Treading carefully

The concept of 'shared space' is gaining popularity in the UK, but the success of shared spaces is dependent on the various users (drivers, pedestrians, cyclists) acknowledging and respecting each other. Eye contact between driver and pedestrian is essential, causing problems to blind and partially sighted people. Research is being conducted to develop design principles, techniques and standards to meet the needs of blind and partially sighted people. Factors identified include a lack of demarcation between safe and unsafe areas, difficulty in locating and using crossing points where signal-controlled crossings have been removed, and inappropriate street design with a negative effect on orientation. Recommendations included distinction between highway and footway using tactile surfacing and colour contrast, separate pedestrian and cycle lanes, controlled crossings with audible and tactile signals and installation of railings at danger points. Local authorities need to consider their legal duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 in relation to the design of shared spaces.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00396303
• Authors:
  • PEY, T
• Publication Date: 2006-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p13
• Serial:
  • SURVEYOR
  • Volume: 194
  • Issue Number: 5892
  • Publisher: Hemming Group, Limited
  • ISSN: 0039-6303

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Blindness; Crosswalks; Design; Legislation; Persons with disabilities; Residential areas; Safety; Surfacing; Traffic restraint; Urban areas
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Law; Safety and Human Factors; Society; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01038232
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: TRL
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Dec 19 2006 10:38AM