The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) said that it welcomes the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s position paper entitled ‘Ensuring safe and unobstructed mobility on public pavements and in public places’ and encourages the relevant authorities to consider its recommendations.

Since the publication of the Policy, Guidance and Standards for Outdoor Catering Areas on Public Open Space in 2016, CRPD said it has received several reports related to outdoor furniture affecting pedestrian footpaths.

CRPD explained that it is currently monitoring 25 ongoing cases involving public spaces that have become difficult to access for persons with disabilities due to outdoor furniture placement.

As CRPD went on to say that it does not hold direct enforcement powers, however it does reach out with various entities to request the removal of obstructions. In doing so, it has noted that responsibilities for enforcement are sometimes interpreted differently among authorities.

“While the 2016 policy is aligned with accessibility rights outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which forms part of Maltese law, enforcement has not always reflected this. This can limit disabled people’s ability to move freely in public spaces,” said Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disability, Rhoda Garland. She emphasised CRPD’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to support safe and accessible use of pavements and walkways for everyone.

CRPD stated that it agrees with the Ombudsman’s statement that “Accessibility must be integrated at the earliest stages of urban planning, not treated as an afterthought.” Ms Garland added that CRPD continually promotes this principle in its role as consultee to the Planning Authority and in its engagement with the planning and building sectors.

File photo

Permalink: CRPD welcomes Ombudsman’s position paper on public space accessibility