in The Oracle, John Lewis, Debenhams, Broad St Mall, and the Civic Centre amongst lots of other places.

The Oracle Shopmobility can provide the loan of an electric scooter, or a manual wheelchair, to do your shopping or use other facilities in Reading town centre, and if needed a shopping assistant.     Tel: 0118 965 9002 for bookings.