The Institution of Highway & Transportation

Manual for Streets Questionnaire

The Manual for Streets (MfS) was published in March 2007 and its sister document Manual for Streets 2 – Wider Application of the Principles (MfS2) in September 2010.  The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, the House Builders Federation and the Department for Transport are working together in conducting a review of the application of these documents throughout the transportation profession. The aim is to assess how well the manuals have been established within the industry, investigate why some practitioners are reluctant to use it, identify barriers to use, and consider what actions are necessary to address these issues.

As part of this work, we need to gather the views of key stakeholders.  We would therefore be grateful if you could complete the following short survey on the Manual for Streets 1 & 2.
 

Manual for Streets Questionnaire

  1. 1. Has your authority adopted the principles in MfS and MfS2?

  2. 1.

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  4. 2. If not, could you indicate which of the following reasons apply within your organisation (please choose those that are most significant)

  5. 2.

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  8. 3. If yes, MfS aimed to enable the Better-designed Streets with a transformation in quality

  9. 3. a) Do you think that MfS has seen a change in culture of Planners, Highway Authorities and Developers? *

  10. 3. b) Has the design, connectivity, distinctiveness and attractiveness of streets altered considerably in the last 3 ½ years?

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  12. 4. Has your authority produced local design standards or guidance based on the Manual?

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  14. 5. Promoting Joint Working – Planners, Highway Engineers, Landscape Architects, Developers and other interested parties – all one happy family

  15. 5. a) Has there been a major move towards the Development Team concept for the main Stakeholders to work together?

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  17. 6. New Stopping Sight Distances and Visibility advice will project us into 21st Century for the relevant Design Criteria

  18. 6. a) Do you believe that the advice in MfS & MfS2 for Sight Distances and Visibility Requirements are appropriate and assist designers?

  19. 6. b) Are you still using the DB32 or DMRB criteria in your Design Guides?

  21.  

  22. 7. Streets will be Quality Places, reduced clutter, fewer traffic signs and a reduction in road markings. They will be seen to encapsulate Local Distinctiveness with lots of trees and planting, a reduction in street furniture with better purposeful street lighting to make you happy to walk on them. Streets will be for people not waste collection vehicles.

  23. 7. a) Has MfS enabled all Stakeholders to take forward the concept of Quality Streets and Places?

  24. 7. b) Are we delivering better quality streets as a result of the adoption of MfS principles?

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  26. 8. Home Zones are the way forward by creating a high quality street which strikes a balance between the needs of the Local Community and Vehicles (Localism)

  27. 8. a) Are you seeing an increasing number of developments using the Home Zone concept?

  28. 8. b) In going forward Government’s Agenda is one of Localism and Community involvement. Is this an issue you are happy to embrace?

  29. 8. c) To date do you feel we all are getting the most out of customer engagement?

  30.  

  31. 9. Car Parking Provision, with the recent announcement that councils and communities will be free to set parking policies that are right for their areas

  32. 9. a) Will there still an issue with car parking provision on new residential developments?

  33. 9. b) Do we need further advice on Car Parking Standards?

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  35. 10. A joined-up approach to the Adoption process by using a “palette of materials”, the use of SUDs and “to begin with the end in mind” for the long-term maintenance of the Streets

  36. 10. a) Is there more consideration being given to materials which have better long-term maintenance characteristics?

  37. 10. b) Developers have always wanted a Model Section 38 Agreement. Is this something you would support?

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  39. 11. Are there any areas not covered by MfS and MfS2 that require further technical guidance?

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  42. 12. Do you feel that your authority/organisation would benefit from bespoke training on the MfS principles and how to apply them to a road network?

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  44. In case we need to clarify any points with you it would be helpful if you could provide contact details or if you wish to be involved in the Transport in the Urban Environment update:

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