Increased popularity of al fresco dining in Soho given the current Covid restrictions is causing extra difficulty for wheelchair users navigating the central London district, according to accessibility charity Transport for All.
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It has written to Westminster City Council expressing concerns about the difficulties faced by disabled people in negotiating footways, and has asked what will be done to ensure that clear routes of access are maintained on footways where hospitality venues create outdoor dining space.
It went on to say that businesses must only be granted licences to provide outdoor seating when accessibility requirements are satisfied.
Transport for All also asks what will be done to remove street clutter and what accessibility upgrades, such as dropped kerbs, are planned.
“As a wheelchair user – or a visually impaired person with a guide dog – finding pavements blocked off makes you feel completely excluded,” said the group’s campaign lead Katie Pennick. “Fresh out of shielding and surrounded by people, many of us feel more isolated than ever. The ‘new normal’ has got to include everyone.”
On a recent visit to Soho, the charity identified 10 locations where there are no dropped kerbs and found evidence of waste bins obstructing the footway and even a fixed bollard blocking a dropped kerb.
A Westminster City Council spokesman said: “We are determined to improve the situation to make sure those who have accessibility issues can get around the city with as few problems as possible.
“Temporary accessibility ramps have been installed and are being trialled. We are assessing their suitability, with the aim of rolling additional temporary ramps out across the area. We have installed dropped kerbs where it has been possible in the past, and we are considering options for further locations.”
The council added that letters have been sent to hospitality businesses with pavement licences to remind them to keep pathways clear and inspectors will be ensuring that businesses comply. “We understand Soho’s streetscape can be difficult and we will work with everyone to do what we can to improve any accessibility issues,” the spokesman continued.
(Photograph: Transport for All)
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