Issue - meetings

•  We can make it easier for people with limited or no vision by:

•  Trimming overhanging plants; these can hit people, sometimes in the face.

•  Putting rubbish bags and Christmas trees, where there is plenty of room - not by trees which makes the footway very narrow.

•  Parking on forecourts so that all of the vehicle is within the boundary of the property.

•  Keeping dogs under control and on leads when on the street.  Eight to 10 Guide dogs are maimed every month by other dogs.

•  Asking local shops and businesses to keep street clutter to a minimum.  Cafe tables are good but complicated to move around.  A boards and other signage need to be kept close to the wall and grouped together.  Dave said that Enfield was quite good in this respect.

•  Remember that Guide dogs are working dogs.  If you want to pet one, ask the owner first.

•  Do come and chat if you see someone in the Guide Dogs blue uniform.

•  Do visit wwww.guidedogs.org.uk

•  In response to a question on Cycle Enfield, Dave said that Enfield had contacted Guide Dogs for the Blind and they are working with the council to offer their expertise.
Bicycles are difficult for blind people because they are silent; cycle lanes like ours that follow DoT guidance are needed to separate cyclists from pedestrians.

•  In response to a question about having more sound signals at intersections, Dave said that this can be confusing where there ar several roads.  He said that the tactile information on pedestrian crossings is helpful.  This picture shows the tactile button on a controlled crossing which turns when it is safe to cross: