The parlous state of Britain’s pavements

SIR – The recent AA survey, highlighting concerns about the condition of pavements, tells us nothing new.

Many of the trip hazards and obstructions result from poor national design standards, along with bad implementation. There is no need for “dropped kerbs” at every house entrance, for instance.

Switzerland, by contrast, has sloping kerb edges, which allow slower and safer vehicle transition. The pavements are not littered with obstructive broadband cabinets, as they are here; nor have I seen road ironwork creating a hazard, as it is better constructed and positioned.

How long before we catch up and create an environment in which cyclists and pedestrians can travel safely?

Robert Hale

Evesham, Worcestershire