Local Councils throughout the country are considering or opting for "Shared Surface Schemes". The idea of these schemes is that a traditional road with raised pavements are redesigned to make them level with each other. The aim is to give pedestrians and cyclists equal right of way with vehicles. The Access Group visited such a scheme at New Road, Brighton and found it to be a No Go Zone for people with visual impairments. Accessibility features were poor and lacking. We also saw little evidence of equal rights of way for pedestrians.
One person who is visually impaired, was reviewing the scheme along with the Access Group, said
she felt very uncomfortable at how close vehicles drove behind and along side her as she walked.
We witnessed a driver intimidate her by driving less than one metre behind her. At the first
opportunity the driver impatiently squeezed past.
Brighton Council say they have effectively made New Road a one way street. We found the reality
quite different. "No entry" signs were so badly positioned that in the hour we were there we saw at least
six motor vehicles enter from the wrong end of the Road. Several delivery vehicles also U-turned
on the pedestrian area and went the wrong way. This created a confusing, frightening and dangerous
situation for all pedestrians.
According to the guidedog website, all local blind and visually impaired people who
participated in a survey about the New Road shared surface area became confused and fearful for
their safety. Most said they could no longer visit this area without a sighted assistant.
Around July 2007 the Council apparently agreed to ensure that street furniture is contained
away from main pedestrian routes but Access Group members and our photographs show no sign
of that.
Little to no colour contrasting
Numerous advertising boards blocking the street
Massive concrete bollards with no apparent use
No clear direction guidance for drivers
A 20mph speed limit in an area packed with pedestrians
No recognisable tactile paving
General street furniture placed haphazardly
Badly placed and poor choice of seating
Poorly labeled and sized Blue Badge parking area.
Serious possibility of accidents at road entry and exit areas
See our Brighton New Road Shared Surfaces Scheme gallery
For more information about the Guide Dog report on the Brighton New Road Shared Surfaces Scheme go to www.guidedogs.org.uk
What we see at Brighton New Road Shared Surfaces Scheme, appears to be a style over substance design. It is quite pretty but with a bit more thought could also have been with much more accessible. The local Council consulted disabled people but it would seem they were ignored. Until the Brighton Council fix the problems they have caused the New Road is a No Go Zone for too many disabled people. The Barking & Dagenham Access Group is working to ensure that any such schemes for Barking and Dagenham will be accessible to everyone.
