Tactile paving

Tactile paving use

Tactile paving surfaces play an important role. They convey information that vision impaired people can detect with their feet or with a cane.

The consistent and correct use of tactile paving is essential for ensuring that vision impaired people can safely navigate the public realm. While only a small proportion of vision impaired people have no sight at all, many have sufficient residual vision to detect contrasts in tone and colour.

There are six different types of tactile paving, for different purposes:

blister surface for pedestrian crossing points
corduroy hazard warning surface
off-street platform edge warning surface
on-street platform edge warning surface
segregated shared cycle-track footway surface
guidance path surface

Tactile paving should be an integral part of the design and not an afterthought. It should be integrated with the surrounding paving, be well maintained and consistently applied.

Additional resources

Inclusive Mobility

Provides guidance on the use of tactile paving.

Inclusive Mobility

Guidance on the use of tactile paving surfaces

This guidance report provides detailed technical advice on the use of tactile paving.

Guidance on the use of tactile paving surfaces

Tactile paving in the historic environment in Streets for All

Advice on incorporating tactile paving into the historic environment by Historic England.

Streets for All

ATE route check tool

SA04 identifies the requirement for tactile materials to identify trip hazards. ST18 and PA20 relate to the general use of tactile paving along active travel routes and assess their compliance with the relevant guidance

ATE route check tool