Camden Council placed a cross in trans colors at Tavistock Place to honour the child gender clinic that was controversial in London Borough. It ignored safety concerns regarding blind and elderly people.
On Monday, the new cross was placed on Tavistock Place. It is meant to “help celebrate transgender awareness” and also serve as a reminder about Camden’s rich LGBT+ history.
Planning documents reveal that council officials approved crossing, despite opposition from some groups who feared it might compromise the safety of the most vulnerable.
Council was informed by the Royal National Institute for the Blind that crossings with colorful designs can cause confusion for blind people and present safety hazards for those who are unable to see.
Transport for London’s Independent Disability Advisory Group stated that individuals with dementia or learning disabilities may have trouble identifying the crossing because it is different from the ‘norm.
They also cautioned that crossings could confuse drivers and older people.
The group also noted that sensory sensitive people may have trouble identifying the kerb edge. This could lead to anxiety for Autistic people. It was also mentioned that people with vision impairments can have trouble identifying the kerb edge.
Similar concerns over the installation of colourful crosses across London prompted these worries. Those warning forced Mayor Sadiq Khan to pause the installation of any more colourful displays across the London transport network.
Camden Council, however, decided that the installation of trans-flag crossing would be allowed regardless of its Equality Impact Assessment.
It responded to the concerns by stating that it didn’t have enough information about the harmful effects of crossings: “We don’t believe the proposed activity will discriminate against any protected groups. It is an opportunity to offer a more inclusive experience for both residents and tourists through the artwork.
“There are opportunities for residents and visitors to be made aware of transgender issues. Local businesses can also recover from the impacts of the pandemic. This will help to strengthen local pride and community cohesion. The activity is unique and the information available on possible equality effects and mitigations is not yet complete.
According to a spokesperson, the signs are located on Camden-managed roads. Transport for London works closely with us and will be taking their suggestions into consideration when we plan future colourful crossings. Camden will work closely with disabled groups in order to obtain feedback about the crossings, which are now fully operational.
Additionally, it was confirmed by the council that Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the UK’s only service to help children identify their gender, inspired the decision to place the crossing at Tavistock Place.
The trans flag colors were used to paint the crossing points of Tavistock Place in Camden and Marchmont Street, Camden, London. This was done to mark transgender awareness week
Camden council confirmed that the controversial Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the UK’s only gender identity development service for children, served as inspiration for the placement of the crossing, on Tavistock Place
Camden’s new trans crossing: The Zebra crossing, in the colors of the transgender flag’s colours has been called ‘dangerous’ as it represents a significant departure from traditional black-and-white lines.
Camden councillor Danny Beales (centre) pictured with Mayor of Camden, Cllr Sabrina Francis at the new trans crossing on Marchmont Street, in the north London borough.
The crossing on Marchmont Street in Camden before it was altered by the colourful design. Yesterday’s announcement came despite Sadiq Khan having to stop the installation because disability groups had warned that they could be dangerous.
Growing controversy surrounds the treatment of gender dysphoria in young men at London’s Tavistock Clinic.
In recent years, the number of boys wanting to have sex with their friends has risen dramatically. The number of girls referred to physicians for treatment of gender issues in England rose from 40 to 1,806 between 2009 and 2017.
The High Court made a historic decision last December that said children below 16 who have gender dysphoria can only consent to hormone-blocking treatment if they understand the long-term and immediate consequences.
Judges ruled that consenting to treatment by a 13-year-old child is highly unlikely and it’s doubtful that any child under 14 would accept it.
The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust appealed against the June ruling.
Appeal judges ruled that doctors shouldn’t need to be approved by a court in order to treat patients. This was a surprising judgment.
Keira Bell, a 24-year old woman who started taking puberty blocksers at 16 and then ‘detransitioning’ later on, brought the original case against Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.
Some critics argued that the use of puberty-blockers can make children infertile, and may have long-lasting effects on their sexual function and bone health.
Bell expressed disappointment with the outcome and stated she felt the case had shed light on a medical scandal which was harming children.
Camden council approved the Tavistock Clinic, and the history of the region’s support for trans people influenced the decision to place the crossing at Tavistock Place.
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.
Today, locals had mixed opinions about the installation.
Louis Fodderie (36), a Camden-based gardener, said to MailOnline that he thinks it can confuse the white crossing line. I don’t know how it is going to affect disabled people. Although it looks fantastic on the streets, what’s the point of all this?
Anya Unterwejer, a hairdresser from Camden, 47, said: ‘It’s a good thing but I didn’t know what the colours meant when I saw it. It’s better for them to just explain it.
Debbie Williams, 62-year-old Camden Carer, stated: “I like it.
The button can still be pressed by the visually impaired, so they have enough. I just don’t know what I would tell kids.’
“Would you ask them?” Or could they only see the colours?
Medical student Taylor Burdett, 19, said: ‘I think it’s cool. I’ve seen the other ones with the rainbow flag so I think this is cool.
It makes sense to me if there is a zebra crossing. I’m personally not visually impaired and I’ve never had a guide dog so I can’t really comment. Crossings are a positive idea, I believe.
One man asked if the desire of the council to “flaunt its woke credentials” was more important than safety for disabled people.
Scope, the Royal National Institute for the Blind, Guide Dogs and Scope said that the Asphalt Art Project, which was also referred to as the London Mayor’s Project, had caused people pain.
Paul Embery from the Trade Union shared footage of a dog that panicked while trying to get across a Lambeth crossing.
Ava must be continually reassured in order to continue moving forwards, even though the road is clear of traffic. She is confused when asked where she can find it and she whines while she looks around.
M. Embery said: “This is genuinely troubling. These councils who spend money on pride and transflag crossings should be aware of this.
“Did they conduct any risk assessment?” Do they think their need to be a woke person is 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 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.
Another crossing was held in the same borough, this time with a rainbow flag marking 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.
Open letter sent to Mayor de la Garza revealed that some people who have light sensitivities and are visually impaired found this bright art ‘painful’.
Additionally, those with learning difficulties might have difficulty understanding abstract artworks as crossings.
Khan replied quickly, declaring that he would ‘introdue a temporary stop on the installation or any new colorful crossings on its networks’.
He confessed that he was worried about “the issues raised in your letter” and the potential negative effects of these crossings on the disabled.
The patchwork patterns are believed to confuse police horses and guide dogs.
Another Twitter user claimed that the rainbow flags also confuse police horses. A video was attached by the user showing how mounted officers stopped at a Sheffield rainbow flag last year and refused to allow their animals to cross 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 massive outdoor art gallery’ along with London designer Yinka Ilori
Before it was altered by London’s designer, the crossing at Tottenham Court Road looked like this.
The Gloucestershire County Council said in September 2013 that rainbow crossings must be compared to pink tactile pavement for people with vision impairments.
The report concluded that they are not appropriate for all crossing locations. Any proposed sites must be thoroughly assessed to reduce the risks to both road users and County Council.
A letter was also sent by the Department of Transport to the Council.
It has no legal significance and could therefore be included within the crossing posts at signal-controlled crossings or at pedestrian facilities at junctions.
“Any authority that uses these must consider their possible impacts on road users. This could be done through risk assessment.
In other places, postponement of Mayor of London’s Project – for which the cost is unknown- was seen by Mayor as an embarrassment.
He announced in May 2021 that he would be transforming central London into an outdoor gallery of art with London designer Yinka Ilori.
He said to the artist, September: “London is the capital of culture in the world. Yinka’s vibrant and bold pedestrian crossings perfectly represent our city.
“They are a great way to promote the Let’s Do London autumn campaign.
“There are many fantastic festivals, events, and activities happening in London in the next months. We are open to welcoming and entertaining visitors from all over the UK and the globe.
However, the Transport For All coalition noticed immediate problems with many people who are disabled.
The Mayor was informed by the Open Letter.
“Crossing roads safely is an important part of our urban environment and our access to our community.
“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.
The streets of London were changed as London responded to the pandemic. They had widened the pavements and added space for bicycles.
“Many changes in the current environment were made quickly, without proper engagement from disabled people. Many of them failed to address negative consequences and took steps to mitigate them.
“This issue has been extensively discussed, and TfL released a revised version of its guidance for Boroughs on Streetspace in March 2012. This highlighted the importance of engaging disabled people.
“Given all the examples and learning opportunities, it’s disappointing to see another scheme follow these same patterns.”
“The Asphalt Art Project” shows what happens when meaningful engagement is not achieved: It sadly leads to schemes that are neither inclusive nor 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.’
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.
As part of London Design Festival’s September event, Artist Yinka Ilori unveiled her striking street art at Tottenham Court Road.
Campaigners for disability claim the designs pose a danger to some, and can even lead to pain in some cases.
I would like to assure that the Greater London Authority collaborated closely with London Borough of Camden (which are responsible for the roads crossings) to execute these projects. The public safety aspect was also a priority of project partner teams.
Each Highway Authority conducted an Equalities Impact Assessment as well as a Road Safety Assessment. A number of charities and disability organizations were also consulted. Based on the information received, modifications were made to enhance the design of crossings.
“In the light of rising concern regarding the detrimental effects of colourful crosswalks on disabled persons, and the new research that Transport for London (TfL) has recently received, I asked TfL for a temporary halt to the installation of any new crossings on its network.
“TfL” will advise boroughs that they temporarily suspend future projects for colourful crossings.
“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 should agree to join this effort.
“I hope you feel reassured by my answer that I have listened and taken into consideration the concerns of disabled people. My commitment is to making London accessible for everyone.
‘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 colourful crosses in Tottenham Court Road and City of London were part of the worldwide Asphalt Art project.
“The goal is to revitalize and transform public space through art and draw Londoners back to central London.