With this year’s CiTTi Awards three weeks away, its judges are reflecting on the transformative nature of a successful entry, with one judge asking how can transport be made more accessible for all.
Nicki Guy is the senior engagement manager for South England and looks after London Sight Loss Councils. She joined Thomas Pocklington Trust in July 2022 as part of the Sight Loss Councils communications team.
Work within the trust began with Guy’s own sight loss journey when she was diagnosed with chronic anterior uveitis after a routine eye test in 2014, despite having no symptoms. A few years later Nicki received her cataract diagnosis and had surgery whilst living overseas.
Following surgery, she suffered low intraocular pressure – also known as hypotony – and lost vision in her right eye as a result. In 2020, and back in the UK, all focus turned to saving her left eye.
Guy spoke to City Transport & Traffic Innovation Magazine to stress the importance of inclusivity within transport and how entrants can create accessible projects for all ahead of the third annual CiTTi Awards, which takes place at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in central London on 26 November 2024.
Why did you choose to be a judge at the CiTTi Awards?
Sight Loss Councils, funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted volunteers. Together, we work with transport and other providers to ensure what they do is accessible and inclusive. Sight Loss Councils prioritise public transport in response to blind and partially sighted people feeding back that accessible transport and the built environment mattered to them the most. We are looking forward to exploring this whilst learning about the development of new urban transport and traffic schemes, so that everyone can travel independently and safely.
READ MORE: See the CiTTi Awards 2024 shortlist!
What is the biggest challenge facing those with responsibility for developing urban transport and traffic schemes in 2024?
Accessible public transport is essential to enable us to get to work, see family, friends and live the lives we want to live. This is particularly the case for blind and partially sighted who cannot drive. One in five people will become blind or partially sighted in their lifetime. We must ensure the accessibility of public transport to create an equal world for everyone, so everyone can travel independently and safely, and access the same opportunities.
What do look for in a winning entry?
Innovation and inclusivity.
The third annual CiTTi Awards will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table!
