Briefing: Minimum effective kerb height for blind and partially sighted people Available to Purchase

This paper discusses the problems that blind and partially sighted people have in town centres where a ‘shared space’ design has been created using a shared surface for pedestrians and traffic. It reveals the results of a study which shows that a kerb height of 60 mm is required to ensure that the edge of a footway can be detected by blind and partially sighted pedestrians; and proposes that this should be used along with dropped kerb crossings and tactile paving, and other design features to influence user behaviour in a shared space development. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (Guide Dogs), supported by over 30 organisations across the disability sector, has called for a moratorium on new shared surface schemes until the Department for Transport has completed its review of how the shared space concept can be delivered to be accessible for all users. The concept of ‘shared space’ is based upon the observation that traffic and pedestrian behaviour is more affected by the built environment than it is by conventional traffic regulations. Introducing ambiguity and uncertainty for drivers may instil caution in the driver, but this ambiguity should not also extend to vulnerable pedestrians so as to undermine their confidence and safety.