The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) today hosted a conference where delegates heard details of the latest Department for Transport (DfT) Local Transport Note (LTN) on Shared Space and how these techniques could be applied.

The conference featured presentations from Gereint Killa, DfT on the background to the project and Stuart Reid, MVA Consulting, on the research and evidence base that supported the LTN and the guidance itself.

Delegates heard how streets provide most of the public space in urban areas. Case studies including Hamilton Road Felixstowe, New Road Brighton and the Plymouth West End Vision highlighted that well designed streets can be places for recreation, shopping, social interaction and physical activity whereas poorly designed streets can be indifferent or hostile.

John Smart, CIHT Spokesperson said:

“Shared space represents a different approach - one which seeks to change the way the street operates by reducing the dominance of motor vehicles. The aim is to allow pedestrians to move more freely within and through the space, crossing where they want to and, in some cases, stopping where they want to, in an environment which encourages low vehicle speeds and courteous behaviour between motorists, cyclist and pedestrians.”

“To support the forthcoming launch of DfT’s Local Transport Note on Shared Space this conference reviewed the document and the research behind it and highlighted a series of case studies that have assisted in the development of the guidance”.

“CIHT looks forward to the forthcoming launch of this note as it will give industry practitioners and the public as a whole more guidance on how the UK’s streets can be designed.”

ENDS

Notes for editors

Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation

CIHT is a membership organisation representing over 12,000 people who work in the highways and transportation sector.

CIHT members plan, design, build, operate and maintain best-in-class transport systems and infrastructure, whilst respecting the imperatives of improving safety, ensuring economic competitiveness and minimising environmental impact.

CIHT supports its member’s professional endeavours by:
• offering training, information, professional development and support
• promoting the value added to society by the profession
• being the focused voice to Governments and other decision makers on transportation expertise and knowledge.

For more information please contact:

Daniel Isichei, Director of Communications, CIHT on t: +44 (0) 20 7336 1567 m: 07912122573 e: Daniel.Isichei@ciht.org.uk