Slips, falls and stuck wheels: Residents raise concerns over tactile tiles in HDB estates

Residents have raised concerns about the tactile tiles installed in HDB estates, similar to the issue faced at pedestrian crossings. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) plans to replace these tiles at crossings over the next four years due to slipping hazards. However, Mdm Sim, a 54-year-old resident, has avoided the tiles since slipping on them two years ago and ending up in hospital. She now avoids them whenever possible.

LTA introduced revised tactile tiles last year with wider gaps to reduce the slip risk in wet conditions. However, Mdm Sim believes a similar review should be carried out for HDB estates, which are maintained by town councils. She, along with others, fear the tiles might become slippery in rainy weather and cause accidents.

Chinatown resident Loh Siew Zhu, 69, noted that the tiles sometimes catch her shopping trolley wheels in wet conditions, posing a danger. Mdm Ng, another resident, stated that elderly wheelchair users often struggle with these tiles due to their uneven surface. In Bedok, many residents avoid the tiles altogether because of their unevenness.

HDB maintains that tactile tiles are required under the Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) code to ensure accessibility for people with different needs. The tiles help visually impaired people navigate common areas safely. However, CNA has contacted Sengkang Town Council for further comment on the issue.