Stuck in shared space on Exhibition Road
On Friday 1st July I published detailed research into so called “shared space”. This is the architectural conceit, the planning folly, which proposes that the removal of kerbs, road markings, controlled crossings such as zebras and pelicans and so on leads to a better experience for all users of our streets. To be clear this means no road or pavement, no safe space, buses and blind people, toddlers and trucks sharing the same space. Unsurprisingly, the research findings do not support a sunny view of shared space.
Sixty-three per cent of respondents reported a negative experience of shared space. Even more worryingly, thirty-five per cent said they actively avoided shared space, that’s over a third of people planned out of their local community, their local shops, their local support services. This type of totalitarian planning would make even an old style Soviet feel some shame. The research also indicated a significant under reporting of accidents in these shared spaces.
The findings are stark, the solution clear, an immediate moratorium on all shared space schemes until thorough impact assessments can be conducted. This must be combined with a central record of accident data including “courtesy crossings”, which must be defined and monitored. There is also a need for updated Department for Transport guidance to enable local authorities to fully understand their obligations, not least in relation to the Equality Act.
Has so called “shared space” achieved an inclusive experience for all? No, it most certainly has not. Has it opened up our high streets, increased safety and usability? Again, no it has not. Shared space is not a safe place nor a pleasant place, it has turned high streets into traffic free for alls, it has caused confusion, chaos and catastrophe.
In the words of survey respondents, shared space is:
“Lethally dangerous” (Pedestrian)
“Absolute nightmare that I avoid if I can.” (Driver)
“Shared space is a false promise with poor delivery” (Cyclist)
Shared-use streets a safety disaster says, ex-Paralympian, BBC News
Halt city ‘shared spaces’, says report by Lord Holmes, BBC News
Cars and pedestrians don’t mix well concludes study into shared space schemes, Independent
Chaos, Confusion and Catastrophe, Politics Home
Lord Holmes calls for immediate moratorium on ‘lethally dangerous’ shared space, Transport Monthly
New Report calls for a moratorium on shared space crossings, Transport for All
Top Town shared spaces branded ‘dangerous’ and ‘Third World traffic free-for-alls’, Grimsby Telegraph
“Dangerous and Costly” shared spaces should be scrapped, Lord Holmes claims, Gloucester Citizen
Ex-Paralympian in call to end shared space crossings, Swindon Advertiser
Time to stop sharing?, Lord of the Blogs
Blurred Lines #Shared Spaces, Unity Law Report
Daily Politics asks if ‘shared space’ is safe….
Please tweet using #stopsharedspace
Still stuck on Exhibition Road
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