Welcome to Defra Data Services Forum

How accessible this website is

We know some parts of this website are not fully accessible: 

• Information about the zones is only available by using a map and the map only works with a mouse, trackpad or other pointing device - it won’t work with a keyboard only.
• Text on the map and in map information boxes cannot be made larger. The text size used on some parts of the site is quite small and may be hard to read. 
• Action plans for the zones are only available as PDF files and they may not read correctly in screen readers and other types of assistive software.
• A few images and one form may be hard to use if you use a screen reader.

If you cannot access the website or any information on the website contact the Environment Agency: 

• Telephone 03708 506 506Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. 
• Email EnvironmentAgencyMaps@environment-agency.gov.uk. We aim to reply within 10 working days.

Technical information about this website’s accessibility 

Compliance status 

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances and exemptions listed below. 

Non-accessible content 

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons. 

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations 

• It is not possible for someone using a keyboard to use the main map and therefore to access the action plan documents. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.1.1 Keyboard (A).
• Some images do not have a text alternative, so people using a screen reader cannot access the information. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.1.1 (non-text content).
• It is not possible to increase the size of all text by up to 200%, so that partially sighted people can comfortably read content. Some parts of the page are covered by other parts when the page is zoomed. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.4 Resize text (AA).
• It is not possible to change to line height, letter or word spacing for all text. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.12 Text Spacing (AA).
• The language for the pages is not specified, so people using a screen reader may not hear the correct pronunciation. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 3.1.1 Language of page (A).
• Some of the action plan PDFs do not reflow meaning that there is scrolling in two directions when resized on a smaller screen. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.10 Reflow (AA).
• It is not always possible to tell which element has keyboard focus so sighted keyboard cannot see where they are on the page. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.7 Focus visible (AA).
• On at least one page there is no heading structure. This makes it harder for screen reader, screen magnifier and speech recognition tool users. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.1 Info and relationships (A).
• At least one form does not have labels. This means that screen reader users cannot easily use the form. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.6 Headings and labels (AA).

Disproportionate burden 

Action plans for safeguard zones are periodically reviewed and it would be a disproportionate burden on staff resources to update all action plans.

Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations 

We use maps to show the area of the zones on the website and in the action plan documents. Maps are exempt from the accessibility regulations. However, we aim to provide information about the zones in an accessible format where possible or refer to an alternate route to request this information. 

What we’re doing to improve accessibility 

We plan to identify and  fix  issues that will not pose a disporportionate burden by 31 March 2022.

Preparation of this accessibility statement 

This statement was prepared on 3 March 2021. It was last reviewed on 3 March 2021 

This website was last tested on 13 January 2021. The test was a basic short test carried out by Defra.