The Xalapa City Council, through the Urban Development Directorate, began an analysis for the removal or relocation of telephone booths that are in disuse, considering that they currently represent an obstacle to pedestrian mobility, especially for people with visual or motor disabilities.
The director of Urban Development, Aldo Ponce Ramírez, explained that these structures, which at the time were essential for communication, have already fulfilled their function and today constitute urban junk that invades sidewalks and hinders free movement in various parts of the city.
He explained that the issue was raised based on citizen participation during the “People’s Days”, where a person with visual disabilities exposed the risks involved in telephone booths, due to the absence, in many places, of phototactile guides, signage or garrisons that allow them to be detected with the cane, a situation that has led to accidents.
Given this panorama, the official reported that next week work tables will be set up with telecommunications companies, starting with Telmex, with the purpose of finding a joint solution that allows the sidewalks to be freed up without generating excessive costs for the municipality.
“We are looking for a viable alternative for companies and the City Council, but, above all, one that addresses the need to have accessible and safe public spaces for everyone,” he stressed.
Ponce Ramírez highlighted that this action is part of the axis of accessible, efficient and sustainable mobility promoted by the municipal president, Daniela Griego Ceballos, whose objective is to guarantee safe travel in the city.
Finally, he reiterated that the removal of disused telephone booths will be part of a universal accessibility agenda, in coordination with other municipal areas, prioritizing the right of pedestrians, people with disabilities and older adults to obstacle-free mobility.
