Danger: Ernie Drew and guide dog Chip are stranded at a Lara pedestrian railway crossing without a warning system for the blind.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A LACK of funding to fit warning equipment is threatening the safety of blind pedestrians at Geelong traffic lights, according to a representative body.
Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) Geelong and Districts branch secretary Bob Claffey said several locations urgently required audio tactile warning systems.
“VicRoads only has funding for limited number of sets each year and they have lots of guidelines to follow,” Mr Claffey said.
“The policy now appears to place a pedestrian refuge in centre of the road, which provides no assistance to the blind. How are we expected to cross the road without assistance to get to it?”
Mr Claffey said access to South Geelong and Lara railway stations was particularly difficult for the blind.
“The bus stop at South Geelong is across the road from the station but the blind have no way to cross the road because there are no traffic lights there.
“We have members who either take a taxi at extra expense or use a longer, convoluted but safer route to get to the station.
“The blind can only follow routes where the audio tactile systems have been installed.”
Mr Claffey said BCA had initiated a campaign called Leap of Faith “because that’s what it is for a blind person”.
The campaign was lobbying VicRoads, council and Victoria’s Traffic Accident Commission on behalf of blind pedestrians.
“We’re also getting details from our members on crossings they find difficult to use to help the authorities prioritise their funding,” Mr Claffey said.
“It would be better to spend the money on locations where the blind most need it.”
