Safer Streets survey of guide dog owners

In a survey of guide dog owners carried out by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, 87 per cent cited overgrown hedges and low hanging branches as the greatest obstacle. This was followed by cars parked on pavements (81 per cent), and badly positioned wheelie bins and piles of rubbish (58 per cent). 42 per cent of guide dog owners also encountered major difficulties with shop and restaurant furniture such as outdoor café tables and chairs. Advertising boards and low overhanging canopies obstructing pedestrian walking routes are also a problem.

The survey revealed that lives of guide dog owners would be made easier if litter-louts cleaned up their act. Particular concern was expressed about broken glass (34 per cent) injuring guide dogs' paws and chewing gum (22 per cent) sticking in dogs' hair. Guide dog owner respondents felt endangered by badly fenced roadworks, with concern also expressed about badly maintained pedestrian routes. They feared falling down unprotected holes in pavements, which might be difficult for a guide dog to see in order to navigate its owner around the obstacle. Other unnecessary obstructions identified in the survey included discarded bicycles outside shops, skateboards and badly positioned lamp-posts.