Gas Pump Access Act Aims to Help Disabled Drivers

The legislation would require all self-service gas station to place stickers on pumps directing drivers to call for assistance.

February 17, 2016

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – U.S. Rep. David Jolly (R-FL) is seeking assistance for disabled drivers at gasoline stations through his recently introduced Gas Pump Access Act, the Tampa Bay Times reports. Jolly based the bill on a 2014 Florida law that required gasoline stations offering self-service to place stickers with the station’s phone number on each gas pump for disabled drivers to call for help.

While the Americans with Disabilities Act mandated gasoline stations install call boxes at pumps, disabled customers have had trouble accessing them from their vehicle. That’s why the Gas Pump Access Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX), would let gasoline retailers ditch the call boxes in lieu of a direct number to a station attendant. The proposal would not require stations with only one employee on duty to comply.

“The Gas Pump Access Act solves the problem of disabled drivers having to find a way to get the attention of a gas station employee for assistance at the pump. Tampa Bay and Florida led the nation with this solution, and it’s time the rest of the country follows their lead,” Jolly said.

The Gas Pump Access Act has the support of AARP and the Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association. Former Senate majority leader Bob Dole wrote a letter supporting the legislation, saying that the bill “furthers the original intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

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