FAQ: Barriers to accessibilty

BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is delivering a programme of improvements across the North West to make the trunk road network more accessible.

These works support our commitment to creating a network that is safer, more reliable and easier to use, particularly for pedestrians and those with mobility needs.

1. What is a barrier to accessibility?
   A barrier to accessibility is anything that makes it more difficult for people to use or move through an environment safely, independently and with dignity. Barriers may be physical, sensory, cognitive or informational. Barriers may also affect people with learning disabilities, neurodivergent conditions and other non-visible disabilities.
2. Why is BEAR Scotland removing barriers to accessibility?
   Transport Scotland considers the needs of disabled people in fulfilling its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010. BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is delivering improvements across the North West and South East trunk road networks to make it safer, more reliable and easier to use for everyone, particularly pedestrians and people with mobility needs.
3. Who benefits from accessibility improvements?
   Accessibility improvements benefit anyone walking, wheeling or cycling alongside the trunk road network. This includes but is not limited to: disabled people; elderly people and children; people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other wheeled mobility aids; people with temporary injuries; parents with pushchairs; and people carrying shopping or luggage.
4. What types of barriers to accessibility are commonly found on trunk roads?
   Barriers typically include, but are not limited to:
   • Trip hazards, such as uneven surfaces, potholes, or damaged paving
   • Unsuitable or non-standard kerbing and footpaths that are difficult to navigate for wheelchair users, mobility aid users, or visually impaired pedestrians
   • A lack of safe and accessible crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists
   • Non-standard or restricted footway widths that do not provide adequate space for all users
   • Excessive or unnecessary street furniture that obstructs pedestrian movement or visibility
   • Non-standard bus stop arrangements that reduce accessibility for public transport users, including those with mobility or sensory impairments
5. How can uneven surfaces affect accessibility?
   Uneven surfaces, potholes and damaged paving can create trip hazards and make it difficult for wheelchair users, people using walking aids, and those with visual impairments to travel safely.
6. Why are footpaths and kerbs important for accessibility?
   Footpaths and kerbs that are too narrow, poorly designed or do not meet modern accessibility standards can make it more difficult for wheelchair users, people using mobility aids, those with pushchairs and visually impaired pedestrians to travel safely and independently. Accessible designs provide sufficient space and help ensure routes are comfortable and convenient for everyone.
7. What makes a crossing accessible?
   Accessible crossings may include features such as dropped kerbs, tactile paving, pedestrian refuges, suitable crossing widths and, where appropriate, audible or tactile indicators and signal timings. A lack of suitable crossing facilities can create barriers for those walking, wheeling and cycling, particularly those with mobility or sensory impairments.
8. What is ‘street furniture’ and how can it create accessibility issues?
   Street furniture refers to permanent items placed on streets and footways for public use, safety or information, for example, lamp posts, signposts, bollards, litter bins, bus shelters and so on.
   While street furniture serves an important purpose, excessive or poorly positioned street furniture can become a barrier to accessibility where it obstructs pedestrian movement or reduces visibility.
9. Why are accessible bus stops important?
   Bus stops that do not meet accessibility standards can make public transport more difficult to use, especially for people with mobility, visual or sensory impairments.
10. How have BEAR Scotland identified barrier to accessibility?
    A programme of works has been developed to identify a number of locations where accessibility improvements can be introduced and where barriers experienced by individuals can be further reduced.
    This assessment has identified opportunities to enhance crossing facilities, upgrade footways, and improve routes for people walking, wheeling, and cycling alongside some of Scotland’s key trunk roads.
    As part of this initiative, a number of improvement schemes will now be taken forward for delivery.
11. How are locations selected for improvement?
    Locations are assessed based on factors including existing accessibility issues, opportunities to improve safety and accessibility, coordination with other planned works, and the feasibility of delivering improvements within available funding.
12. How do these improvements benefit local communities?
    By removing barriers to accessibility, the trunk road network becomes more inclusive, helping people travel more safely and independently while improving access to local services, amenities and public transport.
13. Where can I find out more about accessibility on Scotland’s trunk road network?
    Further information is available through Transport Scotland’s Access for All programme, which supports improvements to accessibility across the trunk road network: Trunk road network – access for all | Transport Scotland
    Accessibility improvements are developed with reference to Transport Scotland guidance, accessibility standards and site-specific assessments.