Abstract
After more than six years of experiments and studies in the netherlands, a number of new traffic regulations came into effect in september 1976. These apply to specially designed areas described as "woonerven" (residential yards or shared spaces) in which the best possible integration of all different types of traffic is sought. An improvement in the relationship between classes of road user must be fostered through well designed "woonerven". The many advantages offered by the new traffic regulations especially for the immediate residential environment, suggest that this is the beginning of a new development in traffic engineering and urban planning.