Accessibility for people with disabilities and visual/hearing impairments

Summary

The goal of this measure was to increase traffic safety and to improve the accessibility for disabled in the Limassol coast area. To achieve this, Limassol Municipality installed an integrated mobility solution for disabled people for easy access to public beaches.

Implementing sustainable mobility

Creation of a strategic plan

A strategic plan was created, in order to identify the ideal area to implement this measure and to improve the accessibility to the beach. This included the upgrade of the traffic light crossings for the blind and deaf people that desire to cross the coastal front road that leads to the seaside. It also included the establishment of an accessibility ramp for helping people with mobility disabilities enter the water.

Integrated main traffic lights

The Limassol Municipality integrated the existing blind and deaf people system at the main traffic lights of Limassol’s coastal front road.

Ramp and wheelchairs

A ramp for the disabled was placed at the start of the beach. The Limassol Municipality has also purchased two floating wheelchairs, aiming to give the opportunity to people with disabilities to safely enter and enjoy the water.

Stakeholder engagement

The Limassol Municipality collaborated successfully with local, national authorities and organisations of people with disabilities for the implementation of this measure’s activities.

Communication campaigns

The new infrastructure and services were promoted by the Limassol Municipality’s Mayor through press releases and interviews at Local and National level. Communication material was designed and produced to disseminate the project. 

Outcomes

• Increased disabled people’s satisfaction with transport system - 35% for low and high seasons satisfied disable people. Between June 2019 to October 2019.
• Increased perception of accessibility level of service - 4 on a 5-point scale – high perception. Between June 2019 to October 2019.
• Increased road safety audit - 3 on a 5-point scale – medium perception. Between June 2019 to October 2019.