Character and Speed

Unnecessary through traffic should not be attracted to new residential areas, and the layout and attractiveness of the environment should be designed to discourage the use of the car for local trips. Conversely, walking and cycling should be encouraged.

To achieve these aims, the environmental requirements of the urban space within which each street is located should determine the width and maximum speed of the street. This means that the character and pleasantness of a space takes precedence over the speed and throughput of traffic that will be carried by the street contained within it. By calming traffic in residential areas in this way, the safety and enjoyment of pedestrians and cyclists is increased.

All new residential areas should be considered as elements of approximately 700 dwellings. Each of these elements (as well as any development of less than 700 dwellings in size) are to be served entirely by streets with a design-speed of maximum 20mph.


Page updated: 31/01/2018


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