These extracts are from the final report of a project which involved a critical review of Australian and overseas urban planning practice aimed at road safety improvements, based on direct contact with urban local government authorities and planning bodies and an extensive literature search. The paper summarises the sources of information, then outlines the recommended planning practices found in key Australian, Swedish and South African guidelines. The extent of actual application of these guidelines is then discussed. The effectiveness of the measures was of principal interest, and so reports of monitoring and evaluation were particularly sought. It was concluded that there are opportunities for reductions in accidents through the more familiar planning measures (town centre pedestrian schemes, urban structure plans, the introduction of segregated bicycle routes in existing cities, etc), but these are limited or are unlikely to be cost-effective in the Australian context. However, there is scope for significant improvement to safety in local areas, where up to one third of urban casualties occur and planning action can have a direct influence. Research is recommended to obtain basic information on the nature and geographic distribution of accidents, and the potential for town planning countermeasures. (A)
Abstract