Road safety and comfort
The role of streets
Streets are an important part of the public realm. Each has its own character that people on foot should be able to enjoy in safety and comfort. Especially so when they cross the road or deal with traffic
Road safety & comfort
Road accident numbers have not substantially reduced in the last fifteen years. There was a steady decline until about 2010. Since then, apart from during the pandemic when there was less traffic, the changes have been quite marginal.
Now is the time for a fresh approach to road safety that also takes into account how comfortable pedestrians feel, when they cross the road. Should they feel harassed? Or should they feel confident and comfortable?
New experimental crossings
Recent experiments in the City of Westminster have changed the design of existing “courtesy crossings”. These are places where people are advised to cross but are not fully constructed zebra crossings that have a legal status.
However, the changes take into account rule H2 of the Highway Code, that at a road junction, drivers should give way to pedestrians.
Optional designs
Three optional designs have been tested: a simplified zebra crossing at road level, a simplified zebra crossing raised to pavement level and an extension of the pavement across the junction. The selection of option would depend on local circumstances and budgets. However, all three options have had a dramatic effect of driver behaviour
Increased road safety as well as comfort
The percentage of drivers that gave way to pedestrian increased from 30% to 80%. This should itself have a positive effect on road safety. Local people also said they felt more secure and comfortable when crossing the road. This helps vulnerable children and elderly and will encourage more people to walk for pleasure.
