09/03/2026
Ever come across those bumpy things on the pavement and wondered what they actually mean.
They’re tactile markers, which can be found at roadsides, stairs and railway platforms to help blind and partially sighted people navigate safely. And while we’re at it… we thought we’d put together a mini manual to explain what each one means.
[Image Description: Four cards arranged left to right. The first card is titled “Blister paving (the ‘spotty’ one).” with text explaining it “Feels like: Rows of round bumps. Where: At crossings and platform edges. Means: ‘Careful! You’re at the edge.’” Beneath the text is a photo of pale tactile paving dotted with small round bumps at the start of a pedestrian crossing. The second card reads “Corduroy paving (the ribbed one). Feels like: Long raised bars, like ribs. Where: Near hazards. Means: ‘Slow down! Something tricky ahead.’” and is paired with a photo of bright yellow paving made of long, raised ridges arranged in neat parallel lines. The third card, “Directional paving (the ‘follow me’ lines),” explains it “Feels like: Long straight raised lines. Where: Big open spaces. Means: ‘This is a safe route.’” and includes a photo of tidy grey tactile strips running forward in straight, clear lanes. The fourth card, “Platform edge (off‑street platforms),” describes how it “Feels like: Regular, flat‑topped bumps. Where: Railway stations and platforms. Means: ‘Platform edge. Stay back.’” and is shown with a photo of a train‑station platform edged with yellow tactile paving running along the track side.]
