Kerbs are an obstacle for many people, including:
- wheelchair and mobility scooter users
- visually impaired people
- those who have difficulty walking
- people with pushchairs and prams
- shoppers with heavy shopping bags.
Reducing the height of kerbs improves access to shops and services for these people so that, as well as helping to maintain their independence (a key aim for social care and health services), it contributes towards town prosperity.
In November 2007, the Transport and Environment Scrutiny Committee commissioned a review to compare East Sussex with other areas and to assess whether the Council could respond better to requests for dropped kerbs in new locations. The review also assessed whether work is needed to ensure that the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act are being met.
The review board sought the views of a wide range of people, including many with disabilities who have direct experience of requesting or using dropped kerbs.
Summary of recommendations
- To establish a budget for installing and upgrading dropped kerbs.
- To develop a policy to identify priorities for installing new dropped kerbs and upgrading existing sites.
- To design all new dropped kerbs in accordance with Department for Transport guidelines to help resolve some of the design conflicts between different disability groups.
- To make sure that either double yellow lines or white lines are used wherever practicable to deter motorists from parking next to dropped kerbs.
- To make sure that dropped kerbs are introduced at every opportunity with new building developments.
Final report
The final report was considered by:
East Sussex County Council