30 April 2016
Norwich Councillors take part in ‘blindfold’ walk to highlight problem of inaccessible crossings for blind and partially sighted people
Blindfold walk shows how the removal of accessible pelican crossings is turning the city centre into a ‘no-go’ area for many people with sight loss.
Norwich City Councillors Lesley Grahame and Simeon Jackson were invited to experience the challenges of a blindfold walk by local resident Joy Croft.
Joy was supported by Emily Papaleo, Regional Campaigns Officer for RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) and Simon Marshall from the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB).
The charities are calling on Norwich City Council to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people in the city and to reverse their policy of removing signalled crossings altogether or replacing them with zebra crossings.
Joy, who is registered blind, said: “I chose to retire back to Norwich because it was a safe and accessible city, where I felt I could live a full and active life.
“Now quite suddenly, I’m cut off from much of the city centre by these uncontrolled crossings, and I understand that even more pedestrian lights are scheduled to be removed.
“I was nearly hit by a bus the first time I tried crossing Rampant Horse Street after the pedestrian lights had gone; so I don’t dare try it again. The Council hasn’t thought at all about how visually impaired people will get about the city. Norwich is our home too.”
Councillor Grahame said: “Wearing the blindfold it really hit me how people are impacted by a failure to provide good accessible routes around the city. As Shadow cabinet member for Equalities I’m determined to continue our work on improving access by listening to people, not just through formal consultations, but through events such as today.
“I would encourage all involved with the street scene to take part in planned future walks like this, and think about the impact their work has on people and how they can make a positive difference.”
Councillor Jackson added: “I think it is essential that the people who design these street schemes have comprehensive training in disability awareness and those who make decisions are given accurate information on how those decisions will impact all groups of users.”
RNIB Campaigns Officer Emily Papaleo said: “Safe crossings along key routes in the city are essential to enable blind and partially sighted people to walk around Norwich independently. If crossing the street is difficult, dangerous, or involves walking further than necessary, people may simply choose not to make the journey or take unnecessary risks.”
Michael Talbot, chief executive of the NNAB, said the charity had been consulted about the current changes in the Westlegate and St Stephens area, but the need to keep vehicles moving seemed to be paramount. He said: “We’ve been very clear about the challenges blind and partially sighted people will face once this scheme is finished. The lack of signalled crossings will mean parts of the city centre will effectively be inaccessible for people who can’t see.”
Notes to Editors
There are an estimated 3,900 blind or partially sighted people living in Norwich, according to RNIB’s Sight Loss Data Tool.
About RNIB
Every 15 minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and we’re here for everyone affected by sight loss – that’s almost 2 million people in the UK. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem, RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
About the NNAB
The Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind has been supporting people with little or no sight in the county for more than 200 years. It has a residential care home and sheltered housing in Norwich, a team of community workers, eye clinic staff and equipment centres. The charity also provides education and recreation for visually impaired people of all ages.
