Request ID: FOI-3661-2324 Date published: 15 February 2024
You asked
I would like to request information relating to what are increasingly referred to as ‘colourful crossings’. These are where traditional road crossings are painted with art or unusual patterns. As an example, here is a link to some examples: Colourful Crossings London - THB (thbuk.co.uk)
I used FOI to gather information on the same subject back 2021, and received a selection of information on the 14th of November 2021 which I am grateful for. Therefore my request is more specific to information that you have since end of November 2021 (in particular I believe you commissioned some research which concluded late last year).
My request is in two parts:
Research on the impact on disabled people (new information, since November 2021)
Given the trend, I imagine TfL will have conducted research on the potential impacts on disabled people. I would therefore request:
• Any formal or informal research on the impacts on disabled people (including blind and partially sighted users, neurodivergent people (autism, dementia etc etc.) and people with mental health conditions.
• Any informal feedback received from disabled people (anonymised of course)
• Any formal feedback solicited by TfL, for example from accessibility and disability forums
• Any advice received from the DfT on the matter
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-3661-2324
Thank you for your request received on 16 January 2024 asking for information about ‘colourful crossings’.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require.
We are currently awaiting a final report from Ross Atkin Associates before updating our policy position on the use of ‘colourful crossings’. This report includes information gained from a series of interviews with stakeholders from organisations involved in installing Colourful Crossings and organisations representing disabled people. These were conducted to identify and fill any gaps in knowledge that had not been covered by the earlier research, and identify points of consensus that could inform policy on Colourful Crossings. The report will be published in due course.
On a national basis, there is no reference to colour being used in designing crossing facilities in the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 6. While the DfT’s Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 5 (Road markings) refers to colour, this is directing that ‘Statutory colours’ are used in road design: ‘The colours white, yellow and red are prescribed for road marking materials’. The use of colourful crossings is not included in the DfT’s Traffic Signs Regulations and Directions 2016 (TSRGD), which means they are not legally endorsed as road markings.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
