Camden Council installed a road crossing in the colours of the trans flag at Tavistock Place in honour of the controversial child gender clinic of the same name – and ignored safety concerns about blind, elderly and disabled people, it has emerged. 

The crossing was installed on Monday at Tavistock Place to ‘help celebrate transgender awareness, but also act as a reminder of the rich LGBT+ history’ in Camden. The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the UK’s only gender identity development service for children, is nearby.  

The Tavistock clinic in London has been at the centre of growing controversy over its treatment of young people for suspected gender dysphoria. In an historic ruling last December, the High Court ruled that children under 16 with gender dysphoria could only consent to the use of hormone-blocking treatments if they understood the ‘immediate and long-term consequences’.

However, in a surprise judgment last month, judges overruled the High Court’s assessment on the issue after Tavistock appealed. 

A press officer for the Labour-run Camden council confirmed that Tavistock, as well as the area’s LGBT history, motivated the decision to install the crossing on Tavistock Place.  

Councillor Abdul Hai 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.’

Now, planning documents have also revealed that the council went ahead with the crossing despite groups raising concerns that it would impact the safety of vulnerable people. 

The Royal National Institute for the Blind told the council that colourful designs at crossings could cause confusion to the blind and pose safety risks to those with bad vision trying to cross the busy street. 

Transport for London’s Independent Disability Advisory Group also commented that people with learning disabilities or dementia may struggle to identify the crossing as it’s different to the ‘norm’. 

The group also warned that the crossing is likely to confuse older and disabled people, as well as drivers. 

It further highlighted that people with sensory sensitivity could struggle with colorful crossings, which could cause anxiety, especially for people on the Autistic spectrum. Finally, the group noted that visually impaired pedestrians may find it difficult identifying the kerb edge.

These concerns were prompted by similar worries over colourful crossings across London. Those warning forced Mayor Sadiq Khan to pause the installation of any more colourful displays across the London transport network. 

However, despite this, and despite its own Equality Impact Assessment, Camden Council decided to go ahead with the installation of the trans flag crossing.   

Crossing points at the junction of Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street in Camden, London have been painted the colours of the trans flag to celebrate transgender awareness week

Crossing points at the junction of Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street in Camden, London have been painted the colours of the trans flag to celebrate transgender awareness week

Crossing points at the junction of Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street in Camden, London have been painted the colours of the trans flag to celebrate transgender awareness week

Camden council confirmed that the controversial Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the UK's only gender identity development service for children, served as inspiration for the placement of the crossing, on Tavistock Place

Camden council confirmed that the controversial Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the UK's only gender identity development service for children, served as inspiration for the placement of the crossing, on Tavistock Place

Camden council confirmed that the controversial Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the UK’s only gender identity development service for children, served as inspiration for the placement of the crossing, on Tavistock Place

New trans crossing in Camden: A Zebra crossing in the colours of the transgender flag has been blasted as 'dangerous' because it is such a notable change from the long-established black and white lines of traditional crossings

New trans crossing in Camden: A Zebra crossing in the colours of the transgender flag has been blasted as 'dangerous' because it is such a notable change from the long-established black and white lines of traditional crossings

New trans crossing in Camden: A Zebra crossing in the colours of the transgender flag has been blasted as ‘dangerous’ because it is such a notable change from the long-established black and white lines of traditional crossings

Camden councillor Danny Beales  (centre) pictured with Mayor of Camden, Cllr Sabrina Francis at the new trans crossing on Marchmont Street, in the north London borough.

Camden councillor Danny Beales  (centre) pictured with Mayor of Camden, Cllr Sabrina Francis at the new trans crossing on Marchmont Street, in the north London borough.

Camden councillor Danny Beales  (centre) pictured with Mayor of Camden, Cllr Sabrina Francis at the new trans crossing on Marchmont Street, in the north London borough.

The crossing  on Marchmont Street in Camden before it was altered by the colourful design. The change, unveiled yesterday, comes despite Sadiq Khan being forced to halt the installation after disability groups warned they were hazardous.

The crossing  on Marchmont Street in Camden before it was altered by the colourful design. The change, unveiled yesterday, comes despite Sadiq Khan being forced to halt the installation after disability groups warned they were hazardous.

The crossing  on Marchmont Street in Camden before it was altered by the colourful design. The change, unveiled yesterday, comes despite Sadiq Khan being forced to halt the installation after disability groups warned they were hazardous.

Responding to concerns, it argued that there wasn’t enough information on the damaging effects of the crossing: ‘We do not believe that the proposed activity will discriminate unlawfully against any protected group. The artwork is an opportunity to provide a more inclusive artistic experience for residents and visitors. 

‘There are also opportunities to provide awareness of issues being faced by transgender people to residents and visitors, and to help local business to recover from the impact of the pandemic and to build on local community pride and social cohesion. This is a unique activity and there is a lack of information on potential equality impacts and mitigations.’ 

A spokesman added: ‘These markings are on Camden-managed roads, they enjoy widespread public support and have undergone all manner of safety assessment and audit prior to installation. We work closely with Transport for London and will take on board their views when planning future colourful crossings. Camden will continue to work with disability groups to get feedback on the crossings now they are in full use.’  

The Tavistock clinic in London has been at the centre of growing controversy over its treatment of young people for suspected gender dysphoria.

The number of children wanting to change sex has rocketed in recent years, with the number of referrals to doctors for gender treatment in England among girls under 18 rising from 40 in 2009 to 1,806 in 2017.

In an historic ruling last December, the High Court ruled that children under 16 with gender dysphoria could only consent to the use of hormone-blocking treatments if they understood the ‘immediate and long-term consequences’.

What is the controversial Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust?

The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust runs the UK’s only gender identity development service for children.

If a child is under 18 and may have gender dysphoria, they’ll usually be referred to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at Tavistock and Portman.

The team will carry out a detailed assessment, usually over 3 to 6 appointments over a period of several months. Young people with lasting signs of gender dysphoria may be referred to a hormone specialist (consultant endocrinologist) to see if they can take hormone blockers as they reach puberty. 

These hormone, or ‘puberty’ blockers (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues) pause the physical changes of puberty, such as breast development or facial hair.

Little is known about the long-term side effects of hormone or puberty blockers in children with gender dysphoria. 

It’s also not known whether hormone blockers affect the development of the teenage brain or children’s bones. Side effects may also include hot flushes, fatigue and mood alterations.

From the age of 16, teenagers who’ve been on hormone blockers for at least 12 months may be given cross-sex hormones, also known as gender-affirming hormones.

These hormones cause some irreversible changes, such as breast development and breaking or deepening of the voice. Long-term cross-sex hormone treatment may cause temporary or even permanent infertility.

The Tavistock clinic has been at the centre of growing controversy over its treatment of young people for suspected gender dysphoria.

The number of children wanting to change sex has rocketed in recent years, with the number of referrals to doctors for gender treatment in England among girls under 18 rising from 40 in 2009 to 1,806 in 2017.

In an historic ruling last December, the High Court ruled that children under 16 with gender dysphoria could only consent to the use of hormone-blocking treatments if they understood the ‘immediate and long-term consequences’.

The judges said it was ‘highly unlikely’ that a child aged 13 or under would be able to consent to the treatment, and that it was ‘doubtful’ that a child of 14 or 15 would understand the consequences.

But the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust brought an appeal against the ruling in June.

In a surprise judgment last month, appeal judges found doctors should use their clinical judgment rather than needing a court’s approval to provide treatment – overruling the High Court’s assessment on the issue. 

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The judges said it was ‘highly unlikely’ that a child aged 13 or under would be able to consent to the treatment, and that it was ‘doubtful’ that a child of 14 or 15 would understand the consequences.

But the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust brought an appeal against the ruling in June.

In a surprise judgment last month, appeal judges found doctors should use their clinical judgment rather than needing a court’s approval to provide treatment – overruling the High Court’s assessment on the issue. 

The original case was brought by Keira Bell – a 24-year-old woman who began taking puberty blockers when she was 16 before later ‘detransitioning’ – against the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.

Critics had argued that puberty blockers could leave youngsters infertile and have longer-term effects on sexual function and bone density.

Ms Bell said she was ‘obviously disappointed’ with the ruling, and said the case had ‘shone a light into the dark corners of a medical scandal that is harming children.’

Camden council confirmed the Tavistock clinic, as well as the area’s history of support for the trans movement, inspired the decision to install the crossing at Tavistock Place.  

Locals expressed mixed views on the installation today. 

Louis Fodderie, 36, a gardener living in Camden, told MailOnline: ‘I think it confuses the normal crossing line which is white. I don’t know how it is going to affect disabled people. It looks great on the street but what is the purpose of this?’ 

Anya Unterwejer, a hairdresser from Camden, 47, said: ‘It’s a good thing but I didn’t know what the colours meant when I saw it. I think they should just tell people what it is.’

Carer Debbie Williams, 62, from Camden, added: ‘I like it. 

‘The visually impaired still have the button to press so there is still enough for them, I hope. I just don’t know what I would tell kids.’

‘Would they ask? Or would they just see the colours? 

Medical student Taylor Burdett, 19, said: ‘I think it’s cool. I’ve seen the other ones with the rainbow flag so I think this is cool.

‘I feel like with a zebra crossing it makes sense. I’m personally not visually impaired and I’ve never had a guide dog so I can’t really comment. I think the idea behind the crossings is really positive.’

Caspian Tannerfors, a student and bartender from Sweden and living in London, said: ‘I think that in London we have a lot. Still not as much as I’d like but a bit more visibility than other places. I’ve been around the world and it’s really scary to see where people who want to be themselves are repressed and not able to be visible. I think this is an opportunity to represent them.

‘I don’t know anyone who is visually impaired and I can’t relate to that.

‘Any visibility is good. I think it’s a central area and visibility will be helped. I think it is awesome.’

Carly Simonairis, 26 lives near Tavistock Place. She added: ‘I feel they are still marked off enough as crossings. I actually thought it was helping with – not only are you putting a nice social message out there – but with visibility crossing the street for cars. It’s exciting to see the crossing come in.’

However, one man asked whether the council’s desire to ‘flaunt their woke credentials’ was more important than disabled people’s safety. 

The Royal National Institute for the Blind, Guide Dogs and Scope told the London Mayor the so-called Asphalt Art Project also hurt some people to look at.

Trade unionist Paul Embery meanwhile shared footage of a guide dog panicking as she tries to navigate one of the colourful crossings in Lambeth.

The dog, named Ava, has to be constantly reassured to move forwards in the video, despite the road being clear of traffic. When she is asked to find the curb she appears confused and whines as she searches around her.

Mr Embery wrote: ‘This is genuinely disturbing. Did those councils spending money on pride and trans flag crossings consider this?

‘Did they do any sort of risk assessment? Does their desire to flaunt their woke credentials trump everything else – even safety?’

Another Twitter user replied claiming police horses are also baffled by the colourful crossings.

He attached a video of mounted officers stopping at a rainbow flag one in Sheffield last year as the animals refuse to walk over it.

Camden Council, which decides on where new crossings are built, unveiled the latest four-way one to celebrate transgender awareness week.

It is at the junction of Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street, believed to be the second in the country after Sutton and is painted blue, pink and white.   

Caspian Tannerfors, student and bar tender, from Sweden and living in London

Caspian Tannerfors, student and bar tender, from Sweden and living in London

Carly Simonairis, 26

Carly Simonairis, 26

Caspian Tannerfors (left), student and bar tender, from Sweden and living in London, said the crossing is ‘a good thing’. Carly Simonairis, 26 (right), who lives nearby, said it was ‘exciting’ to see the crossing 

Taylor Burdett, 19, a medical student, thinks the idea behind the crossings is really positive

Taylor Burdett, 19, a medical student, thinks the idea behind the crossings is really positive

Shaunak Samant, 19, a law student at LSE, believes the crossing is a good idea.

Shaunak Samant, 19, a law student at LSE, believes the crossing is a good idea.

Taylor Burdett, 19 (left), a medical student, thinks the idea behind the crossings is really positive. Shaunak Samant, 19, a law student at LSE, believes the crossing is a good idea

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Guide dogs and police horses are understood to be confused by the patchwork designs, with the latest one in Camden

Guide dogs and police horses are understood to be confused by the patchwork designs, with the latest one in Camden

Guide dogs and police horses are understood to be confused by the patchwork designs, with the latest one in Camden

One Twitter user replied claiming police horses are also baffled by the colourful crossings. He attached a video of mounted officers stopping at a rainbow flag one in Sheffield last year as the animals refuse to walk over it

One Twitter user replied claiming police horses are also baffled by the colourful crossings. He attached a video of mounted officers stopping at a rainbow flag one in Sheffield last year as the animals refuse to walk over it

One Twitter user replied claiming police horses are also baffled by the colourful crossings. He attached a video of mounted officers stopping at a rainbow flag one in Sheffield last year as the animals refuse to walk over it

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, joined award-winning artist Yinka Ilori to unveil a series of eye-catching street art commissions on Tottenham Court Road

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, joined award-winning artist Yinka Ilori to unveil a series of eye-catching street art commissions on Tottenham Court Road

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, joined award-winning artist Yinka Ilori to unveil a series of eye-catching street art commissions on Tottenham Court Road

In May 2021 he announced he was 'Turning central London into a huge outdoor art gallery' with London designer Yinka Ilori

In May 2021 he announced he was 'Turning central London into a huge outdoor art gallery' with London designer Yinka Ilori

In May 2021 he announced he was ‘Turning central London into a huge outdoor art gallery’ with London designer Yinka Ilori

The crossing on Tottenham Court Road seen before it was changed by the London designer

The crossing on Tottenham Court Road seen before it was changed by the London designer

The crossing on Tottenham Court Road seen before it was changed by the London designer

The latest crossing follows another in the borough last year showing a rainbow flag to mark pride month.

Last week a coalition of groups representing millions of disabled people wrote to Mr Khan warning him the colourful crossings were dangerous.

‘Woke’ trans crossings pop up across London despite claims they’re ‘dangerous’

Two transgender crossings have so far been built in the UK. The first one was unveiled in Sutton, south London, earlier this year, with one in Camden being showcased yesterday.

The local councils painted the new markings despite warnings from disabled people they were dangerous.

Colourful crossings have also been shown to scare police horses, with footage showing one in Sheffield last year halting the animals in their tracks and refuse to walk over it.

But where are the two trans crossings in the UK?

  • Sutton, south London: Trans flag is painted outside Asda store

Sutton painted it’s trans crossing in May to celebrate the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. The marks now sit on a one-way system outside Asda and forms part of the local street network.

It followed the pride flag which was painted on another road in the area last year. Councillor Jake Short said: ‘I am delighted to see this celebration of the richness and diversity that our transgender community brings to Sutton.

‘Until transgender people and other minority groups are able to live without fear of discrimination or hate, we must continue to demonstrate our support and stand with them to clearly demonstrate our commitment to eliminating transphobia.’

  • Camden, north London: New crossing is launched yesterday for transgender awareness week

Camden Council unveiled the latest four-way crossing yesterday to celebrate transgender awareness week. It is at the junction of Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street, believed to be the second in the country after Sutton and is painted blue, pink and white.

Councillor Abdul Hai 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.’

The latest crossing follows another in the borough last year showing a rainbow flag to mark pride month.  

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The collective – made up of organisations including the Royal National Institute for the Blind, Guide Dogs and Scope – said they hurt some people.

Their open letter to the Mayor revealed some visually impaired people with light sensitivity found the extremely bright artwork ‘painful to look at’.

It added those with learning disabilities were likely to find it difficult to interpret abstract artwork as a crossing.

Mr Khan responded quickly announcing he had moved to ‘introduce a temporary pause on the installation of any new colourful crossing on its network’. 

He admitted: ‘I am concerned to read about the issues highlighted in your letter and the negative impact that these types of crossing can have on disabled people.’ 

In September last year, Gloucestershire County Council stated in its assessment on rainbow crossings that ‘any coloured surfacing must provide an appropriate contrast to the pink tactile paving for those with visual impairments’.

It concluded: ‘They are certainly not suitable for all crossing locations and any proposed sites would need to be fully assessed in order to limit the risk to road users and the County Council.’

The Department of Transport (DfT) also wrote in a letter to the council: ‘In the Department’s view, coloured surfacing is not considered a traffic sign or road marking and therefore doesn’t come within the scope of the TSRGD. 

‘It has no legal meaning and therefore could be placed within the crossing studs at a signal-controlled crossing, or pedestrian facility at a junction.’

It added: ‘Any authority using these should consider the possible impact on road users, perhaps through a risk assessment process.’

Elsewhere, the postponing of the Mayor of London’s project – for which cost is unknown – was seen as an embarrassment to the Mayor who had unveiled them with much fanfare.

In May 2021 he announced he was ‘Turning central London into a huge outdoor art gallery’ with London designer Yinka Ilori. 

Posing with the artist in September he said: ‘London is the culture capital of the world, and Yinka’s bright and bold pedestrian crossings represent our city beautifully. 

‘They show off our vibrant creative spirit and are the perfect way to launch the autumn season of my Let’s Do London campaign. 

‘There are so many great festivals, events and activities taking place in the capital in the coming months and we are ready to welcome and entertain visitors from across the UK and around the world.’ 

But the Transport For All-fronted coalition immediately noticed problems for many disabled people.

In the open letter to the Mayor, they said: ‘We are writing to set out our significant concerns regarding the safety and accessibility of the ‘Asphalt Art Project’ and our objections to the engagement process for these schemes.

‘Crossing the road safely is an essential part of negotiating our built environment and accessing our local community.

‘The provision of safe crossing points affects everyone’s ability and desire to use their local streets, and this is especially crucial in enabling disabled people to make journeys as a pedestrian.

‘The past 18 months have seen a great number of changes made to the streetspace. 

‘As London adapted to the pandemic, the streets were transformed; with widened pavements, traffic calming measures, additional space for cycling, and more.

‘Many of these changes were rolled out at pace, and implemented without due engagement with disabled people, and in many instances failed to identify negative impacts and mitigate against them. 

Artist Yinka Ilori's eye-catching street art is unveiled on Tottenham Court Road as part of London Design Festival in September

Artist Yinka Ilori's eye-catching street art is unveiled on Tottenham Court Road as part of London Design Festival in September

Artist Yinka Ilori’s eye-catching street art is unveiled on Tottenham Court Road as part of London Design Festival in September

Disability campaigners say the designs are dangerous for some and even cause some people pain

Disability campaigners say the designs are dangerous for some and even cause some people pain

Disability campaigners say the designs are dangerous for some and even cause some people pain

‘This has been thoroughly discussed and reflected upon, and in March this year TfL issued an updated version of their guidance for Boroughs on Streetspace which stressed the importance of engaging with disabled people.

‘Given the many examples and opportunities for learning, it is disappointing to see another scheme repeating these patterns.

‘The Asphalt Art Project demonstrates exactly what happens when meaningful engagement does not take place: it sadly results in schemes that are neither accessible nor inclusive.

‘We have set out the impact these schemes will have on disabled people, the contradiction between these schemes and the welcome safety commitments made in Vision Zero, and our concerns regarding the engagement and Equality Impact Assessment processes for these crossings.

‘We hope that your reply will address these issues, and will clarify whether London truly is open to everyone – including disabled Londoners and visitors.’

Mr Khan was swift to respond and insisted there had been consultation with disability organisations before they were approved. 

But he admitted: ‘I am concerned to read about the issues highlighted in your letter and the negative impact that these types of crossing can have on disabled people. 

‘I would like to assure you that the Greater London Authority worked closely with the London Borough of Camden and the City of London Corporation, who are responsible for the road crossings used, to deliver these projects and that public safety was at the forefront of the project partner teams. 

‘Each Highway Authority completed an Equalities Impact Assessment and a Road Safety Assessment and a number of disability organisations and charities were consulted. As a result of feedback received, specific adaptations were made to improve the designs of the crossings.

‘In light of growing concern about the negative impacts of colourful crossings on disabled people, and new research recently received by Transport for London (TfL), I have asked TfL to introduce a temporary pause on the installation of any new colourful crossing on its network.

‘TfL will also be advising boroughs to temporarily pause any future colourful crossing projects.

‘Over the next 12 months, TfL will be developing new guidance for London on the use of artwork at crossings and will undertake meaningful engagement with organisations representing the interests of disabled people. I hope you and Transport for All will agree to be a part of this.

‘I hope that my response reassures you that I have listened to the concerns raised by disabled people and I am committed to making London’s streets inclusive for all.

‘I am passionate about making London open for everyone and that includes improving the transport network and London’s streets, making them accessible for older and disabled people and removing barriers where they exist.

‘The colourful crossings installed on Tottenham Court Road and in the City of London are part of a worldwide project called Asphalt Art.

‘The aim is to transform and revitalise public spaces through the power of art, drawing Londoners and visitors back to central London.’

Source: Daily Mail

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