Abstract
Five commonly-stated planning rules for road safety are discussed: 1)the road hierarchy, 2)T-junctions and crossroads, 3)segregated movements networks for cyclists, 4)Radburn-type residential layouts, and 5) pedestrian malls in town centres. In all cases, it is observed that a demonstrable improvement in safety does not necessarily result. Application of the priniple is not enough; the method and consequences of its application are important.