New crossing signal

A new type of audible signal was recently installed at the pedestrian crossings at the junction of Fleet Street and D’Olier Street in Dublin City Centre. As it was imported from Berlin, it has been nick-named “the Berlin signal”.

At present, there are no audible signals at crossings of less than 3 metres apart, as the signals are thought to be too close together and may cause confusion for pedestrians. Dublin City Council (DCC) have agreed to move the poles further apart and provide audible signals where possible, but sometimes that is not possible, for technical or practical reasons.

One solution is to provide only a green man and a tactile, vibrating signal wherever pedestrian crossing signals are too close to each other and another is to introduce the Berlin signal, which is currently being piloted.

NCBI therefore urgently need to find out what people with vision impairments prefer – a tactile only signal at crossings of less than 3 metres apart, or the new Berlin signal. This is an ideal opportunity to have your say on this issue and to give feedback to NCBI, which will then be passed onto DCC.

If you would like to test out this signal or would like to give your feedback, please contact Fiona Kelty, NCBI Access Coordinator on 1850 33 43 53 or email: fiona.kelty@ncbi.ie. You will also be asked to complete a short survey, which can be done online or on the phone. Screen reader users should use the arrow key to complete the online form.

Tactile Taxi Identification Plate

We also need your feedback on a new tactile taxi identification plate. Currently, taxis have clear print notices outlining the fare regulations and complaints procedure on a large information card in the map-pocket behind the front passenger seat. The driver’s identification card, featuring their photograph, name and license number, can be found in the front of the car, on the dashboard.

NCBI has been working with the taxi regulator on a tactile taxi identification plate, with the license number in raised, tacile numbers and in braille. However, due to regulations, this number must be fixed to the car, not easily removed like the information card.

We are currently looking for feedback on a prototype tactile taxi identification plate, which would be securely attached to the roof sign, which is in the same place and at close to the same height in the majority of ordinary taxis.

Once again, please contact Fiona Kelty to arrange to come into NCBI’s Whitworth Road office to test out the plate or to give your thoughts on it. Fiona will be conveying feedback to the Taxi Regulator shortly.