Public transport providers are putting blind or partially-sighted passengers at risk, says the Royal National Institute of the Blind today.

The lack of help for blind travellers is forcing thousands to stay at home through fear of injury.

Calls for immediate action to improve safety for blind people who travel by bus, train or on foot, is highlighted in the RNIB's report, Travellers' Tales.

The charity is pressing government, local authorities, train or bus operators, the police, and the general public to do their bit to make access and safety better for blind or partially sighted passengers.

Easy measures to ease the route for those with sight problems include removing potential obstacles such as wheelie bins or illegally parked cars, dangerous hazards such as pavement cyclists. The report also calls for more audio announcements.

"The current situation is appalling, but it doesn't have to stay like this," said RNIB policy chief, Steve Winyard.

"Many blind and partially-sighted people feel it is only a matter of time before somebody dies as the result of an accident while travelling."

"Hearing about accidents and injuries sustained by other passengers with sight problems has effectively put them off walking or taking bus and train journeys."