Dozens of protesters picketed London’s City hall this morning in an attempt to persuade Boris Johnson to rethink his commitment to a scheme which would see Kensington’s Exhibition Road converted to shared use.
Plans supported and part-funded by Transport for London would see the road converted to ’shared space’, setting the pavement and road surface at the same level, removing traditional kerbs and placing vehicles at the same level.
Campaigners, who were led by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, say this poses a danger to visually impaired pedestrians as long cane users and guide dogs are trained to use the kerb as a key navigation aid.
Kensington and Chelsea council, which is responsible for the project, say the scheme includes for the introduction of ‘tactile guidance paving’ to aid those who are blind or visually impaired to navigate the area.
Speaking at Mayor’s Question Time this morning Mr Johnson said he was keen to find a way forward which all groups support.
David Coudrey, campaign manager for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, says the Mayor declined an invitation to “come down and talk to the disabled people of London”.
