Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) are areas of raised surface domes or cones on the ground designed to support pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision to identify and safely navigate hazards such as stairs, road crossings and platform edges.
Vision Australia believes TGSIs are an essential piece of infrastructure that support the ability of people who are blind or have low vision to be active and independent members of the community.
The installation and maintenance of TGSIs are covered by Australian Standards. As such, councils, developers and similar organisations have an obligation to ensure they are procuring TGSI materials that meet the relevant standards and must meet their responsibilities around installation and maintenance.
Any failure to meet those standards would severely jeopardise the ability of people who are blind or have low vision to safely navigate their surroundings.
Vision Australia is aware of an increase products marketed as TGSIs that have become available in Australia, which likely do not comply with non-slip and contrast standards.
Vision Australia urges the wider community to further understand the need for TGSIs in public spaces and encourages any individual or organisation concerned about the safety of TGSIs to discuss them with us to ensure the needs of people who are blind or have low vision are protected.
