Guide Dogs support Lord Holmes’ debate on ‘shared space’ projects

Guide Dogs is looking forward to hearing Lord Holmes’ important Question for Short Debate this afternoon on the impact shared surfaces have on people with sight loss.

Shared surfaces reduce or eliminate kerbs and controlled crossings which are essential for people who are blind or partially sighted to be able to navigate safely and independently. Our mission as a charity is to facilitate and encourage independent mobility for people with sight loss. Street design schemes that do not appropriately consider people with sight loss act as a real barrier. Many people Guide Dogs works with inform us that the fear of using shared surfaces is discouraging them from travelling independently. As one guide dog owner recently told us ‘There are too many variables due to the fact that there is so much happening. It is difficult to focus the dog when there are no clear markings. I am frightened for my safety and the safety of my guide dog when using shared surfaces.’  

We reiterate Lord Holmes’ call for the Government to issue clear, current statutory guidance for local authorities to use when developing streetscapes to ensure they are safe for people who are blind or partially sighted. Guide Dogs also supports Lord Holmes’ call for a moratorium on local authorities commissioning shared surface schemes until up to date statutory guidance has been issued.

Current estimates suggest two million people with sight loss in the UK of which around 360,000 are registered as blind or partially sighted. It is essential that the built environment is safe for the large and growing number of people with sight loss; it is estimated by 2050 there will be up to four million people who are blind or partially sighted.

For more information on Guide Dogs campaigns, or to take part in our Streets Ahead Survey, please visit the following here.