Central Bedfordshire Design Guide SPD

Page 66 - only a few drivers understand that it is supposed to be a pedestrian priority space . (The Highway Code does not even mention shared spaces - drivers do not learn about them.) Overall, drivers assume they are roads on which they can drive anywhere, at 30mph, and expect pedestrians to get out of their way; drivers also seem to believe they can park anywhere on shared space roads - including at junctions, making it difficult for pedestrians to negotiate the raised tables or humps and chicanes. They should not be promoted as an option. They certainly do NOT encourage most drivers to slow down.

Page 67 - Whether pedestrians … should be provided with segregated facilities’ - in any built up area, it is imperative that pedestrians are given footpaths protected by a kerb to segregate them from traffic. Pedestrians should not have to jump out of the way of vehicles speeding through developments.

Page 69 - Pedestrians have priority over vehicles and streets are designed to produce very low vehicle speeds.’ The highway code does not provide a road sign that states that pedestrians have priority over vehicles; moreover, the figure does not show any signage indicating this. Drivers, therefore, will be unaware of this rule. How will you make them aware? How will it be enforced? If drivers are not aware, and if it is not enforced, pedestrians will be at risk from speeding vehicles.

A further point to note regarding the use of shared spaces is that drivers are often not aware they are entering one; further, they are not aware when they leave one. There are many drivers who drive or park on the footpath of Maunder Avenue, King’s Reach, because they think it is a shared space. It isn’t. Share spaces need to be properly signed (official signs for shared spaces exist in other countries, not in the UK - possibly because the DfT does not encourage their use), also the end of a shared space should be properly signed - and correct use of the roadway enforced, for example, to keep the footway clear for pedestrians.