Objective: To establish a standardised minimum for voice announcements within a lift car.

Methodology: This research employs a mixed-methods approach, utilising both qualitative and quantitative techniques, to present a detailed case study.

Conclusion:

This paper concludes that the current measures within EN 81-70:2021 + A1:2022 (CORRIGENDUM JUNE 2025):2021 + A1:2022 [1] should be regarded as the minimum requirements rather than the sufficient solutions presented within this paper.

To gain better alignment with the Equality Act 2010 [2]and the CRPD [4], accessibility requirements for visually impaired users should be more explicitly addressed within EN 81-70:2021 + A1:2022 (CORRIGENDUM JUNE 2025) [1], EN 81-20 [12], and ISO 4190-5:2006 Lift installation – Control devices, signals, and additional fittings. [14].

It is recommended that a mandatory minimum set of voice announcements be required within lift cars, including direction of travel, door operation, next stop, current floor, fire instructions, all other emergency instructions, and emergency communication devices.

Modern lift technology makes such measures technically feasible and economically proportionate, constituting reasonably practicable adjustments. A universal design approach, embedding these features as standard rather than optional, would significantly improve autonomy, dignity, and equality of access for visually impaired users.

There are no substantial financial or research and development obstacles associated with these recommendations. Most of the equipment supplied by manufacturers and suppliers already possesses the necessary functionality, as illustrated in the Appendix. Furthermore, the proposed upgrades facilitate the implementation of additional announcements on existing lifts, generally incurring no cost to lift owners for most units.