To receive an update from Sharon Bunce, Forum Member.

Sharon Bunce, Forum Member, gave an update to the Forum.

There were two issues to report to the Forum about on pedestrian accessibility in Maidenhead and Windsor. 

The first one in Maidenhead was identified by Lisa Hughes some time ago and culminated in a walkabout session on 19/8/21 around Queen Street and Broadway near the temporary car park which was attended by Cllrs Stimson & Singh, Tim Golabek (Service Lead – Transport and Infrastructure), Marco Guttilla (RBWM), Sharon Bunce and Lisa Hughes. The aim was to demonstrate the various hazards of crossing the roads at those busy, town-centre junctions and consider mitigations.

As a wheelchair user, Sharon Bunce was able to show the councillors and officers how the hazards affected the safety of wheelchair users. Lisa Hughes invited Councillor Stimson to push her in her wheelchair in order to experience the difficulties of pushing someone across the junction.

The crossing point from the temporary car park towards the town centre was sited close to where traffic, coming from behind you, had the option of going left, right or straight ahead. So you had to look over your shoulder and figure out if cars were going left or ahead and consider if it was safe to cross.

Then you encountered the next problem that you had to cross about 1.5 metres of cobbles as well as the asphalt traffic lane. This was very hazardous for wheelchair users, anyone unsteady on their feet and people with visual impairments and really slowed you down, so unsafe when you don’t know what traffic was approaching from behind. Also, the direction that the cobbles were laid in was different to the tactile paving so it removed the cues some visually impaired people used to orient themselves and cross to the other kerb.

Some of the paving around the crossing had sunk so the kerbs weren’t flush which was creating a tipping and trip hazard for wheelchair users and others. Some of the tactile paving was broken or not well laid, causing further risks to people with visual impairments.  

It was also highlighted that the hazards to people with visual impairment caused by the lack of visual contrast between new cycle racks and the pavement as well as a gully running across part of the pavement.

It was agreed that the pavements had become degraded over time and required updating.  It was intended that work to increase safe accessibility and appropriate crossing points in this area would need to be tied in with The Landings construction which was due to start imminently.  

Tim Golabek had reported back recently that the maintenance team were actioning some of the items highlighted but that at present the issue with the cycle racks was an outstanding action that may take a while to resolve.  We would keep in touch with Tim on this and report back to the Forum at our next meeting.

The other issue identified was in Windsor at the castle precinct.  Access restrictions caused by some temporary bollards which had been erected to create outside seating for eateries opposite the castle were highlighted to Tim Golabek as no provision had been made for wheelchair/rollator/trike users or people with visual impairments to cross the castle precinct and Sharon Bunce was pleased to report that these had now been removed.  

To contribute to the Active Travel Big Conversation consultation please use this link:

https://rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/hub-page/travelforwards

Links to other relevant consultations on the Disability and Inclusion Forum's Facebook page 'Disability Matters in Windsor and Maidenhead:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/247376129601111

Lisa Hughes reminded all that the Active Travel weblink could be used to highlight real time issues.