After being converted into London’s trans-walk, a Zebra crossing was branded ‘dangerous.
Guide dogs and police horses are understood to be confused by the colourful designs, with the latest one in Camden.
One man was unsure if the desire of the council to “flair their woke credentials” was more important that safety for disabled people.
The change, unveiled yesterday, comes despite Sadiq Khan being forced to halt the installation after disability groups warned they were hazardous.
Scope, the Royal National Institute for the Blind, Guide Dogs and Scope informed the London Mayor that the Asphalt Art Project had also caused some harm to people.
After being made into a London trans-walk, a Zebra crossing was branded ‘dangerous.
Police horses and guide dogs are thought to get confused by patchwork designs. The latest Camden one is available here.
Paul Embery, a trade unionist shared video of a guide dog in panic while trying to cross a colourful bridge in Lambeth.
Ava must be reassured that she can continue to go forward, despite there being no traffic.
She laughs and wils when she’s asked for the curb.
Mr. Embery stated that this was “truly disturbing.” These councils who spend money on pride and transflag crossings should be aware of this.
“Did they conduct any risk assessment?” Is their desire to show off their smart credentials more important than safety?
Another user on Twitter replied that the colorful crossings also confuse police horses.
A video of Mounted Officers stopping at a Rainbow Flag one in Sheffield last Year was attached. The animals were refusing to walk on it.
Camden Council, which decides on where new crossings are built, unveiled the latest four-way one yesterday to celebrate transgender awareness week.
It is at the junction of Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street, believed to be the second in the country after Sutton and is painted blue, pink and white.
According to the council, it took safety precautions and had performed an audit prior to installing the design.
Abdul Hai stated that Camden was renowned as a place where hate is not welcome and an area with a rich history of supporting everyone.
“These stunning crossings, which are an amazing visual statement to celebrate transgender awareness and also act as a reminder about the rich LGBT+ history in Camden and Bloomsbury should prove to be a strong draw to this area.
This latest crossing is the second in the borough that featured a rainbow flag last month to celebrate Pride Month.
Last week a coalition of groups representing millions of disabled people wrote to Mr Khan warning him the colourful crossings were dangerous.
The collective – made up of organisations including the Royal National Institute for the Blind, Guide Dogs and Scope – said they hurt some people.
The Mayor was open to receiving their letter.
Additionally, those with learning difficulties might have difficulty understanding abstract artworks as crossings.
A Twitter user responded that police horses also seem baffled at the colorful crossings. The user attached video showing mounted police officers standing at the rainbow flag in Sheffield last year, refusing to let their horses walk on it.
Sadiq Khan (London Mayor) joined Yinka Ilori, an award-winning street artist, to launch a series eye-catching commissions for street art on Tottenham Court Road
He announced in May 2021 that he would be ‘turning central London into a large outdoor art gallery’ along with London designer Yinka Ilori
Khan quickly responded, stating that he was moving to “introduced a temporary suspension on the installation any new colourful crossings on its network”.
He said that he was concerned about reading the letter, and how it could have a negative effect on people with disabilities.
It was seen by the Mayor as an embarrassment that the project had been delayed, whose cost is not known.
With Londoner Yinka Ilori, he declared that he wanted to transform central London into a large outdoor art gallery in May 2021.
In September, he spoke with him about London as the cultural capital of the globe. Yinka’s bold and bright pedestrian crossings are a beautiful representation of our city.
They are an excellent way to introduce the Let’s Do London fall campaign.
“There are many wonderful festivals, events and activities in the capital over the next few months. We’re ready to entertain people from around the UK as well as the rest of the world.”
As part of the London Design Festival, artist Yinka Ilori unveils her eye-catching street art on Tottenham Court Road.
However, the Transport For All coalition noticed immediate problems with many people who are disabled.
The Mayor was informed by the Open Letter.
Crossing the roads safely is crucial for accessing and navigating our urban environment.
“The availability of safe crossing points is important for everyone’s ability to and desire to use the streets. This is particularly crucial when it comes to allowing disabled persons to walk.
“The last 18 months has seen many changes to streetspace.
“London adapted to the pandemic by transforming its streets. There were widened sidewalks and trafficcalming measures. Additional space was created for cyclists.
“Many of these modifications were implemented quickly and without consultation with people with disabilities. In many cases, they failed to recognize negative effects and take action against them.
“This matter has been carefully considered and discussed. In March, TfL published an updated version their Streetspace guidance to Boroughs. This emphasised the importance and necessity of engaging with people with disabilities.
“Given all the examples and learning opportunities, it’s disappointing to see another scheme follow these same patterns.”
The Asphalt Art Project is a great example of what can happen when meaningful engagement fails: Unfortunately, it results in programs that are not inclusive or accessible.
“We have identified the adverse effects these schemes will have upon disabled people and the contradiction between the schemes and the safety commitments made by Vision Zero. Also, we have expressed concern regarding the Equality Impact Assessment process for crossings and about engagement.
‘We hope that your reply will address these issues, and will clarify whether London truly is open to everyone – including disabled Londoners and visitors.’
The designs can be dangerous and cause pain for people with disabilities, according to disability campaigners.
Khan responded quickly and insisted that consultations had taken place with disability organizations before approval was granted.
He admitted that he was concerned about reading the letter, and how it could have a negative effect on people with disabilities.
I can confirm that the Greater London Authority was in close contact with London Borough of Camden (which is responsible for the roads used to carry out these projects) and that safety was a priority of project partner teams. The Highway Authorities completed an Equalities Impact Assessment as well as a Road Safety Assessment. A number of charities and disability groups were also consulted. Based on the feedback, modifications were made to enhance the design of the crossings.
‘In view of growing concern regarding the negative effects of colourful crosswalks on disabled persons, and new research that Transport for London (TfL) recently received, I asked TfL for a temporary halt on any new crossings being installed on its network.
“TfL” will be also advising the boroughs to suspend future colourful crossing projects.
“Over the next twelve months, TfL is developing new guidelines for London regarding the use of artwork on crossings. It will also engage meaningfully with organizations representing the needs of people with disabilities. Transport for All and I would be honored to participate in this.
“I trust that you will find my reply reassuring. I have listened carefully to your concerns and am determined to make London more inclusive.
‘I am passionate about making London open for everyone and that includes improving the transport network and London’s streets, making them accessible for older and disabled people and removing barriers where they exist.
“The colorful crossings in Tottenham Court Road, London and the City of London form part of an international project known as Asphalt Art.
“The purpose of this project is to revive and revitalize public spaces using the power and art to draw Londoners and tourists back to central London.