A PARLIAMENTARY report has called for a review on shared space schemes such as Mini-Holland in Walthamstow.

In its report last week, the Women and Equalities Committee said current schemes which aim to improve pedestrian experience, need to address the concerns of disabled people.

Waltham Forest council was given about £30 million to introduce Mini-Holland as part of then mayor Boris Johnson’s plan to bring his “cycling revolution” to the outer London boroughs.

Part of the sweeping road changes include the blended ‘Copenhagen’ crossings, which the council claims to “reinforce the highway code” by encouraging cars to give way to pedestrians and slow down as they enter or exit side roads.

In the 200-page report, the committee throws doubt over the council’s notion that crossings are making walking “safe and enjoyable”.

It states: “Shared spaces schemes are a source of concern to many disabled people across the country, particularly features such as the removal of controlled crossings and kerbs and inconsistency.”

The reports includes evidence from several disabled people, who described their experiences with shared space schemes.

Cerebral palsy sufferer Michael Broderick walks with crutches and has fallen in roadways before.

He said: “Shared space schemes terrify me. With traditional roadway schemes and traffic lights or zebra crossings I have always had a level of comfort that despite my disability, I have time to get across the road and that I will be seen.

“With shared space I have no comfort. I have fear.

“I am a proud disabled man. I am not a second class citizen. But shared space schemes certainly make me feel like one.”

Marianne Scullion said she also finds crossing shared space junctions difficult.

She said: “Crossing this junction means you have to get eye contact from four sets of drivers before you can cross and is absolute chaos, especially at 3.30pm when the schools are out.

“I obtained eye contact from the drivers when crossing but a van overtook at speed while I was on the road and could have knocked me down.”

In concluding, the committee recommended the Government “urgently replace the 2011 guidance on shared spaces and ensure that the new guidance is clearly founded on an inclusive design approach”.

It stated: “In the meantime, the Government should require local authorities to call a halt to new shared space schemes and to review existing schemes, in partnership with local disabled people.”

Responding to the committee’s call for a full review, cllr Clyde Loakes said: "I see no reason to halt our work in Waltham Forest as a consequence of this report, as we continue to abide by and follow existing legislation and guidance."