Tactile paving changes spark anger

Published: 23rd February 2010

Anger has erupted in Newham over proposals to replace some areas of tactile paving slabs with standard tarmac.

Tactile paving is used to assist those who are blind or partially sighted, and is vital to their safety when they are out and about. Not only this, but Newham Council have also put forward proposals to change the colour of any remaining tactile paving - which will make it hard for those who are partially sighted to tell the difference between tactile and standard paving.

The ways in which the proposals have been dealt with have also come under much scrutiny- which has lead to the consultation period being extended.

Newham resident Mohammed Mohsan-Ali, who is completely blind, raged: "People like myself who do not have any sight at all would be unable to go out and do everything we normally do in everyday life. How are we going to know where the crossing is?

"I think that all the mistakes they have made, it is completely disgusting what they have done."

However, a spokesperson for the council retorted: "Over the years, tactile paving has been installed in a variety of different layouts and colours which can be confusing to blind and partially sighted people.

"It can also be painful to walk on for people suffering from arthritis and diabetes.

"A number of London boroughs, including Newham, and Transport for London are now looking at a simplified approach to tactile paving."

A decision is set to be made on March 11th.

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