The kiosk on the kerb: How we have normalised a public hazard

Sri Lanka's main roads are dotted with small mobile kiosks, fruit carts, and roadside stalls, which have become a familiar part of the country's street life. However, these structures often encroach upon pedestrian pathways and encroach onto roadways, creating a cumulative danger that has been normalized over time. The issue is not the small traders themselves, but rather the physical space they occupy and the hazards it presents.

One major problem is the physical space that these structures occupy. A kiosk's serving hatch and low canopy can extend into the pedestrian path, blocking it by a foot or two. This forces pedestrians to either duck or step into the road, putting them at risk of collisions with vehicles. The hazard is exacerbated during rainy conditions, as wet roads reduce vehicle traction and visibility, making it more difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians unexpectedly stepping off the kerb.

Additionally, when the canopies and awnings are wet, they sag and spread wider, creating an even greater risk.

Another concern is the structural instability of some of these kiosks. An aluminium-clad kiosk built on loose concrete blocks and resting above a drainage channel illustrates the risk posed by poorly constructed and unsupported structures. During monsoon rains, which are common in Sri Lanka, water volume and flow in drainage channels can increase unpredictably, potentially undermining the kiosk's footing.

This is not only a hazard for pedestrians, but also for the vendors themselves, who may be working inside the kiosk for many hours a day without proper protection against subsidence or collapse.

The issue also extends to the placement of infrastructure, such as bus stops and pedestrian railings. In some cases, these structures are installed too close to the carriageway, leaving no usable pavement space for passengers waiting to board or alight from a bus. This forces them to stand beside moving traffic, putting them at risk of accidents.

This problem highlights a failure in planning and infrastructure, and it should be a cause for concern, particularly since it originates from the formal side of the system rather than the informal vendors.

Ultimately, these hazards are the result of a lack of designated, safely set-back vending zones and inconsistent enforcement of regulations. While it may be tempting to blame the vendors for their risky behavior, the real problem lies in the absence of proper planning and enforcement by local authorities. These hazards, once normalized, become part of the background of street life, and it is only when they cause accidents that people take notice.

The cumulative danger posed by these seemingly innocuous structures is a pressing issue that requires attention and action to address.