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News

'Blind leading the blind'

Members of Poole's Disabled Design Group (DDG) challenged the Borough of Poole’s Transportation Services to experience the problems faced by blind and visually impaired people.

Rising to the challenge Chris Francombe, Transport Policy Manager, walked along part of the busy Wallisdown Road whilst blindfolded to experience at first-hand the problems they encounter such as uneven footpaths, crushed kerbs, obstacles on the footway, badly maintained forecourts, large potholes and bad parking.

Richard Moore, a blind member of the DDG, said: "I am pleased to see that pedestrian facilities and safety have already been improved considerably, with the installation of secure crossings in Kinson Road and at the junction of Alder Road and Mossley Avenue, however more needs to be done. Imagine walking along a path, with your eyes shut, where there is nothing to tell you when you have wandered into the road."

Richard added: "Where drivers park their vehicles inconsiderately, reverse off forecourts with little thought for pedestrians, besides overcoming all the other obstacles and you may have an idea just how difficult it is for a visually impaired person using a cane or guide dog to walk this stretch of road. Wallisdown Road is an accident waiting to happen. I would urge traders to work with both Poole and Bournemouth Councils to resolve the safety and access issues in the Wallisdown Crossroads area."

Chris Francombe, Transort Policy Manager, said: "Now I understand how difficult this part of Wallisdown Road is for visually impaired people. More than once I strayed into the road because I couldn't feel the kerb edge. Then I walked into a van that had parked on the footway and hurt my shoulder. We will continue to work with Bournemouth Borough Council to provide further improvements. Both authorities will monitor this area and try to further improve the situation."

Terri Brown