DISABILITY charities have condemned a controversial scheme that would see pavements, traffic lights and crossings removed in a bid to slow traffic through busy Winchester streets.

Civic chiefs are considering introducing the radical traffic measure known as ‘shared space’ on several roads in the city centre.

The concept seeks to remove barriers between pedestrians and vehicles and so slow traffic by making drivers much more aware of their surroundings and other people.

It would mean the removal of traffic lights, pavements, railings, road signs and much street furniture.

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Some psychologists argue that drivers would have to make eye contact with pedestrians.

However, some 20 national charities have come out against the idea, including Leonard Cheshire Disability, RNIB, RNID, MENCAP and Arthritis Care.

They have called for local authorities to stop commissioning shared space schemes.

Tom Pey, a director of Guide Dogs, formerly Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: “We have grave concerns.

“It actively discriminates against blind and partiallysighted people, as well as presenting risks to other groups of disabled and elderly people, and young children.

“The concept, which originated in the Netherlands, is fast gaining support across the UK, and local authorities are keen to embrace principles that would appear to deliver a safe and sustainable future for town and city centres.”

Mr Pey added: “The success of ‘shared spaces’ is dependent on the various users of that space – drivers, cyclists, pedestrians – acknowledging and respecting each other.

“However, if eye contact between driver and pedestrian is the key to success, then the dangers for the UK’s blind and partially-sighted people are clear.”

Mr Pey said there was evidence that blind people have lost the confidence to go into ‘shared space’ areas in other parts of Britain.

The shared space idea was also used as part of the £500,000 facelift of London Road in Southampton where council chiefs introduced crossing points that were deliberately unclear as to whether pedestrians or motorists had right of way.

In Winchester, suggested areas for shared space have been Jewry Street, St George’s Street and the area between King Alfred’s Statue and the Chesil Street roundabout.

The Daily Echo reported in May that traffic officers are finding problems, including the narrow nature of parts of Jewry Street.

The county council is drawing up a new access plan which was due to go for public consultation later this year.