Campaign win: London Mayor responds to RNIB-backed letter with call for temporary halt to new colourful crossings
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has asked Transport for London (TfL) to halt the installation of a series of colourful crossings in central London including Tottenham Court Road. He has also advised London boroughs to do the same.
The Mayor’s decision is in response to a joint letter that RNIB wrote, with a coalition of other charities – including Transport for All, Guide Dogs, Scope and Age UK, highlighting the dangers of colourful crossings. We explained the confusion and safety risks that colourful crossings can cause for people with sight loss, people with dementia and neurodivergent people.
In his reply, the Mayor of London said: “I am concerned to read about the issues highlighted in your letter and the negative impact that these types of crossing can have on disabled people.”
He assured us that Equality Impact Assessments and Road Safety Assessments had originally been carried out, but added: “Over the next 12 months, TfL will be developing new guidance for London on the use of artwork at crossings and will undertake meaningful engagement with organisations representing the interests of disabled people.”
Zoe Courtney, RNIB’s policy lead for Inclusive Journeys, said: “We welcome this move. Equality Impact Assessments are important, but when these pick up on any safety issues, the safety issues must be fully addressed before proposals are approved for installation. Unfortunately, this did not happen with the original Equality Impact Assessments for the colourful crossings.”
“We will keep working to ensure TFL’s engagement work will involve the views and experiences of blind and partially sighted people.”
