This guidance, issued in 2007 jointly by the Departments for
Transport, Communities and Local Government, and Environment,
Planning and Countryside, deals holistically with both transport
and urban design issues. It states that places and streets that
have stood the test of time are those where traffic and other
activities are integrated successfully and where buildings and
spaces and the needs of people, not just their vehicles, shape
the area.
A process for assessing proposals is advocated whereby balanced
decisions are reached. A quality audit, which could include audits
relating to visual quality, how a street will be used by the
community, road safety and risk assessment, access, cyclists,
as well as a Placecheck, is part of the process. The Manual reminds
designers that they do not have to comply with the recommendations
of a safety audit, though their reasons should be recorded in
writing.
Research on practical traffic calming shows that speed can be
effectively reduced by restricting the forward visibility of
drivers. Streets can be made more acceptable to pedestrians and
encourage walking if a number of small changes are made, such
as tighter kerb radius at corners, more comfortable crossings
and less visual clutter.
