Urgent action must be taken to improve street design and accessibility for blind and partially sighted pedestrians says the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland in their latest report, ‘Street Credibility’.
The new report explores critical areas of concern to street accessibility and safety, a topic which the charity has long campaigned for improvements in. Inaccessible streets can impact mental health too, the report claims, as many blind or partially sighted pedestrians feel anxious or unable to navigate the outdoors safely.
“Negative experiences can really knock your confidence, when out and about,” says Angela Clelland from Inverness. “We’ve come out of a pandemic, but when spaces and streets aren’t accessible, people stop going out and this impacts on their mental health too.”
The report outlines more about the hazards of street clutter and obstructed pavements, the importance of kerbs and signalised controlled crossings, and the ability for pedestrians to avoid moving vehicles. All these are key to keeping all pedestrians, not just those who are blind and partially sighted, safe.
Edinburgh resident, Sylvia Paton, adds: “There’s no urgency given when a crossing facility is broken for pedestrians. It’s imperative that controlled crossing points are maintained. If not it’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
RNIB Scotland director James Adams adds: “All too often our streets are an obstacle course for blind and partially sighted people,” he says. “We can all play a part in safe streets for everyone. It may sound simple, but we must not ignore the difference that small changes can make to people’s safety and confidence. This report is a valuable guide for the decision makers, urban planners, and community leaders who are tasked with creating streets that are inclusive and accessible to all.”
The Street Credibility report has been released amidst a wave of initiatives that are driving changes to Scotland's streetscapes, following significant delays during the pandemic. While most of these changes are positive and support the country's net-zero goals, such as improving walking and cycling infrastructure, the inconsistent street design and enforcement negatively affect the independence and ability of blind and partially sighted people to access their work, community, and vital services like healthcare. To address these challenges, the report draws on the policy landscape and research, as well as direct experiences, to establish a consensus on what constitutes inclusive street design for individuals with sight loss.
There are over 180,000 people in Scotland with significant sight loss.
*To read the Street Credibility report in full, visit: www.rnib.org.uk/news/rnib-scotland-calls-for-street-credibility/
