Blind Ambition is proud to feature in a major Utility Week article released this week, where our founder Seema Flower was interviewed about the vital importance of accessibility in road and street works — and the real-life consequences when disabled people are forgotten in planning and delivery.
The article highlights our ground-breaking partnership with Street Works UK, led by CEO Clive Bairsto, who has been a powerful ally in pushing for better, safer practices. What began as a conversation sparked by shocking real-life accounts — including blind and partially sighted people falling into uncovered holes or being forced into traffic due to inadequate signage — has grown into a cross-industry movement to make our streets safer for everyone.
Seema Flower told Utility Week:
“Too often, accessibility is treated as an afterthought, or a box to be ticked. That needs to change. Inclusion isn’t optional — it’s essential.”
The piece explores our shared push to update the Red Book (the Department for Transport’s official street works guidance), which currently uses vague language like “consider” instead of enforcing clear requirements. This means that temporary tactile surfaces, accessible signage, and audible warnings for visually impaired and hearing impaired road users are often ignored in practice.
What We’re Calling For:
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Stronger, enforceable language in the Red Book.
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Mandatory use of tactile temporary surfaces and tapping rails where works impact pedestrian routes.
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Inclusive signage suitable for blind, partially sighted, deaf and neurodivergent people.
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Better training and awareness for those carrying out works on the ground.
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A cultural shift from boardroom to barrier – change must start at the top and reach the street.
We are especially pleased that Utility Week’s coverage has placed these issues at the heart of the industry conversation. It’s also a timely opportunity for us to highlight our upcoming Access and Inclusion in Street Works Award, which celebrates organisations leading the way in inclusive practice.
The interview is just one sign that real momentum is building – but there is more to do. Blind Ambition is here to work with companies, local authorities, and utilities contractors to embed inclusion at every level.
As Seema puts it:
“If there’s money to fix mistakes after people are injured, then there’s money to get it right in the first place.”
You can read the full with link below, and we encourage everyone in the industry to reflect, act, and join us in building safer, more inclusive streets for all.
Blind Ambition to make streets safer – Utility Week, July 2025
