Camden Council ignored safety concerns from blind, elderly and disabled people before installing a new Zebra crossing in the colours of the trans flag, it has emerged.
The new crossing was installed on Monday on Tavistock Place, in honour of the controversial child gender clinic which is in the same London borough.
Now, planning documents have revealed that the council went ahead with the crossing despite groups raising concerns that it would impact the safety of vulnerable people.
The Royal National Institute for the Blind told the council that colourful designs at crossings could cause confusion to the blind and pose safety risks to those with bad vision trying to cross the busy street.
Transport for London's Independent Disability Advisory Group also commented that people with learning disabilities or dementia may struggle to identify the crossing as it's different to the 'norm'.
The group also warned that the crossing is likely to confuse older and disabled people, as well as drivers.
They also highlighted that people with sensory sensitivity could struggle with colorful crossings, which could cause anxiety, especially for people on the Autistic spectrum. Finally, the group noted that visually impaired pedestrians may find it difficult identifying the kerb edge.
These concerns prompted London Mayor Sadiq Khan to pause the installation of colourful crossings across the London transport network.
However, despite this, and despite its own Equality Impact Assessment, Camden Council decided to go ahead with the installation of the trans flag crossing.
Responding to concerns, it argued that there wasn't enough information on the damaging effects of the crossing: 'We do not believe that the proposed activity will discriminate unlawfully against any protected group. The artwork is an opportunity to provide a more inclusive artistic experience for residents and visitors.
'There are also opportunities to provide awareness of issues being faced by transgender people to residents and visitors, and to help local business to recover from the impact of the pandemic and to build on local community pride and social cohesion. This is a unique activity and there is a lack of information on potential equality impacts and mitigations.'
A spokesman added: 'These markings are on Camden-managed roads, they enjoy widespread public support and have undergone all manner of safety assessment and audit prior to installation. We work closely with Transport for London and will take on board their views when planning future colourful crossings. Camden will continue to work with disability groups to get feedback on the crossings now they are in full use.'
The council also confirmed that the controversial Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the UK's only gender identity development service for children, served as inspiration for the placement of the crossing, on Tavistock Place.
Crossing points at the junction of Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street in Camden, London have been painted the colours of the trans flag to celebrate transgender awareness week
Camden council confirmed that the controversial Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the UK's only gender identity development service for children, served as inspiration for the placement of the crossing, on Tavistock Place
New trans crossing in Camden: A Zebra crossing in the colours of the transgender flag has been blasted as 'dangerous' because it is such a notable change from the long-established black and white lines of traditional crossings
Camden councillor Danny Beales (centre) pictured with Mayor of Camden, Cllr Sabrina Francis at the new trans crossing on Marchmont Street, in the north London borough.
The crossing on Marchmont Street in Camden before it was altered by the colourful design. The change, unveiled yesterday, comes despite Sadiq Khan being forced to halt the installation after disability groups warned they were hazardous.
The Tavistock clinic in London has been at the centre of growing controversy over its treatment of young people for suspected gender dysphoria.
The number of children wanting to change sex has rocketed in recent years, with the number of referrals to doctors for gender treatment in England among girls under 18 rising from 40 in 2009 to 1,806 in 2017.
In an historic ruling last December, the High Court ruled that children under 16 with gender dysphoria could only consent to the use of hormone-blocking treatments if they understood the 'immediate and long-term consequences'.
The judges said it was 'highly unlikely' that a child aged 13 or under would be able to consent to the treatment, and that it was 'doubtful' that a child of 14 or 15 would understand the consequences.
But the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust brought an appeal against the ruling in June.
In a surprise judgment last month, appeal judges found doctors should use their clinical judgment rather than needing a court's approval to provide treatment - overruling the High Court's assessment on the issue.
The original case was brought by Keira Bell - a 24-year-old woman who began taking puberty blockers when she was 16 before later 'detransitioning' - against the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.
Critics had argued that puberty blockers could leave youngsters infertile and have longer-term effects on sexual function and bone density.
Ms Bell said she was 'obviously disappointed' with the ruling, and said the case had 'shone a light into the dark corners of a medical scandal that is harming children.'
Camden council confirmed the Tavistock clinic, as well as the area's history of support for the trans movement, inspired the decision to install the crossing at Tavistock Place.
Councillor Abdul Hai said: 'Camden is renowned for being ''no place for hate'' and a borough that has a strong and continuing history of respect and support for everyone.
'These amazing crossings are not only an impressive visual statement to help celebrate transgender awareness, but also act as a reminder of the rich LGBT+ history and daily life currently in the Bloomsbury area and across Camden and should prove to be a popular draw to this vibrant area.'
However, one man asked whether the council's desire to 'flaunt their woke credentials' was more important than disabled people's safety.
The Royal National Institute for the Blind, Guide Dogs and Scope told the London Mayor the so-called Asphalt Art Project also hurt some people to look at.
Trade unionist Paul Embery meanwhile shared footage of a guide dog panicking as she tries to navigate one of the colourful crossings in Lambeth.
Ava has to be constantly reassured to move forwards despite the road being clear of traffic. When she is asked to find the curb she appears confused and whines as she searches around her.
Mr Embery wrote: 'This is genuinely disturbing. Did those councils spending money on pride and trans flag crossings consider this?
'Did they do any sort of risk assessment? Does their desire to flaunt their woke credentials trump everything else - even safety?'
Another Twitter user replied claiming police
