Front Street: Creating a more accessible destination
Creating a more accessible destination is a key priority of the scheme. We have worked with other departments to incorporate accessibility improvements across the project wherever possible.
York tactile paving trial
Tactile paving is essential for some people with sight loss to determine boundary of the footway and carriageway where they meet at the same level. However, tactile paving can be difficult and uncomfortable to cross for wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties.
During phase 2 we are working with the council’s Access Officer to trial a wheelchair friendly tactile crossing. This will be installed within the tactile paving at the new wide crossing near the Halifax bank and comprises a double strip of smooth paving through the blister/ tactile paving which enables a smoother journey for all wheel users.
The Access Officer will gather feedback and report findings to the Department of Transport.
Improved blue badge parking
Phase 2 will deliver newly marked out blue badge parking spaces at:
- at Halifax/Cooplands - two fully accessible, cross hatched parking spaces
- at Cross Street - three fully accessible spaces, one cross hatched space at the west end of Front Street, which sits alongside a new shared pedestrian/ cycle route through Cross Street to upgraded accessible toilet block. Two new parallel blue badge parking spaces will be created within the layby on York Road, and the island will be extended to provide a safe route to the toilet block
- at School Street there will be one fully accessible cross hatched parking space which in turn facilitates easier cycling access than currently experienced
Crossings for level access
Kerbs and bollards previously restricted where people using mobility aids or pushchairs could cross Front Street within the shopping area.
Phase 2 will create two wide generous raised crossings for level access, one near the Halifax bank, and the other as part of the new central space.
A new formal crossing point will be created between the Morrisons junction and the roundabout where people currently cross informally. This involves removing one set of railings to allow pedestrians to cross in a direct line, adding tactile paving, and enlarging the existing middle island so people can cross more safely in two stages.
Wayfinding signage
The signage was designed in consultation with the Access Officer to include a contrasting border, font size, suitable font and the addition of accessible toilet symbols.
Cross Street toilets
Upgrade the facilities to provide two new accessible unisex toilets, with a right hand and a left hand transfer option.
Background
These build upon Phase 1 accessibility improvements as outlined below.
- trial of two new standard for accessible seating which included high contrast armrests for additional support and improved visibility, high back support, better thermal materials that are less cold to the touch, sufficient space for wheelchair users, recycled materials to reduce long term maintenance costs and help improve our environmental impact. A preferred model was chosen by users and phase 2 will include nine of these accessible benches located between the Halifax bank and Acomb Working Men’s Club
- two benches will be designated as “Happy to Chat” benches, an initiative by Age Friendly York, to reduce social isolation and encourage people who may be without company to have a chat
- replacement cycle racks were installed which included a new style of cycle rack for non-standard or cargo bikes, to allow adapted cycles to be secured, accessed, and dismounted with ease. The new racks have markings to contrast with the paving, end tapping rails at ground level to assist cane users and visibility, clear adaptive and cargo bike signage, and dropped kerbs to facilitate access