Platform surface bumps for the visually impaired

I presume we're talking 'sub surface' lines that are getting S stock?

If so, the platform alterations are a requirement to satisfy regulations with regard to step free access.

You mean tactile paving!

Depending on the type some become a slip hazard when wet. I have read a case where someone got of a bus and slipped.

I have done so, for one.

You can look a little closer to home, Mr Onion, to see that happen! North Ruislip near the woods; Park Avenue, St. Martins Approach.

Is there any reason why they are always terracotta in colour? Can they be made from other things, for example? Could they be combined into a moulded one-piece nosing stone?

but mostly have around stations or underground

Yes, substantial railway footware may not transmit how uncomfortable the bumps are for some.

Anyone wearing thin soled footware, the elderly and infirm are affected.

I still would love to hear from someone who has experience of the bumps helping the visually impaired. I realy want their introduction to be a positve move so I can accept them.

There is an 'orrible dirty yellow version in rubber also. Can you imagine what St James's Park will look like when they get round to installing it there.

There has been an increase in independent visually impaired people (vip) travelling on the tube over the last few years. More VIPs are now travelling in peak hours which is a sign that those with visual disabilities are experiencing more confidence in using the tube network. Stations - especially the larger interchange stations - do assist a large number of VIPs each week. (LU please note and start adding this vital & important service into your Business Needs!!!).

When I meet a VIP, often you experience a fresh and interesting perspective into the issues that concern them. One recent lady was very vocal about the political correctness surrounding disabilities and said that the vast majority of projects were pointless and the money should be better spent offering direct help to those with disabilities. She stated some of the worse offenders were the charities themselves. I discussed with this lady some of the initiatives that LU use and apart from having staff available - although she normally uses a guide dog so is often independent herself - the tactile paving was the one area in which she said gives her the most confidence to use the network. In a busy environment like a platform when she in concentrating on many different things having the tactile reminder that she is close to the platform edge acted as a warning for her and her dog.

Of course not everyone is the same and not everyone has the same levels of disability.

Given that on LU the tactile paving is one slab wide, the vast majority of people can fairly easily navigate them if they wish and any discomfort would only be minimal anyway. Certainly in preference to anybody with a visual disability ending up seriously injured ( or worse)