Major changes to the legal framework for traffic calming which came into effect in Summer 1992 now mean that engineers can be more confident with the measures they install on the highway. A number of doubts over whether devices are "obstructions in the highway" have been removed. Highway engineers are now able to install innovative calming devices providing they have special authorisation from the Secretary of State. If successful, these devices could enhance the benefits to be gained beyond established traffic calming measures. Planners and engineers will also be able to install those more common and better understood calming measures which are included in regulations to be introduced early in 1993 under the Traffic Calming Act 1992. Highway authorities will be able to introduce calming measures more readily: this should assist them in introducing Urban Safety Management strategies, which will help reduce the toll of road casualties and improve the local street environment. Many local authorities are working closely with the Department of Transport in developing traffic calming for both urban and rural communities. Current projects include studies of techniques suitable for use on roads through villages and of speed cushions designed with buses and emergency service vehicles in mind. Key results from recent monitoring of these projects and other initiatives will be outlined. (A)
Samenvatting