Give way zones
Most of our rules for traffic assume that roads are for vehicles except where they have been converted into a pedestrian zone. However, increasingly, the situation is more complex. Though predominantly for pedestrians, many roads also need to continue to be used by vehicles on condition that drivers acknowledge, respect and give way to pedestrians.
This is achieved to an extent by using an assemblage of existing traffic signs, originally intended for different purposes.
Home Zone
The existing Home Zone designation almost fits the requirement though it is intended only for residential areas and relies on either costly or ugly traffic calming devices to reduce speed.
The Highway Code has clear instructions to drivers in a Home Zone. "You should drive slowly and carefully and be prepared to stop to allow people extra time to make space for you to pass them safely." (HC para 218)
Give Way Zone
It seems that, with very little official amendment, the Home Zone sign could be adapted to make these instructions more obvious by adding the words Give Way and a speed limit of 15mph. If the words Home Zone were omitted it would allow the sign to be used more generally and also bring the UK into more alignment with European countries, such as France, Germany and Switzerland that have similar traffic rules.
The flexibility of use would allow a wide range of applications such as historic public spaces in town and village centres, streets in city centres, as well as new and existing residential areas.
Existing UK Home Zone sign
Suggested sign for a UK GIVE WAY zone