Local RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) campaign volunteers Steve Hyde and Josie Iles have raised concerns about a proposed shared space scheme in Bath city centre and the impact it could have on people with sight loss.
Bath and North East Somerset Council plan to create a shared space in Saw Close, near the Theatre Royal.
The street’s existing features, such as kerbs and formal crossing points will be removed. This will make it harder for people with sight loss using long canes and guide dogs to navigate the area safely.
Campaigners are concerned that the removal of such landmarks will make areas become giant squares, making it difficult for blind and partially sighted people to determine where they are. There are approximately 6,000 people in Bath living with sight loss.
Steve, from Writhlington, who is severely sight impaired, said: “Keeping my independence heavily relies on having a built environment I can negotiate on my own.
“I want to be able to use the area around the Theatre Royal and Saw Close independently, the same as everybody else.
“I used to visit Bath regularly but shared space areas like that installed at Seven Dials have already deterred my visits.
“My message to the council is this: please don’t make the lives of blind and partially sighted people harder by removing kerbs and crossings in Saw Close. Please make the design of the new shared space inclusive for everyone.”
Mike Bell, RNIB’s Regional Campaigns Officer for the South West, said: “The shared space being considered for Saw Close doesn’t work for blind and partially sighted people.
“These schemes often become ‘no go’ areas for people with sight loss. Eye contact between drivers and cyclists and pedestrians with sight loss is impossible so it becomes harder to navigate roads when familiar safety features are removed.
“Concerns over shared space aren’t only from blind and partially sighted people. There are also worries about children’s safety, and older people, and people who have mobility issues.”
RNIB has been running a nationwide campaign for more accessible streets called “Who Put That There”.
To find out more, visit: http://www.rnib.org.uk/campaigning/current-campaigns/my-street.
