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Strong Local Voice, Strong Local ChampionAnnette Brooke, Lib Dem MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole |
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Annette Brooke MP joins Guide Dogs' campaign to 'Say NO to shared surfaced streets'
June 18, 2009 11:37 AM
A dangerous new street design that puts the blind and partially sighted; disabled and elderly, as well as young children in danger has been condemned at a Westminster event organised by The Guide Dogs Association for the Blind.
Annette went along to try out a mock shared surface street whilst blindfolded as part of Guide Dogs' 'Say NO to shared streets' campaign and also learned about the importance of safe and accessible towns and high streets for vulnerable pedestrians
Shared surface streets - when the road and pavement are built at the same level with the kerb removed - force all road users to make 'eye contact' to establish who moves first. "This undermines the safety, confidence and independence of vulnerable pedestrians," Annette said.
'Wheelchair users have to share their space with intimidating cyclists and vehicles, and young children no longer have a kerb to safely stop, look, and listen at."
David Cowdrey, Guide Dogs Campaign Manager, commented: "If people can't tell where the road begins and the pavement ends, how can you feel safe?"
"We need everyone to get behind our campaign so that they are free to use their town centres and high streets as they wish - instead of them becoming no-go areas."
The 'Say NO to shared streets' campaign is supported by nearly 20 other national disability organisations including MENCAP, Leonard Cheshire Disability, RNID, RNIB and Arthritis Care.
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