Claims Academy Street changes could put disabled people at risk
More objections to plans to develop Academy Street have emerged.
The National Federation for the Blind of the UK (NFBUK) has expressed its deep concerns over the plans to revamp the street in an aim to make it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists use.
It adds to an objection from a coalition, led by the Royal National Institute for the Blind Scotland, which fears that the proposed removal of light and sound controlled pedestrian crossings will be a danger to pedestrians with sight loss and other disabilities. Similar fears over areas where the street will be raised to the same level as pavements have been highlighted to Highland Council by Putting Inverness Streets Ahead and NFBUK.
Sandy Taylor, Scottish representative of NFBUK, said: “Blind people, and large numbers of people with partial sight or hearing, and other people with difficulty reacting to traffic around them, will be put at risk.”
NFBUK also raises concerns at the potential impact on businesses and the attractiveness of Academy Street, should plans go ahead, as well as the missed opportunity to turn Falcon Square into a space that attracts people to actively use it.
