The lack of tactile paving at public transport stations, the high platforms that are inaccessible to persons in wheelchairs and the traffic lights without sound warnings are the problems identified by representatives of the member organizations of the civil platform “Chisinau Accessible to Everyone” as a result of a pedestrian audit in Botanica district, IPN reports.

The intersection of the streets Dacia, Traian and Decebal is a strategic public area. Vitalie Meșter, executive director of the Center for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, said that this should be a comfortable place for everyone, but is one of the most dangerous intersections in the municipality and many accidents with injuries happen there.

Vitalie Meșter noted that this intersection hasn’t been rehabilitated for tens of years. In front of banks, cars are parked in the places intended for persons with disabilities. At the public transport station, tactile paving should be placed for warning persons with visual impairments. Also, the platforms at public transport stations should be at zero level, but they are now about 20 cm higher than the pavement. A person in wheelchair or a mother with a child in baby carriage would find it impossible to mount it.

He recommended that the ramps at crosswalks should be at zero level and the bumps should be removed, while the traffic lights should be equipped with sonorous systems.

The organizers said they will continue to assess other streets and public places, including Ion Creangă St and Moscovei Blvd, which are now under rehabilitation. The campaign was launched on October 13, when the pedestrian mobility was assessed in the park of the Metropolitan Cathedral. As a result of the audit, the organizers will design a plan of action that well be transmitted to the authorities for the comfort of all the social groups to be ensued in the street rehabilitation process.