The aim of the five schemes in the UK Urban Safety Project was to demonstrate the additional safety benefits that could be achieved, particularly for the more vulnerable road users, by using engineering measures designed to an area-wide strategy. Each area covered about 7 sq km, and was treated with a package of mainly conventional measures at selected sites at a total cost of about 250,000 pounds. Full results of the project are now available: accident reductions averaging 10-15 per cent were achieved. The project concentrated on safety benefits, but the approach included redefining street functions and use, and a broad base of professional and public collaboration. A more general concept of urban safety management has been evolved from this project. Within this, for example, improved environmental measures can be added alongside the focus on accident reduction, according to the balance preferred by local policy. (A)
Abstract