Equal Pavements Pledge

Siân Berry AM proposed, and Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM seconded, the altered following motion:

“This Assembly notes that 95 per cent of roads are the responsibility of London boroughs and only 5 per cent belong to the TfL network. This Assembly notes the campaign of Transport for All calling on councils and transport authorities to sign an Equal Pavements Pledge.

This Assembly notes that the majority of disabled people polled by Transport for All were worried that streets remained inaccessible with many streets still lacking even drop kerbs to enable level access along pavements or to cross the street.

This Assembly also notes that disabled people were concerned at the risk of further barriers being presented – either from the way in which changes to streets were delivered, or from al-fresco dining being delivered without consideration for the need for clear access on pavements.

The Equal Pavements Pledge outlines a need to:

• Listen to disabled people, and act
• Keep pavements clear
• Cut pavement clutter
• Reduce the impact of waste removal
• Audit pavements and install drop kerbs where they are missing
• Protect blue badge parking, with relocation kept to a minimum
• Work with disabled experts, committing to co-production of schemes

Furthermore, TfL has hosted a series of working groups with representatives including Transport for All, Disability Rights UK, Inclusion London, Scope and the Royal Institute of Blind People to hear their views, and TfL carries out equality impact assessments on every scheme it leads on. This Assembly agrees that London continues to need investment and progress in making pavements fully accessible, and calls upon the Mayor to work with Transport for London (TfL) and councils in London to respond to the pledge with a comprehensive programme to be delivered in his current term.”

Upon being put to a vote, the motion as altered, was agreed unanimously.