​Obstacles on our streets mean they have become unsafe places for the blind and partially sighted

Unnecessary obstacles on Scotland’s streets are making visually impaired people prisoners in their own homes.

Street furniture, such as badly placed billboards, bins and badly parked cars, mean people are being discouraged from going out.

RNIB Scotland said a third of respondents to a survey had been injured by these hazards.

It is now calling for pavements to be kept clear to prevent blind and partially sighted people injuring themselves.

John Legg, director of RNIB Scotland, said: "We know it's impossible for streets to always be free of clutter. But we can do more to make them accessible.

"We hope our street charter campaign will help decision-makers understand what it's like for blind and partially sighted people trying to navigate the street environment."

The charity wants to see legislation enforced as part of the camapign.

Under the 1984 Roads Scotland Act, it is an offence to wilfully obstruct free passage along the road.

However, many local authorities are not enforcing the law adequately.

RNIB Scotland chairwoman Sandra Wilson, who is blind, said: "Personally, I have frequent encounters with advertising boards, bins and badly parked cars - and recently almost broke a couple of teeth on what appeared to be a jutting-out railing.

“Paradoxically, pedestrian precincts are particularly hazardous as the absence of vehicles seems to attract even more street furniture.”

The charity wants councillors and officials to try walking a short distance while blindfolded, accompanied by a local resident with sight loss, to highlight how difficult the task is for blind and partially sighted people.