January 2011

Introduction

Many people who are blind or vision impaired use white canes, including the long cane, as a mobility aid. The long cane acts as an obstacle detector; with users sweeping it from side-to-side, one stride in front of them, to get clues about their environment so they can react quickly. The use of different surfaces underfoot conveys important information to people who are blind or vision impaired, who navigate the streets in a very different way to sighted people. The feel and sound of a cane swept across the pavement is very different to the feel and sound of a cane touching tactile paving and immediately alerts the person that they are approaching a crossing.

The introduction of tactile paving and audible signals at certain pedestrian crossings has therefore had a very positive impact on the lives of people with vision impairments and enables people to travel independently and safely. NCBI hope to see these initiatives rolled out nationwide and that even in difficult economic times, the needs of people with vision impairments are at the forefront of planning in Ireland, as retro-fitting is considerably more expensive than disability-proofing at an early stage.

NCBI Recommendations

1. Crossings should always be at right angles to the street.

2. NCBI Policy states: “Where a green man crossing signal is provided for pedestrians, it should be accompanied by an audible signal for the benefit of blind and vision impaired people”. Modern Push Button Units all come equipped with tactile and audible signals. People with hearing loss, as well as sight loss, can use the tactile signal to verify that it is safe to cross. Push buttons should be consistently located at a level of 900mm – 1,100mm above ground level.

3. At traffic light controlled crossroads, and all major junctions, provision should be made for a safe time period and safe crossing points for pedestrians. If this is not possible, pedestrian crossings should be provided at safe but convenient distances from the junction.

4. At controlled pedestrian crossings, such as zebra crossings or pedestrian lights, red tactile paving should be laid across the footpath in an “L” shape, with the long stroke of the “L” leading from the building line/wall to the dished area of the kerb at the crossing point. The short stroke of the “L” should mark the area where the pavement is flush with the road. The long stroke of the “L” can be detected underfoot by a person with vision impairment walking along the footpath, and alerts him/her to the fact that there is a light-controlled crossing here. It leads him/her to the road edge and to the pole on which the Push Button Unit is mounted. This pole should be on the right of the dished area, so that a guide dog user can easily reach the button (guide dogs work on the left side of their users). The red coloured tactile paving should only be used at controlled crossings. Any kerbs which are dished to make it possible for wheelchair users to cross roads should be fitted with tactile paving, in a colour which contrasts with the surrounding pavement. (Ref. Guidance on the Use of Tactile Paving Surfaces produced by the Scottish Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions).

5. Kerbs which are dished for wheelchair users at accessible parking spaces do not need to be fitted with tactile paving – unless they are in the direct line of pedestrian travel.

6. Where road crossing entails negotiating a central island, this should be clearly identifiable by means of a raised section of pavement with barriers. Separate, readily distinguishable signals for both crossings must be provided, with tactile paving in the dished areas of the kerbs.

Research carried out to establish the best specifications for blistered surfaces was carried out on the basis that the material used was concrete. In the officially recognised guidance document on tactile paving “Guidance on the use of tactile paving surfaces”, produced by the Scottish Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions, it is stated that if other materials are being used, new research should be carried out, as the specifications for concrete may not be suitable when using other materials. This guidance document also states that tactile paving at pedestrian crossings should be red, which is not the case where metal is used.

Where metal studs have been used instead of concrete blisters, the following complaints have been received by NCBI:

a) The metal blisters can become dazzling in bright sunshine, especially after rain, which can make crossing roads even more difficult for people with sight problems.
b) The blisters are uncomfortable underfoot. This is because the specifications for concrete are not suitable for metal.
c) The surface is slippery when wet.

About NCBI

NCBI (National Council for the Blind of Ireland) is a not-for-profit charitable organisation that provides support and services to over 15,500 people of all ages who are blind and vision impaired throughout the country.

Our vision is for people who are blind and vision impaired to have the same opportunities, rights and choices as others to fully participate in society. Our mission is to enable people who are blind and vision impaired to overcome the barriers that impede their independence and participation in society.