Charlottetown should install audio signals at crosswalks, says CNIB

Charlottetown needs to make its crosswalks safer for visually impaired people especially in the summer when traffic is heaviest, says the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

It is hoping to work with the city to get audio signals installed at key intersections.

"In the downtown core, I think it's more of an issue just because we have such a high volume of traffic," said Christine Arsenault, an orientation and mobility specialist with CNIB.

"With the summer months coming up and because in Charlottetown we have a lot of tourists, it would be really nice to see some thought go into having it put in for summertime."

Maria Power of Charlottetowntold CBC News she risks getting hit by a car every time she crosses the street with her guide dog. Arsenault said she has received similar complaints from severalCNIB clients.

Grafton and Queen particularly worrisome

The city currently has no audio signals at its downtown intersections. The CNIB wants to consult with the city about where they are mostneeded. The intersection at Grafton and Queen streets would a be a good place to start, Arsenault said.

"That tends to be one that a lot of our clients are nervous at," she said.

The intersection at Prince and Euston streets did have audiopedestrian signals, but they were removed because some nearby residents complained they were too loud late at night, the city said.

The city said it plans to replace the audio signals at that busy intersection, but will have to review its budget before committing to more.

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