24.04.13
Tactile path for visually impaired passengers at Clapham Junction
Clapham Junction has become the first UK train station to feature a guided path for blind or partially sighted passengers.
Tactile paving helps passengers to self-orientate and find their platform, and use the footbridge which links the new entrance to platform stairs. Braille signs have been added and the station is now completely step-free.
Managing director of South West Trains Tim Shoveller said: “This is the first time a UK station has been equipped with a guided path. It is a welcome improvement and will make a real difference to many of our passengers”.
John Welsman, policy business partner at Guide Dogs responsible for Travel and Transport related issues said: “This is a fantastic step towards making a complex station much more accessible for blind and partially sighted passengers. As a guide dog owner myself, I can now navigate the over bridge at the station with much more confidence, knowing that I can get to the right platform with the aid of the tactile and Braille signs at the top of each stairwell.
“Initiatives like this go a long way in supporting visually impaired people with their independent travel and I look forward to South West Trains implementation of measures like this at their other stations.”
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