----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Arquati"
Newsgroups: uk.transport.london
Sent: Sunday, 09 January, 2005 9:30 PM
Subject: Undressing Exhibition Road


The BBC's term for this idea is a "naked road". Apparently RB Kensington
& Chelsea are considering removing the kerb, traffic lights and signs on
Exhibition Road to trial the Dutch scheme where removal of all barriers
and signs is meant to encourage drivers to be more aware of pedestrians.
This is part of a redevelopment plan for Exhibition Road.

It's an interesting idea; Exhibition Road is an interesting road to
choose too. It has a high volume of pedestrian traffic; however, it also
has a large number of street parking spaces at the southern end. I
wonder if these would be removed under this proposal?

I wonder if anybody has considered the impact this scheme would have on
visually impaired - particularly those who use a long cane - pedestrians.
The kerb, like walls, fences and other street furniture are vital guides as
to one's position on the pavement, and location of buildings and safe road
crossing points - removing the kerb would allow visually impaired
pedestrians to wander into the path of vehicles without any knowledge of the
impending danger.

Robert

Any view expressed are my own and may not be representative of those held by
others.
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