Greg Smith MP was joined in Princes Risborough today by the charity Guide Dogs to highlight issues facing blind and partially sighted people getting about their daily lives.
Commenting, Greg said, "Very grateful to Karishma and her wonderful guide dog Hermes, and Emma from Guide Dogs UK for spending the morning with me in Princes Risborough.
"As we walked around the town, including going into a couple of shops, it was hugely helpful to better understand the issues facing those with sight loss get about their daily lives.
"Various issues came up, including road crossings without tactile paving slabs and where the raised road surface has neither a colour change for those with partial vision or height change. Likewise, finding an e-scooter in the middle of the pavement near Wades Park highlighted to me just how much further we need to go to ensure e-scooter regulation is fit for purpose and not creating many more hazards on the pavement for those with sight loss.
"Whilst everywhere we went in Princes Risborough was welcoming to Hermes and assistance dogs in general, there are some frightening statistics that show too many places around the UK are outrageously still refusing entry to people with guide dogs, which absolutely needs to change.
"I will continue to work with Guide Dogs to ensure both national and local government is doing everything possible to support people with sight loss and reliant on these wonderful dogs."
