Appendix 1
Additional Background on "Shared Space"
In 2003 B&NES Safe Routes to School team commissioned a study from Hamilton-Baillie Associates, a Bristol based transport, traffic and urban design consultancy practice. They delivered a report in January 2004 recommending a new and imaginative approach to the problems of moderating traffic speed and improving road safety. The approach was based on principles that combine traffic engineering with urban design. Known as "shared space", the design principles are well established in many mainland European countries, having originated in The Netherlands. See http://www.shared-space.org/. They are also the subject of a DfT commissioned study by the TRL. See TRL report 641 "Psychological Traffic-Calming".
"Shared space" uses psychology to positively affect driver behaviour. Road signs and central white lines are removed. The usual distinctions between road and pavement are purposefully blurred. Different road textures and local paving send clear signals to drivers that the rules have changed. The result is that drivers can no longer assume that they have right of way and have to establish eye contact with pedestrians. Traffic movement self regulates to human speeds (less than 20 mph). Pedestrians learn that they can negotiate with drivers to cross the road wherever they need to. Traffic flows more smoothly and transit times through the zone are often actually improved. The other major benefit of all the de-cluttering and resurfacing is an enhanced Public Realm. English Heritage supports the ideas through its recent guidance on good street design (Streets for All) and the approach is compatible with the principles underpinning the Manual for Streets, a joint DfT/DCLG publication.
The approach has now been very successfully implemented in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Spain and Luxembourg. Recently the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Suffolk County Council have announced their intention to adopt these ideas in selected areas of London and Ipswich.
The proposed Julian Road Scheme was enthusiastically received by local councillors, St Andrews School, by the four resident associations whose members live in the area and by the businesses affected by Julian Road. Parkside Community Safety Action Group (PCSAG), a community group concerned with safety related issues affecting the wider area agreed to champion the scheme on behalf of these interested stakeholders. PCSAG organised several meetings at which the scheme was presented and discussed. As a result, the Julian Road Campaign Team was formed of community volunteers to lead the effort to implement the scheme.
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I have plans and drawings of the new proposals for the improvements to phase 1 and for phase 2. These will be ready for public consulation which will take place on the afternoon of August 31st on St Andrew's Green.
Also I have some photos of before and after.
Christopher CHRISTOPHER MANNS of Bath Spa University has written a dissertaion about the project and will presumably also have photos. I can advise his e-mail address.
I suggest you also contact Paola Spivach of Hamilton-Baillie associates who is our highway architectural advisor on this project.
Please ring me on 07887992045
Justin
Hi,
I am studying an MSc course in Accessibility and Inclusive Design, and am currently working on an assignment about designing for accessibility and inclusiveness. One aspect I am looking at for this is the concept of shared space. I am wondering if anyone has any photographs of the Julian Road area that I could use? Any photos, or thoughts on shared space, gratefully received!
Jessica Davies.