Mobility and disability access report makes 90 recommendations
5 April 2013
A detailed 117-page audit of mobility spaces and street accessibility has been delivered to Council with 90 recommendations and a projected cost of $610,000.
The independent report commissioned by Council requested an audit of mobility spaces and access routes to - and through - the CBD areas of Cambridge, Kihikihi, Leamington , Pirongia and Te Awamutu, with an emphasis on disabled and elderly residents.
The audit was carried out by CCS Disability Action and council staff and covers mobility spaces, kerb ramps, footpaths, crossings, street furniture, tactiles and traffic management.
An estimated 660,000 New Zealanders live with a disability with nearly 45 percent of adults over 65 years experiencing a disablement of some form.
Waipa has a higher proportion of elderly residents than the national average and many of these people are unable to access the community without some form of support whether using mobility aids such as wheelchairs or mobility scooters that require a flat surface to avoid tripping or falling, and as some disabled persons don't drive, they require safe and level footpaths to reach essential services and to meet their everyday needs.
Two community meetings were held and site visits were carried out with interested parties and information was gathered on a range disability issues that have been highlighted in the report said Waipa District Council Road Corridor Manager Dawn Inglis.
This led to a detailed audit that covers some immediate issues to be addressed, such as steep kerb crossings, but also wider policy issues such as speed limits in the CBD areas and use of blue paint on mobility spaces to highlight their presence to road users.
It's also important that there's a level of mutual respect and courtesy shown by all users of the footpath areas.
During the consultation the issue of the speed at which some mobility scooters are being operated at was raised. As this is something that Council cannot police, we are asking that all users be aware of the presence and needs of others using our footpaths.
Council is already planning to widen the footpath access across the high level bridge in Cambridge to provide enough space for pedestrians and scooter users to safely use the bridge.
Clearly the cost implications of all the recommendations are significant and while some issues can be dealt with immediately some high cost items will need to be addressed through the ten year plan.
Access to community services and facilities for those with mobility or disability issues are an important part of being connected with our community and although not formally required to have a Disability Strategy it might be entirely appropriate for us to consider developing one.
Consideration of disability issues are already embedded in some areas of council business due to our statutory requirements under the Building Act 2004, Employment and Health & Safety legislation, and Council have already indicated they would like to see more done in this area.
The Mobility Spaces and Street Accessibility Audit Report will be presented to the Service Delivery Committee on 9 April 2013.
ENDS
For further information contact
Wayne Green
Manager Community Relationships
Ph: 07 872 0096 or 027 293 9679
Email: wayne.green@waipadc.govt.nz
