Just to pick up on the points raised by Tony and Adrian on dropped
kerbs.
This is a classic example of conflicting user needs and one,
despite the current push to install drop kerbs with tactile paving, I
feel has yet to be satisfactorily resolved.
As Adrian explained the drop kerb is in place to enable wheelchair
users to cross the road etc and to compensate for the loss of the
kerb tactile paving is 'supposed' to be used to warn visually
impaired / blind people of the existing crossing. Different colours
should be installed to indicate a controlled or uncontrolled crossing
point. I have in the past also heard people with Arthritis
complaining about the pain experienced when wheeling over the
blister paving, yet another conflict.
I would be interested to hear how effective people think the tactile
paving is, is it being correctly used and are guide dogs trained to
recognise this as a crossing point?
For anyone unfamiliar with tactile paving there is a DETR guidance
note at the following web site:
http://www.mobility-unit.detr.gov.uk/tactile/index.htm
Look forward to hearing from you
Andy
SURFACE
Salford University, Research Focus on ACcessible Environments
http://www.scpm.salford.ac.uk/surface/
Tel: 01874 636826
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