In the design of highway schemes, the human problems of the pedestrian are given a secondary importance to the convenience of the motor car. An examination of the road accident statistics in Great Britain for 1972 reveals that pedestrians account for forty one per cent of the total fatal casualties, and it has long been known that a pedestrian involved in accidents is twice as likely to be killed as, on average, other road users. The need to plan positively for the reduction in pedestrian road casualties is obvious from these statistics. This planning should include (a) the segregation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic flows wherever possible (b) the provision of a greatly increased number of safe road crossing facilities for pedestrians (c) the imposition of strict and lower speed limits in residential and shopping streets (d) the improvement of aids for pedestrian movement, particularly in urban areas. Ways in which these improvements may be achieved are discussed in detail. The planning policies of the greater london council and the department of the environment towards pedestrians are examined.
Abstract