Hello all,  

I know it has been a while. I have been thinking about what to write. I have decided to write about street clutter. 

As a visually impaired person street clutter is a major hazard. My white cain does allow me to feel for obstacles in my path which I do not see. However this doesn’t mean I can instantly find my way safely.  This image above is showing an example of barricades which have been set up to stop people using a crossing. One of the barriers was a grey colour, this did not contrast well with the grey paving behind it. This meant that I couldn’t really tell it was there and had to stand and look at it for a few minutes before moving forwards.

The next day I went back as it is on a usual route and the barricade was in a much more suitable position. 

Another example of street clutter which is not safe is when road signs are left on tactile paving. Such as the one below. Tactile paving needs to be left clear because it allows those using a cain to navigate crossings safely by telling us what kind of crossing we are at. 

Street clutter for anyone is tricky and when there are road works I understand it is a lot more difficult to try accommodate everyone. However just street clutter in general should be to a minimum to make sure everyone has the chance to feel safe. 

When there is a lot going on it creates a lot more visual stress. Also as visually impaired people if we come across items in our path it is difficult to navigate safely when we are on our own. This would be if we needed to step out onto the road and a car is coming. 

Street clutter can affect anyone, but it is more dangerous for those of us who are disabled. Imagine if you are a wheelchair user and you have to go out into the road because there is something on the pavement blocking your path. There might not be a dropped curb for you to use. This makes it impossible to get around. 

If street clutter is managed more affectively, such as A boards for advertising, and are tucked in so we can get have enough space then that makes it easier. If there are road works happening then it is important to update a website, such as the council so that people can check before they travel. But this then leads us onto other problems such as websites are not always accessible. But this is a blog for another time. 

All we ask is that business, councils just be more considerate around how they ensure the safety of all path and road users. We want to be able to travel as independently as possible and we can’t if there barriers in our way. 

Thank you for reading, 

Philippa.