The use of dropped kerbs and tactile surfaces at pedestrian crossing points.

This circular describes a suitable tactile surface, which can be used to mark dropped kerbs at pedestrian crossing points, and presents advice on its use. It replaces Disability Unit Circular 1/86. The tactile surface is in the form of slabs with studs, and enables blind pedestrians to identify both controlled and uncontrolled crossing points, and align themselves in the correct direction for safe crossing. For controlled crossings, the two possible layouts for the tactile area are `L' shapes and `T' shapes. For crossings of side streets, the crossings should preferably be located so that the dropped kerb is inset into the road beyond the tangent point. Crossing points on both sides of the street should be directly opposite each other. For uncontrolled inset crossings, there are special layouts. For crossings away from junctions, the tactile surface should be laid from the kerb to the back of the footway. Diagrams illustrate the details of the crossing layouts and tactile surface patterns.