Welcome to Sight Scotland’s new ‘Mobility Matters’ blog!
My name is Caroline Hedley, and I’m one of seven Rehabilitation & Mobility Workers covering Edinburgh, East Lothian & Midlothian. This month’s post is all about pedestrian accessibility across the city of Edinburgh.
Sadly, our city streets are not always accessible and at times are even dangerous for people with visual impairment. We’re here to change that though which is why I’m delighted to share the fantastic success of our campaign to get the crossing facilities upgraded at the intersection of Telford Road, Hillhouse Road, and Strachan Road.
With the support from local Councillors Hal Osler and Max Mitchell, we worked tirelessly to secure a commitment from the City of Edinburgh Council to install a brand-new pelican crossing over Strachan Road, which currently has no controlled pedestrian crossing.
That’s not all!
Senior Transport Team Leader, Alan Dunlop, also confirmed that new pelican crossings will be installed on the remaining crossing points, and these will include revolving cones. He stated that tactile paving will be laid, and attention given to extending and upgrading the protective barriers around the islands within the junction. Alan explained that consideration will be given to repositioning one part of the crossing which will promote ease of use. Changes will also be made to the slip road that feeds from Telford Road onto Hillhouse Road. This exit point for Farmer Autocare customers will instead have a continuous kerb (protecting the pavement for pedestrians’ sole use) and a pelican crossing will be installed.
I know just how much this means to the community, especially local resident, Agnes Conway, who commented: “It will make a big difference as I’ll feel more confident using the junction. And I might be able to start walking further again when I can cross Strachan Road”.
What a fantastic result!
We also managed to chat with Alan about the current practice of installing blister paving at the corner of uncontrolled crossings. The practice of indenting down a street to find a crossing point further from the corner (and where the road is narrower) means that blind or partially sighted people using the pavement will benefit more if blister paving is located further away from the corner. Alan and his team said they are keen to learn more about how Rehabilitation & Mobility Workers advise people on how to navigate this type of crossing.
Many thanks to Policy & Campaigns Manager Nicoletta Primo and to Media & Stories Officer Michael Donaldson for continued campaigning over the risks posed by the Hillhouse Road junction.
You may also be interested in
City Of Edinburgh Council urged to clarify how £50K will improve safety at dangerous junction
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are calling on the City of Edinburgh Council to clarify how the funds allocated for improving the junction of Telford Road, Hillhouse Road, and Strachan Road will enhance pedestrian safety.
Venues Place Accessibility First At Edinburgh Fringe
Summerhall and Zoo Venues prioritised accessibility at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe by teaming up with Sight Loss Councils and Sight Scotland’s Policy Group to ensure an inclusive experience for all visitors, including those with visual impairments.
Hawkhead Centre's Successful NaviLens Trial
Amy McAinsh, our Assistive Technology Intern, recently shared her thoughts on the NaviLens trial at the Hawkhead Centre.
Nikolaos Takes on Half Marathon to Raise Awareness for Sight Scotland and High Eye Pressure
Nikolaos Koutris, 37, originally from Greece and now residing in Edinburgh, has been inspired to run a half marathon for Sight Scotland after being diagnosed with high eye pressure.