Councillors highlight the importance of the Street Charter for Exeter

Published: 7 August 2019

Councillors have experienced the difficulties people affected by sight loss face navigating a cluttered city centre.

They wore restricted vision glasses designed to replicate sight problems in order to experience the obstacles faced by people with sight or mobility difficulties on a daily basis.

Councillors heard from resident Marilyn Lant, who has long campaigned for better access for people with sight difficulties.

Last year the City Council jointly launched the Exeter Street Charter with Devon County Council.

It highlights good practice in avoiding clutter, like A Boards, street furniture and other obstructions on pavements and walkways.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk, who took part in the walkabout, said: “Experiencing the problems people with sight or mobility difficulties have in being able to safely get around the city reinforces the need to ensure everything possible is done to remove unnecessary obstacles which clutter our streets.

“The Council adopted the Street Charter for Exeter last year, and it is important that the measures it sets out to ensure clear access at all times are enforced.”

The Street Charter for Exeter states: “Exeter City Council and Devon County Council are committed to ensure that all pedestrians, especially those affected by sight loss or mobility difficulties, can fully participate in and enjoy the local built environment, without feeling unsafe or concerned about walking into an obstacle.”

The Charter can be accessed can be accessed here