RNIB has shared crossing concerns

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) have serious concerns over all shared surface schemes. For shared spaces to ‘work’ they require eye contact between pedestrians and road users, which as a result puts blind and partially sighted people at huge risk.

They also require the removal of designated crossing points and kerbs - two things which are essential for safety and the use of mobility aids such as white canes or guide dogs. This can turn a town centre or high street into a ‘no go’ area for anyone with sight loss.

RNIB, and importantly blind and partially sighted residents, are very rarely consulted in these cases. Then we have to spend a lot of time and money fighting poor decisions or reversing dangerous schemes. In the case of the High Street and Jury Street, RNIB were not consulted at any point during the planning and implementation process.

Blind and partially sighted people have a right to remain independent and safe, something which shared spaces fail to allow.

Rebecca Swift, Regional Campaigns Officer, RNIB West Midlands