I'd forgotten that from today access rights must be given to those amongst us with a disability. Absolutely no problem with the sentiment but, as usual, the implementation can be a bit lacking in certain areas.
I've just been down to a local building society. It's a very small branch. There's no step, so no problem there however the door has now been automated. Operation is via a touch sensitive pad.
In the past if there was a large queue it stretched past the door which had to be opened carefully - no longer. If you're in the way of the door it is now driven open to the full 90deg so beware or you find yourself catapulted across the room.
It also stays open for about 15 - 20 secs. An open invitation for any small children to wander out into the busy street (happened twice while I was in there).
The best bit was that there was another small lad who was sitting inside waiting for people to come in and then pressing the door button. It was all innocent stuff but it caused total confusion as they put their hand on the door only for it to move away from them as if by magic.
There must be a better way.
I've just been down to a local building society. It's a very small branch. There's no step, so no problem there however the door has now been automated. Operation is via a touch sensitive pad.
In the past if there was a large queue it stretched past the door which had to be opened carefully - no longer. If you're in the way of the door it is now driven open to the full 90deg so beware or you find yourself catapulted across the room.
It also stays open for about 15 - 20 secs. An open invitation for any small children to wander out into the busy street (happened twice while I was in there).
The best bit was that there was another small lad who was sitting inside waiting for people to come in and then pressing the door button. It was all innocent stuff but it caused total confusion as they put their hand on the door only for it to move away from them as if by magic.
There must be a better way.