SPEAKING signs could be used to guide York's blind residents and visitors through the city.

The technological guides would be activated by special badges worn by the user.

They would declare information, including warnings of hazards.

City of York Council's initiatives manager Sue Poole said: "A talking sign does exactly what its name suggests.

"When activated, it speaks out directional information that can be heard by the person standing near the device."

Councillors were today being asked to release £300 which will be spent on arranging demonstrations of equipment, carrying out a feasibility study and promoting the need for the signs in the city.

Their introduction was proposed by the York Blind and Partially Sighted Society.

Jim Doherty, of the group, said: "From talking watches to talking microwave ovens, talking products are becoming an integral part of a blind or visually impaired person's way of life.

"Sighted people get clues about their environment from many visual signposts - street names, bus numbers, shop signs and so on. Without these, life for sighted people would be chaotic.

"Talking signs can relay the same information in the form of speech to the blind, visual or print impaired person, allowing them to navigate their own way safely and independently through their surroundings."

The Royal National Institute for the Blind already produces the signs.

Mr Doherty said: "Talking signs can be strategically placed where there are known navigational problems or hazards, such as street cafes, that have been pinpointed as difficult places to get around by blind and visually impaired people in York."

Members of the Disabled Persons Advisory Group were meeting today to discuss the proposal. They are expected to support it, and approve the £300 for more work to be carried out.

Updated: 11:54 Monday, March 26, 2001