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Re: Map exemptions from Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations - trying to get clarity on what is exempt and what not

for

From: Steve Green
Date: Aug 4, 2023 11:08AM

Yes, I am saying that according to the regulations, other online maps and mapping services don't need to be accessible. Of course they may need to be accessible for all sorts of other reasons, such as WCAG conformance, Equality Act compliance, public sector equality duty, internal policies etc.



Clause 4.-(2)(d) is in the 2018 regulations at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/952/made and is not affected by the 2022 amendments. The clause says:



4.—(1) These Regulations apply to a website or mobile application of a public sector body, except a website or mobile application of—



(a)public service broadcasters and their subsidiaries, and of other bodies or their subsidiaries fulfilling a public service broadcasting remit;

(b)non-governmental organisations, unless they provide services that—

(i)are essential to the public; or

(ii)specifically address the needs of, or are meant for, persons with disabilities; and

(c)schools or nurseries, except for the content of their websites or mobile applications relating to essential online administrative functions.

(2) These Regulations do not apply to the following content of a website or mobile application of a public sector body—



(a)office file formats published before 23rd September 2018, unless such content is needed for active administrative processes relating to the tasks performed by the public sector body;

(b)pre-recorded time-based media published before 23rd September 2020;

(c)live time-based media;

(d)online maps and mapping services, as long as essential information is provided in an accessible digital manner for maps intended for navigational use;



I have bolded the relevant phrases above.



Steve