Four in five people believe that delivery robots could cause problems for blind people and pedestrians with mobility issues, according to a new YouGov poll commissioned by Living Streets.
The survey found that 80% of respondents believe delivery robots could cause problems for blind people, while 79% said they could create difficulties for people with mobility issues. Among those expressing a view, 60% said delivery robots should not be allowed to operate on pavements.
The findings come as delivery robots appear on streets in cities including Leeds, Reading, Cambridge and Bristol, amid growing debate over how their use should be regulated.
Living Streets said the devices are operating without specific legislation governing their use and, in some cases, without local authority consent. The charity is calling for a pause in their use while a clear legal framework is established.
Dr Amit Patel, a Living Streets trustee and disability campaigner who is severely sight impaired, said existing pavement infrastructure was not designed to accommodate delivery robots alongside pedestrians.
“We don’t have the infrastructure for robots to be on our pavements and for people to get around safely at the same time. If you can see, walk or hear, you probably won’t be affected by delivery robots, but for those of us who’ve worked so hard to get our independence back, this is yet another hurdle.
“Some people tell me that it’s easier and safer to jump in a taxi and go to an out-of-town shopping centre than it is to visit their local high street because it’s just not safe. If we want to boost our local economies, we need to fix the legislation around delivery robots.”
The accessibility concerns also extend to wheelchair and mobility-aid users. Wheels for Wellbeing campaigns and policy lead Ben Foley said many pavements already lacked sufficient unobstructed space, with robots potentially creating additional barriers.
The Government has said it intends to establish a legal framework for the wider rollout of delivery robots, while Living Streets argues that trials are continuing without adequate engagement with local communities.
The charity’s Pavement Overload campaign is calling for autonomous delivery robots to be kept off pavements until legislation governing their operation is in place.
Living Streets external affairs director Tanya Braun said:
“Our pavements should be safe and accessible for everybody to walk and wheel. We need action now to make sure that delivery robots don’t force vulnerable members of society into isolation.”
(Picture: Living Streets)
