Partnership initiative for visually impaired is first in Wales
- 01/12/06
A booklet providing a range of information for blind and
partially sighted people about facilities at traffic signals has
been produced by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
The Vale is first council in Wales to undertake such an
initiative, delivered in partnership with the Cardiff Institute for
the Blind.
Containing information about facilities provided at all
controlled road crossing points – traffic signals, pelican
crossings, etc – the booklet lists the location of each and whether
they have audio sound signal and/or rotating touch cones.
The knurled rotating touch cone protrudes from the base of the
push button box and, when it's safe to cross, the green man lights
up, the audible bleepers sound and the cone rotates. In this way,
partially sighted people and those with a hearing impairment can
safely cross the road.
The bilingual booklet is produced in large size clear font and,
in addition, the information is available on audio cassette and CD
and also in Braille.
The cassettes are being sent out to members of the Cardiff
Institute for the Blind who receive the ‘Talking Magazine’ – a
monthly audio cassette providing topical information. In addition,
copies of the large font leaflet, cassette and Braille version will
be held in all council offices, libraries, etc, and distributed to
appropriate clubs and societies.
Vale Cabinet Member for Visible Services Cllr Geoff Cox said: "I
am delighted the Council can provide such information in a range of
formats to assist blind and partially sighted to cross the road
safely.”
Operational Manager (Highway Maintenance) Keith Jones said:
"this is the first such booklet to be produced by a local authority
in Wales and I am very pleased that our street lighting and traffic
signal staff were able to work in partnership with the Institute
for the Blind. The leaflets and other packs will be taken and
presented to the four clubs for the visually impaired across the
area.”
Head of Services at the Cardiff Institute for the Blind, Carys
Henry said: ''The Council, by working alongside our consumer group,
has ensured that visually impaired people living in the Vale are
made aware of the location of each safe crossing. We are delighted
with this initiative and compliment the Council on taking this
lead."
Copies of the booklets and other packs will be available free of
charge at main Council Offices or they can be sent out to
residents, clubs, etc, who should contact the Highways Division at
The Alps, Wenvoe, on 029 2067 3000 or by e-mail at visible@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk