Tactile paving surfaces can be used to convey important information to visually impaired pedestrians about their environment, for example, hazard warning, directional guidance, or the presence of an amenity. Research has determined that visually impaired people can reliably detect, distinguish and remember a limited number of different tactile paving surfaces and the distinct meanings assigned to them. The use of blister paving as a warning device at controlled and uncontrolled pedestrian crossing points is now well established. In this document, guidance is given on the use of a number of additional types of tactile surface to give warning of potential hazards and for amenity purposes to give guidance and information. Each type of tactile paving surface should be exclusively reserved for its intended use and consistently installed in accordance with these guidelines. The successful use of tactile paving also depends on visually impaired pedestrians understanding the different meanings assigned to the paving and being made aware of the presence of such facilities in their area. Local authorities are advised to investigate how this information can most effectively be disseminated. The installation of tactile paving surfaces should be considered as part of a wider package of measures to assist visually impaired people. The installation process should involve an assessment of the surrounding environment. In particular, the condition of the surrounding footway should be examined. Street works should be inspected to ensure that the standards of reinstatement of any tactile surface meet the performance requirements of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and the associated codes of practice. With the exception of the delineator strip for shared routes, none of the tactile surfaces described in this document are regarded as traffic signs. They are not, therefore, included in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD), and do not require authorisation.
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