Preston plans to improve accessibility for visually impaired and disabled people

Preston has adopted a new street charter in an effort to make public spaces more accessible for people with sight impairments and other disabilities.

The document sets out several pledges from Lancashire County Council highlighting how they will ensure that more vulnerable road users are not disadvantaged by any decisions made on the design and use of the road network. The document also says that it will work to ensure that groups representing visually impaired and disabled people will be consulted on all changes to the public realm. This comes after a shared space scheme, which was introduced in 2014 prompted complaints from local disability groups.

Other pledges include making sure that placement of street furniture and tables and chairs outside eateries are taken into account as well as ensuring that vegetation is cut back. Powers over obstructive parking are also going to be transferred from the police to the local authority.

Keith Iddon, the Cabinet member for Highways, walked blindfolded along Fishergate in Preston back in 2017 to find out how it felt to navigate the city as a blind person. He reported that the streets were like an ‘obstacle course’ for blind and disabled people. He said: “We want to help create an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, secure and able to participate more fully in life.”

The county council is piloting the new charter in Preston, but hopes to use it as a blueprint for the whole of Lancashire.