COMPANIES in Weymouth Harbor could face enforcement action for blocking sidewalks with tables, chairs and A-boards.
The Dorset Council has responded to concerns raised by a number of disabled residents who say they are facing significant challenges caused by the hospitality on the sidewalks at Custom House Quay.
The council said it was aware of the problems with items blocking pedestrian access on both sides of the port and warned that companies could violate license terms.
A local disabled person felt humiliated after tripping over obstacles outside a restaurant and said he felt like the staff assumed he was drunk.
“People are being forced onto the streets where cars are driving at breakneck speeds,” he said. “I am very concerned that a child could be killed or seriously injured. I used to enjoy walking along the harbor – now I rarely go there except early in the morning as the crowds and lack of space on the sidewalks make it an absolute nightmare. The situation on the Esplanade is not much better. ”
Meanwhile, a blind lady is supposed to be helped off the ground after a fall on Custom House Quay because obstacles and many pedestrians make the use of a walking stick practically impossible.
The council said it was also aware of the problems caused by the placement of billboards on the sidewalks across the port.
As reported, the Dorset Council took temporary measures at the port earlier this year to create outdoor seating areas so hospitality companies can serve customers outdoors when the lockdown is eased.
The program will be made permanent in the fall – and the council said it includes changes to make the area more accessible to pedestrians, including people with disabilities.
A Dorset Council spokesman said: “Weymouth is expected to be very busy this summer and through the temporary program we have ensured that the needs of port companies and pedestrians of all abilities are met as much as possible. We work under the direction of the national government to support hospitality businesses wherever possible to maximize outdoor space.
“The floor plan at Custom House Quay is temporary and is being carefully monitored with changes being made to the permanent plan. Implementation should start in the fall. We know that wheelchair users can now access and use parts of the harbor footpath that previously would not have been possible or would have been very difficult to use as a parking lot.
Changes have been made to the Custom House Quay
“The permanent regulation will ensure that there are free sidewalks on both sides of the carriageway and that pedestrians in side streets are given more priority. For visually impaired users, the regulation makes side streets safer to drive through tactile pavement at all intersections, which currently none of the footpaths in this area has.
“Some of the footpaths in this area are less than a meter wide, and with very high pedestrian flows and the need for social distancing, it is very difficult to ensure clear space at all times, especially when pedestrians are queuing on the footpaths.”
“In the short term, we are aware that there are problems with the companies advancing into the sidewalk area on the north side (Custom House Quay) and building A-boards on the south side, and we will continue to enforce where this violates their licenses. ”