Rainbow crossings ‘confusing’ for visually impaired

COLOURFUL ‘rainbow’ pedestrian crossings could create safety issues for people with disabilities, a number of support groups have warned.

Guide Dogs NI and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) raised concerns about the crossings, saying they could cause confusion for the visually impaired.

Rainbow crossings are an expression of support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The North’s first rainbow crossing was unveiled in Derry last month, and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is considering introducing them in Omagh and Enniskillen.

The matter was discussed at a recent meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee. The council confirmed it was undertaking a feasibility study into rainbow crossings after several councillors voiced concern at potential ‘health and safety’ issues.

Paul Robinson, DUP, told members he had been contacted by a number of constituents. He enquired if the chief executive, Alison McCullagh, was aware of the potential effects the rainbow colours of the crossings could have on the visually-impaired.

Ms McCullagh said she was a ware of the issues and that a number of groups in England had raised formal concerns over multi-coloured crossings.

She stated that the council would take these issues into consideration when making a final decision.

‘confusing’

Guide Dogs NI said that visually impaired people can find crossings that are not black and white confusing.

The charity told the UH, “Many people with a visual impairment retain some useful vision, so we are concerned that variations in design and the use of striking colours may have an impact on the confidence of people with sight loss when using this type of crossing. The feedback that we have had is that they can cause confusion.

“The implementation of these crossings should be inclusive of disabled people’s needs, including those living with sight loss to ensure that they will not be detrimental to independence or mobility.”

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) also raised concern.

Paula Beattie, policy and campaigns manager for RNIB in Northern Ireland, said, “The use of black and white in traditional pedestrian crossings offers high contrast which is essential for people with low vision to detect and cross roads safely.

“Designs and colours used on pedestrian crossings, which are not consistent with traditional designs, could cause confusion to people with sight loss, and to guide dogs also.

“Councils considering installing pedestrian crossings in any design or colour should conduct thorough equality impact assessments and consult with blind and partially sighted people directly and not implement any changes to pedestrian crossings until all safety concerns have been fully addressed.”

By Thomas Maher

t.maher@ulsterherald.com