UK retailer Sainsbury's is rolling out a new app, which enables disabled drivers to pre-book assistance when refuelling their cars at one of the retailer's petrol stations.
Working with non-profit organisation fuelService, the system allows customers to contact a petrol station and ask staff if they will be able to provide assistance before driving there.
Through the app, the station will be notified when the customer arrives, and which pump they are at.
Following a trial in 58 stations, Sainsbury's and fuelService are now extending the service to over 300 petrol stations across the UK, including cities such as London, Manchester, Cardiff, and Edinburgh.
The service is primarily available via the fuelService app, however, there is also a telephone service and an online booking option.
Inclusive Service
"We are delighted to be working with fuelService to make this option available to as many of our customers as possible," said Tim Fallowfield, company secretary and corporate services director.
"We want to be the most inclusive retailer, making all our customers feel welcome when they shop with us. Sainsbury’s is focusing on delivering great service that works for everyone, which is why it’s important we offer an alternative interactive telephone service alongside the app for those without smartphones."
Sainsbury's says that it is the first supermarket in the UK to offer such a service, which will be available seven days a week at participating stations.
Graham Footer, chief executive of Disabled Motoring UK, added that "everyone with a disability or impairment can benefit from a solution like this".
“Refuelling continues to be a daily struggle for disabled motorists and it’s a challenge that has been going on for far too long." he said.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
