Skip to main content

The use of tactile surfaces at rail stations (T158)

Status of Publication: Published/Completed
Date produced: 2005
Commissioned/Funded by: Rail Safety and Standards Board
Authoring organisation/Author affiliation: Transport Research Laboratory
Type of Resource: Research
Impairment area(s): Vision
Transport mode(s): Train
Journey stage: Waiting and interchanging
Region: United Kingdom (all countries)

Document summary

This research was carried out for RSSB by TRL and follows the literature review already undertaken to investigate the type and location of tactile surfaces at stations. The final report of the project contains the original literature review as appendix A. The research addressed issues such as: the differences in current standards for various public places; preferences and recommendations of stakeholder groups; possible inconsistencies in approach that need to be resolved; whether current guidance for tactile surfaces is logical and consistent or makes it overly difficult or expensive to add tactile surfaces to existing areas. It also looked at whether alternative approaches are feasible; whether existing tactile surfaces create additional safety risk; whether any such risk is greater than the risks tactile surfaces are designed to mitigate; and what mitigations are practicable. This research concluded that the benefits to vision impaired people by the provision of tactile surfaces at stations outweighed any additional risk to passengers from slips, trips or falls.

ncat is not responsible for any content, information or views shared on third party websites. All opinions, statements, or representations made by individuals or external organizations are their own and do not reflect the views or policies of ncat. When using the Resource Collection, if you find any broken links or require help and support, please click to launch an email to resourcecollection@ncat.uk