Public space and street design can genuinely help to reduce the number and severity of road traffic accidents in urban areas, provided that a few basic principles are followed. If sufficient attention is paid to the needs of vulnerable users, and efforts are made to reconcile different forms of transport for the benefit of all users, then development initiatives can make real improvements to comfort and safety, and can lead to the re-appropriation of urban public space. This global approach to safety improvement is part of the national "A way for all" programme, which aims to promote new practices to manage conflicts of interest between car drivers and other road users. This programme places particular emphasis on the most vulnerable users and looks to promote alternatives to individual motorised vehicles. In France, the focus has long been on driver behaviour and vehicle safety, too often neglecting the third pillar of road safety: road infrastructure and environment. The challenge now is to adopt an approach that looks beyond safety improvement work. Instead, the focus should be on identifying and rectifying the most hazardous situations and spatial configurations on existing road networks. Development projects should also focus on improving travel safety and avoiding dangerous road layouts. In those countries in northern Europe with the best records, road and street development projects form an integral part of their road safety strategy. This document is designed for councillors and developers. It provides a summary of current road safety and urban road network development knowledge and expertise. Through an analysis of the most common hazardous travel safety situations and an assessment of proven knowledge in this field, a series of 10 key recommendations has been drawn up to deliver effective improvements in road network developments. The rigorous application of these recommendations should lead to a substantial reduction in the risk of accidents along redeveloped streets. These recommendations may only be implemented on a case-by-case basis, however, through the involvement of technical experts with the ability to analyse technical urban street design documentation and adapt its contents to local circumstances. Furthermore, any action taken can only be truly effective if it is implemented as part of a conurbation-wide, long-term road safety management strategy that involves both local councillors and professionals. The aim of this publication is to act as a guide for local authorities to implement such a strategy. Part one provides a brief outline of travel and transport safety issues specific to the urban environment, followed by a more detailed account of the key principles of a travel safety management strategy. Part two then goes on to provide 10 recommendations, along with illustrations, based on this analysis. (Author/publisher)
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