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Traffic management and traffic
calming measures may be considered, where appropriate, in the
interests of road safety, traffic movement and improvement of the
environment.
Traffic management schemes will be
implemented in order to make the best use of available resources, to
enhance the safety of vehicle users and pedestrians and to safeguard
and improve environmental amenity. Schemes can include one-way
systems, computerised traffic signalling systems and bus priority
measures.
It is desirable to reduce detrimental effects of road traffic,
particularly in residential areas and shopping centres, by various
measures which are described as " traffic calming ". The
justification for traffic calming is fourfold:
- to reduce the possibility of
accidents and casualties;
- to reclaim space from the
carriageway for pedestrians and non-traffic activities, and to
reduce the barrier effects of motor traffic on pedestrian movement;
- to promote greater feelings of
security, particularly among residents, shoppers, pedestrians and
cyclists;
- to reduce problems in historic
settlements developed before the motor car.
The term "traffic calming" refers to traffic management measures to
reduce the conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, particularly
in residential areas, by devices largely aimed at reducing vehicle
speeds. Road narrowing, pedestrian refuges, road humps and a variety
of other engineering measures and the introduction of 20 mph zones
can be used to reduce and prevent accidents and to contribute to
environmental improvement. The introduction of such measures
reflects a response to greater public concern about vehicle speeds, the growth in the
volume and weight of traffic, and a general desire to reduce
potential hazards in the vicinity of residential properties. Where
appropriate the lower traffic speeds can be reinforced by specific
landscape measures to further improve the local environment.
Measures to restrict traffic flow in new developments are important.
Advice on the design of residential roads and footpaths is given in
the Department's publication "Layout of Housing Roads Design Guide".
New residential layouts will have to demonstrate a suitable approach
to the problems of vehicles in residential areas. |
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