Recent concepts that are being introduced into both town centres and residential streets are 'shared space' and ‘Home Zones’ schemes. These very often include areas where the traditional kerb and carriageway have been removed. As a result, space is shared between pedestrians and vehicles. Some people claim that these schemes create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, because motorists are supposedly more conscious of their speed and actions.

However, there is much concern that designers are not taking into account the access requirements of disabled people within these schemes. There are particular concerns for the safety of visually impaired people negotiating and wayfinding within this space.

A fair amount of research has been completed to investigate this issue further. Information is available from the following websites:

• Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) – Design Standards for Home Zones

• Guide Dogs – www.guidedogs.org.uk/sharedsurfaces

• Home Zones – www.homezones.org.uk