No access for you: modelling the impact of inaccessible streetscapes on disabled people’s mobility

This novel study models the lived experiences of disabled people navigating streetscape barriers through the lens of the impact on their life. 408 disabled people across the UK completed an online questionnaire, analysed through a robust methodology employing Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The research provides the first empirical prioritisation of the most critical barriers in street design and governance. The study identifies the top issues affecting disabled people, ranked by their impact on their life as: Pavement Needs, Pavement Blockers, Previous Negative Experiences, Local Authorities and Roadworks. The study makes three contributions. It provides the first empirically prioritised model of streetscape barriers, establishing an evidence base for targeted interventions. It demonstrates that inaccessibility has long-term effects, as repeated negative encounters alter travel habits, diminish trust in public space, and reinforce exclusion. Finally, it shows that governance matters as much as physical design, with perceptions of neglect and poor communication from local authorities significantly impacting disabled people. Actionable recommendations are drawn out for policymakers and researchers. Future work must now prioritise collaboration with disabled people to build a fairer, more equitable society. This study establishes a critical foundation for addressing systemic inequities in street design, pushing for a paradigm shift toward inclusivity and accountability in urban planning and transport.