For the first time ever in London guide dogs will be allowed on escalators in order to get to subways systems and the Tube transport under changes to an “antiquated” bylaw. The move will affect trained assistance and police dogs on the Tube, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground. The change in is response to recent research carried out by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association which proved that dogs can be trained to use a moving escalator.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “The modernization of this antiquated bylaw helps make the Tube more accessible for all and is the fruit of some excellent collaborative work between Transport for London and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.”
Guide Dogs Police Dogs and their owners and handlers will have to go through a short specialized training in order to learn how to use the escalators safely but once they do they will have full access to the transportation system which will allow for more access to these systems for the blind. This is a big step in creating more independence for the blind who live in London for the first time in History. Before dogs would have to be carried down the escalator or the patron would need to find stations with access to elevators or stairs in order to get up and down.
Hi,
Thanks for stopping by returning the love 🙂