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Shared space danger to the blind
BLIND and partially-sighted people today labelled plans for Blackpool's much anticipated Talbot Gateway as nothing short of deadly.
Jeanette Moore, who is registered as visually impaired, claims the concept of "shared spaces", in which cars, buses and taxis share a pedestrian area, is risking the lives of people who have difficulty seeing traffic.
The system has been implemented in St John's Square and caused a furore among pedestrians.
But Blackpool Council has now announced shared spaces are also part of plans for Talbot Gateway.
Miss Moore, of Salthouse Avenue, central Blackpool, who is being supported by Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Society for the Blind in her bid to prevent shared spaces in the area, said: "These spaces are life-threatening to people with visual impairments.
"I've always been visually impaired, and my friend Natalie Shaw needs a guide dog.
"Having taxis and buses share a paved area, with no kerbs to separate areas, is ridiculous.
"It's even dangerous for fully-sighted people, but I have a white stick, and need to use kerbs so I know where the pavement ends.
"Without any of this in St John's Square, its impossible to know when there will be a bus coming past."
Blackpool Council announced earlier this month the 4.7m square in the town centre, with new paving stones and fountains, was to undergo a review into the safety of the shared space agreement. The review is under way.
On Waterloo Road, where a new roundabout and continental-style paved area has been built, the council has introduced "courtesy crossings", which depend on eye contact between the driver and pedestrian.
Miss Moore added: "It's already not working in St John's Square, and in Waterloo Road, so why introduce more shared spaces?
"I have already walked into the fountains outside St John's Church on a number of occasions, as there are no barriers on one side.
"And the courtesy crossings by the roundabout on Waterloo Road are terrible. They aren't zebra crossings so pedestrians don't have the right to go. It depends on eye contact, but if you can’t see, it’s a bit difficult!”
The campaign is being backed by the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Society for the Blind.
Judith Harrison, community service manager, said: “We have received almost 30 complaints from clients in Blackpool.
“We are absolutely backing these people in their campaign against shared spaces in the town.
“They need extensive consideration, as it is nearly impossible for blind or partially sighted people to negotiate a shared surface with cars, buses and taxis.”
Blackpool Council leader, Coun Peter Callow, said there would be full consultation ahead of the Talbot Gateway revamp.
The council, through a developer, plans to regenerate the area around Blackpool North Station with 85,000 square metres of new, contemporary office and business space – complemented by a new supermarket, hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Coun Callow said: “I think this is about different things for different spaces.
“In areas like Waterloo Road the shared space seems to be working but somewhere busy and central like St John’s Square is a space which I, personally, feel should not have traffic running through it as it spoils the ambience.
“There is shared space planned for Talbot Gateway but, as with all our development projects, we will consult fully with the public to seek their opinion before going ahead.”
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 14 C to 27 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
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