After the repairs at the tram stop in front of the Main Railway Station an unwelcome situation emerged. Photo: @BrnoDaily
Brno, September 1 (BD) – The guidelines on the pavement for blind people are not very functional as they get interrupted by obstacles such as trashcans, benches, information signs or advertisements.
The problem was spotted after the renovation of the platform and widely criticised by Brno citizens.
According to Barbora Lukšová from the Brno Transport Company, the workers created the pavement correctly. “We have followed the requirements for barrier-free buildings,” she said to Brnensky Denik.
The regulations state that there should be no obstacles to the guidelines. “I’m sorry that the builders do not consult these things with experts or blind people in advance”, said Hana Bubeníčková director of TyfloCentre in Brno.
Using the guideline is not easy for those with visual problems. “This is not functional. You’re still avoiding things, whether it is people or objects, and then we take two steps further and we can end up on the tracks”, one of those who pointed out the poor design of the guidelines, the blind Josef Konečný explained for Brnensky Denik.
As a solution, the blind proposed a creation of two lines along the platform sides. “They should be at a safe distance from the tracks and from the trash cans and benches in the middle”, Konečný added.
The management of Brno transport company promised to resolve the situation as soon as possible. By the end of September the new guidelines will be ready. The cost of the new pavement is estimated at 45,000 CZK.
