London,
09
November
2021
|
11:26
Europe/London

Camden unveils crossing to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week

To celebrate Transgender Awareness Week 2021, taking place from 13 to 19 November, Camden has unveiled a four-way crossing at the junction of Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street.

Thought to be only the second in the country, the crossing is painted in the international Transgender colours of blue, pink and white.

Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People, Equalities and Cohesion said:

“Camden is renowned for being ‘no place for hate’ and a borough that has a strong and continuing history of respect and support for everyone.

“These amazing crossings are not only an impressive visual statement to help celebrate transgender awareness, but also act as a reminder of the rich LGBT+ history and daily life currently in the Bloomsbury area and across Camden and should prove to be a popular draw to this vibrant area.”

Dr Jane Hamlin, President of the Beaumont Society – the longest established support group in the UK for transgender people and their families – said:

“Camden is a beacon of fairness and justice. We are delighted that Camden has chosen to celebrate transgender awareness in such an outstanding way at a time when, sadly, others are spreading hateful misinformation and threatening the human rights of this vulnerable minority. Thank you, Camden.”

Tessa Havers-Strong, Director of local LGBTQ charity forum+ said:

“As we (prepare to) commemorate Trans Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance the unveiling of the first Trans crossing in Camden is a wonderful tribute to our community.

“The Trans crossing is a bright and bold statement of celebration and support for Trans people and will be a proud symbol of Camden’s continued commitment to championing equality for all the LGBTQ+ community”

Kim Mears, Managing Director and Executive Sponsor of Diversity and Inclusion commitments, Openreach, said:

“The Borough of Camden is home to the Openreach HQ and we are really pleased to support this campaign and London’s first painted crossing specifically highlighting trans people and their rights.

“At Openreach, we are committed to supporting and protecting all our people; this includes increasing education and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and enabling our trans colleagues – like everyone else – to fulfil their potential and thrive.

“We are proud to stand alongside other organisations in Camden which have been able to make this awareness-raising crossing happen, (almost) on our doorstep.”

The transgender crossing was installed after the council had undertaken a full Equalities Impact Assessment and Road Safety Audit.

Installing the crossings

This scheme follows on from the success of the four Rainbow crossings laid in Camden High Street in 2020 to mark Pride Month. It also recently worked with the Mayor of London to install 11 colourful crossings on Tottenham Court Road as part of the Bring London Together’ project.

Ensuring the crossings are safe and clear has been the Council’s priority on all occasions. Ahead of installing the Transgender Awareness Crossing, Camden carried out a full Equality Impact Assessment and Road Safety Audit, and is committed to engaging with disability groups to discuss the accessibility of the crossing. This so far includes engagement with Transport for All and Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Some of the key steps we have taken are:

  • To ensure the design is simple, with three colours and not complicated in layout.
  • To ensure essential road markings remain fully clear and ‘Look Left, Look Right’ markings are maintained.
  • To lay the crossings at signalised crossings, not zebra crossings.
  • To keep standard traffic features in place at the crossings including signals, stoplines and studs.

Camden will continue to work with disability groups to get feedback on the crossing now it is in full use.