Walking

Overview
Role of the working group
What we have done
What we are doing
Top Tips

Overview

Everyone should be able to use the walking environment, whether for journeys in their own right or to access other forms of travel. Without access to the walking environment all other parts of a journey become inaccessible. For many people this is not currently possible due to barriers created by the design, management and operation of the walking environment.

The Government has asked DPTAC to advise on why this is the case and recommend strategic actions to address problems facing disabled people when using the walking environment. Much is already being done.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 aims to prevent the discrimination of disabled people. We believe this includes the need to make sure disabled people can use the walking environment, whether on foot or using a mobility aid. It also means considering the impact on the walking environment from other road users, particularly parked cars and cyclists.

DTLR are to publish guidance on Inclusive Mobility highlighting good practice in walking environments. Other guidance is available already, for example on the use of tactile paving and disabled parking.

Transport 2010: The 10 Year Plan for Transport makes a commitment that accessibility for disabled people will be a condition of public money being spent. The walking environment is part of our transport system and the same condition applies. Those responsible should have to demonstrate compliance with good practice and guidance on meeting the needs of disabled people.

Yet problems remain.

Role of the working group

The Personal Mobility Working Group (PMWG) was established in 1996.

One of our main objectives is to advise on improving access to the walking environment for disabled people, taking into account complementary advice from other DPTAC Working Groups. We also consider the needs of disabled motorists.

Our membership includes representatives from disability interests and those concerned with personal mobility services. We also have observers from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Our role is to focus on the strategic issues. This enables DPTAC to be more effective in influencing the process and outcome in all areas rather than specific schemes. Our work helps to inform those seeking to improve access at a local level. Local people will be aware of how this guidance can be applied to local circumstances.

We advocate the promotion of an accessible transport system in the advice we give to Government.

An accessible transport system is one that recognises the need for every stage in the journey to be accessible to disabled people, including the trip from the front door. It sets out to include as many people as possible. It does not attempt to meet every single need. Rather, by considering people's diversity, accessible transport systems try to break down unnecessary barriers and exclusion. In doing so it will often achieve superior solutions that benefit everyone.

What we have done

In the last twelve months we have;

• Commented on the World Squares for All scheme in Trafalgar Square.
• Consider draft advice on shared use facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

What we are doing

We are currently considering the following;

• how to promote improvements in the pedestrian environment;
• responding, when consultation comes forward, on shared use facilities for pedestrians and cyclists;
• commenting on reviews of Local Transport Plans and Strategies.

We welcome your comments and views on the issues raised above and any priorities not considered. Click here to e-mail us ideas.

Top Tips

If you are a local authority;

• ensure your staff can demonstrate qualifications and competencies in access issues. Training courses are available;
• ensure you follow recommended guidelines on access;
• regularly review access for disabled people, perhaps using the experiences of disabled people with a range of impairments;
• publish information on what you provide for disabled people;
• ask disabled people what problems they experience using the streets you are responsible for;
• when approving planning decisions consider the needs of pedestrians and limited mobility ranges, including access for disabled motorists.

If you are a disabled person;

• consider joining your local access or pedestrian group if you want to get more closely involved;
• when you experience a difficulty it is often worth contacting your local authority in the first instance to report the problem. It may not be their responsibility – many organisations are responsible for parts of the walking environment – but they should be able to provide further contacts;
• consider whether mobility aids and services would help you. Contact your local authority for advice.

If you undertake works or develop products for the walking environment;

• be aware of the guidance and good practice on accessible environments, including protection of streetworks;
• consult disabled people when designing new products.

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