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Our transport network is for everyone. So it is important
that when we design, improve or maintain pavements and roads, we
think about how accessible they are for everyone who wants to use
them.
We need to think about how a pavement, crossing or other
pedestrian area can be used by someone with a disability. Are there
features that may be a problem for people who are blind or visually
impaired? Could features be added to help? Is a pedestrian area
easily accessible for someone who has difficulty walking because of
age or illness, or who uses a wheelchair?
There are many simple features that we can either add or omit
that can make a big difference to how easily many of us can get
around.
Designing accessible roads and pavements
We have comprehensive guidelines that cover how a pedestrian and
transport network should be designed so that it can be easily used
by people who have mobility problems. For more information on
designing accessible roads and pavements
go to Kent Design.
What does Kent County Council do?
We make sure that all new services and facilities meet the needs
of disabled people, and we look at all existing services and
facilities to see if there are any problems.
Checking new services
The Department for Transport (DfT) has published a booklet
called Inclusive Mobility. This guides us on what we need to
include in new services or facilities.
Checking existing services
If there are physical features on the highway that make it
impossible, or unreasonably difficult, for people with disabilities
to use the highway, we may be able to take action.
If so, whoever provides the service or facility must do whatever
they can to make it available to everyone.
This may be done by:
- removing the feature which is causing the problem
- changing the feature so that it no longer prevents access
- providing a way for people to avoid it
We have worked on upgrading controlled pedestrian crossings to
make sure that they are suitable for everyone. And we are currently
working on improving uncontrolled crossing points (those without
signals or push-button units). We will continue to make
improvements where they are necessary.
We are also looking at where there are problems with services
and facilities on the roads and pathways. A group of disabled
people from across the country has helped decide how to do this. If
you woud like more information about this, please contact
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