This report has been prepared for the Department for Transport as an early output from a project to develop evidence-based design guidance on Shared Space highway schemes, including those which feature a level surface without kerbs. This report summarises the results of an Appraisal Stage in which available evidence on the performance of Shared Space has been collated and reviewed. The Appraisal Report has been based on: A review of literature; Interviews with people using Shared Space schemes; Discussions with UK local authorities that have implemented Shared Space schemes; and Observation during site visits. Shared Space is a relatively new term and a number of alternative terms are in currency. In this report we use the following definitions: 1) Shared Space: a street or place accessible to both pedestrians and vehicles that is designed to enable pedestrians to move more freely by reducing traffic management features that tend to encourage users of vehicles to assume priority. 2) Level surface: a street surface that is not physically divided by kerb or level differences into areas for particular uses. Level surface is a feature of some Shared Space schemes. Note that not all parts of a level surface are necessarily shared (accessible to vehicles) as other features, such as street furniture, may physically prevent vehicle access. This report draws a number of conclusions. In doing so it is acknowledged that there is limited research available, particularly into the operation of Shared Space schemes in the UK. Consequently these conclusions are provisional, pending further research. It is also necessary to understand that Shared Space schemes are highly particular in their contexts and design and that generic conclusions need to be treated with caution. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting