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4.3.4
Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets
Pedestrianised and Shared Surfaces
Pedestrianised and shared surfaces are an effective way of promoting place and providing pedestrians and cyclists with a more enjoyable experience, particularly in areas of historic significance. These streets operate as linear ‘squares’ or corridors of public open space. Pedestrianised streets fully segregate pedestrians and cyclists from motor vehicular movement (although emergency access is possible and limited access may also be provided for service vehicles). They are generally only appropriate in areas where higher levels of activity can be sustained throughout the day and into the evening period, as the removal of vehicular traffic will reduce surveillance levels. They are best suited to the Centres around areas of retail, commercial and cultural activity (see Figure 4.46). Shared surface streets and junctions are integrated spaces where pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles share the main carriageway. This may include streets where the entire street reserve is shared (see Figure 4.47) or where designated sections may provide for pedestrians and/or cyclists use only with a shared surface carriageway along part of the street (see Figure 4.48). Shared surface streets may also periodically transfer from pedestrian only spaces to shared spaces at different times of the day (as per Figure 4.47). Shared surface streets and junctions are particularly effective at calming traffic. Research has found that shared carriageways perform well in terms of safety and there is also evidence to suggest that well designed schemes in appropriate settings can bring benefits in terms of visual amenity, economic performance and perceptions of personal safety.28
Figure 4.46: Fully pedestrianised street within a Centre. Activity is sustained by a mix of retail, commercial and cultural activities.
Figure 4.47: Street in Waterford City Centre which changes from a pedestrianised space to a shared surface area at different times of the day.
Pedestrian Only Zone
Shared surface streets and junctions are highly desirable where: •
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Movement priorities are low and there is a high place value in promoting more livable streets (i.e. homezones), such as on Local streets within Neighbourhood and Suburbs. Refer to UK Department for Transport Shared Space Project Stage 1: Appraisal of Shared Space (2009).
Shared Zone Figure 4.48: Exhibition Road, London, an example where distinct zones that delineate pedestrian only space from shared space have been created (image source architects).