New guidance to
help local authorities design high-quality shared space schemes
has been published today by Transport Minister Norman Baker.
In conventional streets, behaviour is governed by highway
infrastructure such as traffic signs, road markings and other
street furniture. In streets with shared space much of this
infrastructure is removed so it is important that schemes are well
designed and can be easily used.
Shared space schemes have become increasingly popular with
councils wanting to regenerate local high streets. It is up to
councils to decide whether or not to use shared space on their
roads, but this guidance will help those who do want to use it to
implement well-designed schemes.
Norman Baker said:
"We want councils to design high-quality public
spaces which enhance the local environment and improve the lives
of local people. In some cases, they will decide that shared space
is the best solution.
"This new guidance will help councils who want to use
shared space to improve their streetscape while making sure they
take into account the needs of the whole community."
The Local Transport Note on Shared Space has been developed to
assist local authorities who want to put in place well-designed
shared space schemes. The guidance places particular emphasis on
engagement with the local community and on inclusive design, where
the needs of a diverse range of people - including people with
disabilities - are properly considered at all stages of the design
development process.
The Local Transport Note on Shared Space can be found here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/ltn-01-11/
Notes to Editors
1. The Department for Transport's new Local Transport
Note on shared space addresses a growing need for guidance on the
planning, design and provision of shared space schemes. The
guidance is evidence based and is the culmination of a two-year
research project. 2. The document, and reports on the research
which informed its preparation are available free from
http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications. 3. They are entitled; Local
Transport Note 1/11 Shared SpaceShared Space: Operational
AssessmentShared Space: Qualitative Research 4. Hard copies of the
Local Transport Note are available from The Stationery Office, at
www.tso.co.uk. Press Enquiries: 020 7944 3066Out of Hours: 020
7944 4292Public Enquiries: 0300 330 3000Department for Transport
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