Access Keys

Using access keys to help navigate around the site

What are access keys?
Access keys are keyboard shortcuts which allow the user to navigate around a website or a piece of computer software without having to use a mouse or other pointing device. The letter or numeral if visible is usually underlined.

What are the advantages of using access keys?
If you have difficulty in using a mouse or similar device, you can use these keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate around the website using only the keyboard.

How do I use the access keys?
This depends on the browser you are using.

If you use Internet Explorer:

1. Press and hold the 'alt' key
2. Press the required letter or number
3. Release the keys and press the 'enter' key

If you use Firefox:

1. Press and hold the 'alt' and 'shift' keys
2. Press the required letter or number

If you use Netscape Navigator:

1. Press and hold the 'alt' key
2. Press the required letter or number

What access keys are used on the Southampton Online web site?
This web site uses the UK Government access key system. If you use this facility and wish to suggest additional access keys please contact the Web team at webmaster@southampton.gov.uk.

The Government Access Key System

Netscape Navigator Internet Explorer Takes you to...

alt and S ..then 'enter' Skip navigation
alt and 0 ..then 'enter' Access key details (this page)
alt and 1 ..then 'enter' Home page
alt and 2 ..then 'enter'
alt and 3 ..then 'enter' Site map
alt and 4 ..then 'enter' Search
alt and 5 ..then 'enter'
alt and 6 ..then 'enter' Site help
alt and 7 ..then 'enter' Contact Us
alt and 8 ..then 'enter'
alt and 9 ..then 'enter' Feedback form

What other useful keyboard shortcuts are there?

Click on...

'tab' moves you through the different page elements.
'backspace' moves you back through the pages you have already visited.
'alt' and 'left arrow/cursor' moves you back through the pages you have already visited.
'alt' and 'right arrow/cursor' moves you forward through pages you have already visited.
'ctrl' and 'home' takes you to the beginning of the page.
'ctrl' and 'end' takes you to the end of the page.
'spacebar' moves the page down.
'page up' and 'page down' moves the page up and down.