Despite evidence of growing interest in Britain in pedestrianisation and traffic calming schemes, road programmes still concentrate on building expensive road space to accommodate ever-increasing levels of motorised traffic. The result is a reduction in the quality of the walking environment which affects 96% of pedestrians. The author suggests that to change the situation requires rethinking several conventional assumptions. Demand for travel shows strong elasticity, e.g. the rapid increase in traffic to fill the M25. The reverse has been found to be true in European countries but has not been tried here. In shopping and residential areas pedestrians can be seen to outnumber vehicles but design and layout give dominance to cars. 'Normal' accessibility does not take sufficient account of the poor hearing/eyesight, shopping, pushchairs or distractions affecting the average pedestrian. Safety considerations should take account of how safe people feel not just of the number of casualties. Safety considerations should also include the provision of good lighting and a level of activity to deter crime. A 'good neighbourhood' is seen as one with facilities within walking distance. The type of experts who need to be involved in drawing up such schemes are discussed.
Abstract