Broader themes

The themes discussed in this section, emerged as cutting across both engagement and design.

Implementation

A number of the responses which expressed support for the principles also brought up questions relating to implementation of these principles in practice.

Some respondents felt it was unclear how and by who the guidance will be used. For instance, one respondent suggested more work is needed to clarify how the principles will work in practice. Some were concerned that the guidance may not be adding anything new.

Even where good designs are adopted, the success of the projects will be reliant on tight control by … project managers … Too often contractors fail on detailing … e.g. … levels of upstands, configuration of tactiles … poor placement of secondary street furniture etc. This needs to be further explored in the guidance.”

Cost

Some respondents were concerned about the cost of what is being proposed in the guidance. They stated that quality in engagement and design can only happen if properly funded.

For example, one respondent was concerned that constraints on funding could limit implementation of effective community engagement. On the design side one respondent noted that controlled crossings cost money to install and maintain, while another suggested new infrastructure design must include planning for the cost of including controlled crossings.

Enforcement

Several responses expressed concern about how these principles will be enforced in practice. It was suggested by one participant that a lack of enforcement may lead to poor quality infrastructure. Another brought this up in the form of concern about how compliance would be monitored, including what penalties, if any, were to be given, and asked for this to be clarified.

Another response stated that disability legislation is good, but it is the carrying out of the Public Sector Equality Duty where this falls short, e.g. public bodies not doing adequate Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA). There was also a suggestion that there is a need for training on EqIA.

Best practice examples from engagement and design

Some of the responses to the consultation contained advice relating to how the document could be more effective. One response suggested providing real world case studies or hypothetical examples of poor engagement methods that have or can result in poor design outcomes, which would help make the guidance relatable. There was also a suggestion that the document could include examples of what inaccessible material and language look like compared to more accessible material and language. Examples of engagement done well, and successful places created as a result, were asked for.

Similarly to engagement, respondents asked for design best practice examples to be included in guidance alongside real life examples in order to demonstrate for instance how a particular crossing could impact disabled people and show the importance of the right design.

Recently completed housing co-design research at the University of Stirling showed that [immersive visualisation] technology can support full and detailed involvement of older people, including those living with dementia, in the environmental design process.”

Other respondents provided examples of case studies they felt illustrated relevant points.

• New cycle paths in Glasgow were the subject of engagement after completion, allowing for the input of visually impaired people and the potential for improvement of the design.
• Engagement in Stirling Council with local people living with dementia, and their carers and families supported and informed the implementation of projects in Stirling city centre, with a focus on what worked well and what was in need of improvement.
• Aberdeen City Council Disability Equity Partnership worked to support informing the design of projects in Aberdeen city centre.