Dear Kevin,

Some observations made to proposed plans for Peter Street Ballina

Seating

Seating should be located in sheltered areas where people can have a good view. A 900mm square of firm paving beside a seat will allow a person in a wheelchair to sit with other people. A seat should be no less than 450mm high, although a perch 500-750mm will be easier to use for people with restricted power. I would recommend seats with backrests as they are useful for additional support, and arm rests are also recommended to lean against, as well as assisting in getting up and out of the seat.

Designated Parking Bays

A designated Parking Bay SHOULD is located as near as possible to Quinns Chemist and Dr. Acupuncture to facilitate people with disabilities especially wheelchair users if they wish to get their prescriptions or wish to visit the Dr. Perpendicular bays can be installed when the path is widened (as we discussed). Provide minimum 900mm clear space beside the designated bay so as to facilitate wheelchair transfer from car to footpath. Cars can be driven forward or reversed into the bay, so that the transfer space is at the right side. Provide a 900mm yellow box at back of bay and designated bay painted with BLUE paint with a sign 2200mm high from ground level.

Bollards and Grills

Bollards are often used to stop vehicles mounting the footpaths. Unless positioned carefully they can form a barrier to wheelchair users and people with visual impairments. They should be identified by using contrasting colours, and be minimum 800mm high and 200mm wide.

Grills should have a maximum gap- of 12mm and are perpendicular to direction of pedestrian traffic.

Bicycle Ranks.

Bicycle Ranks should be identified by using contrasting colours and protected from the glare of the sun.

Trees

Avoid planting which exacerbates asthma and other breathing difficulties. Scent even in trees is rarely evident except on warm days in the growing season. Trees can be used to provide shelter for visually impaired people to locate themselves in a space. Planting in public places should be carried out by people with proper training and knowledge.

If the work is carried out accordance with NDA “Building for Everyone” and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people’.

Footpaths

Could you provide a Luminance or tactile strip preferably located in the centre of paths for visually impaired people?

(“Nothing about Us without Us”)

Regards,

Tom