Guide insights: Christoph Zottl improves accessibility in Ternitz

Guide insights: Christoph Zottl improves accessibility in Ternitz

Christoph Zottl, an almost blind resident of Ternitz, regularly shares his experiences and insights into the safety of visually impaired people in the city. At 41, he not only gave his own challenges, but also valuable suggestions to improve the city for people with handicap.

Zottl is particularly concerned about the traffic situation, because he has experienced dangerous situations several times. He made such a acoustic traffic light system at the pedestrian crossing at Bahnhofhöhe. "A car would have caught me there," he reported, which underlines the importance of this improvement.

improvements in the infrastructure

The Watschinger Steg, which was rebuilt in 2017, is another project that includes Zottl's expertise. He had campaigned for a blind control system to facilitate access and navigation. Although the city implements some solutions, Zottl sees potential for improvement. "The control system was only glued on and has to be renewed when it is damaged," he said, with which the undesirable use of adhesive tapes was also pointed out.

In addition, Zottl shows that improvements are missing at certain points such as the steps of the stairs. "The last sticker only kept two days. We are looking for permanent solutions," confirmed building director Michael Schechl.

Problems in the Rohrbach district

On the way to his place of residence in Rohrbach, Zottl emphasizes the dangers that exist in particular at an unsecured transition to the former inn. Here, many pedestrians feel threatened by rapidly driving cars. "Unfortunately, a zebra crossing is missing," Zottl expressed his regret. In a compromise, the city decided to place an additional table at the bus stop after a traffic count showed that the frequency was not sufficient for a protection path.

The projects in the city have not yet been completed. Zottl hopes for a barrier-free pedestrian underpass at the Pottschacher Bahnhof, for which there is still no official schedule.

opportunities for people with disabilities such as Christoph Zottl are not only a question of security, but also testifies to a respectful way of dealing with diversity in society. The municipality of Ternitz is committed to progress, with Zottl’s experiences taking a central place in the discussion.