Talking bus stops for the blind are piloted » Local Government » 24dash.com

The first talking bus stops for the blind in Brighton and Hove are being trialled.

The five innovative bus stops will tell people which stop they are at and when the next bus is due.

Key fobs activate when its owner approaches a bus stop. The fob has two buttons allowing its user to prompt the bus stop to announce its locatio n and a second button to tell them when the next bus is due.

Blind Alison Evans, from Peacehaven, who will test the scheme, said: "I think the talking bus stops will definitely be helpful.

"At the moment I have to ask people which stop I'm at and when the next bus is coming.

"People are normally very good, but you're reliant on someone being there."

Once the trial has been completed, the systems will be fitted to a further 15 bus stops in Brighton and Hove.

Brighton and Hove City Council has worked closely with the Royal National Institute of Blind People to develop the scheme.

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