Sight loss charity's plea to TT riders and visitors

The TT can "amplify" challenges faced by its members, a sight loss charity says

A sight loss charity has called for TT riders and visitors to be aware of a "heightened risk" on the island's roads for people who have a visual impairment.

Sight Matters said the increased volume of traffic "brings challenges" and urged those at the event to be "conscious of vulnerable road-users".

Chief Executive Cathryn Bradley said some of the charity's members enjoyed "the vibe and the buzz" on the island during the TT races, but others felt that the best thing they could do was to stay at home, which could make it a "long two weeks".

She urged drivers to take care during the event.

The event could change people's orientation, as changes to routes and bus services as well as having more pedestrians, Ms Bradley said.

She said it was a "busy period" and "for safety and practical reasons we don't run the full services that we do the remainder of the year".

The charity will be providing reduced services throughout TT

Peter Marshall from the charity added that many of the issues that people who were visually impaired faced, particularly around the roads, were often "amplified" during the TT period.

Pavement parking would impact on people's routes, he said.

He urged those with sight loss to allow double time for their journey.

The charity would still be available to provide visits to those outside of the course, he said, adding it would be contactable on the phone and provide remote services such as its audio news and audio library throughout the event.