Visual Contrast and Good Quality Lighting

All potential obstacles should contrast visually with the background against which they will be viewed.

 

Incorporating colour/tonal contrast to highlight different use areas within a street scene, either by contrasting whole areas or by clear banding at interfaces, is beneficial for all users, but especially for blind and partially sighted people, and can also enhance design. Note that visual contrast alone is not sufficient, physical detectability is also required.

 

Good lighting is essential to enhance feelings of personal safety, to identify routes and obstacles, and to gather information provided by, for example, signage and visual contrast.

 

Lighting should be designed to address the needs of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Lighting should not cause undue or confusing shadows and be designed to deliver a uniform illumination at surface level.

 

The selection of light sources (bulbs and lamps) should also take into account how their colour rendering performance will affect issues such as visual contrast.

 

Management practices should be in place to ensure that lighting is appropriately maintained.