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Proposals to create a pedestrianised or pedestrian priority area
provide a unique opportunity to improve the safety, comfort and enjoyment of
everyone using the area. The aim is generally to allow greater freedom of
pedestrian movement and at the same time reduce or prohibit vehicle movements.
However, access for all must be achieved.
It should be recognised that within pedestrianised areas there
are often residential properties. Consideration must be given to their need
to receive the usual services and trade visits, such as post, milk and newspaper
deliveries etc. They will also want access to any cars they may use. Some residents
may already be, or become disabled, or may have visitors who are disabled. Employers
and workers in the area may also want or need to
park close to their place of work and may themselves be disabled or have customers
or visitors who have a mobility impairment.
Access to all parts of a pedestrianised area for both non-disabled
people and people with a mobility problem is therefore essential and must be
designed into any scheme proposed.
The Institution of Highways and Transportation's Guidelines on
Pedestrianisation and the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions
(DETR) Local Transport Note: 1/87 Getting the Right Balance - Guidance on Vehicle
Resolution in Pedestrian Zones give valuable information and advice on access
within pedestrianised areas.
Access to a pedestrianised area is a key element in its success.
Means of reaching it can include bus, train, Park and Ride, taxi, community
transport, Dial-a-Ride, and private cars.
While some people with mobility problems may be able to travel by any of these modes of transport, some will be restricted to wheelchair accessible services such as adapted taxis, Dial-a-Ride or private cars. Convenient private parking as well as access by public transport which allows people with a mobility problem to reach all parts of the area is therefore essential.
Pedestrianisation of an area inevitably reduces vehicular access
and therefore increases previous maximum walking distances. This is generally
accepted by non-disabled people, depending on the overall benefit to them of
the pedestrianisation. The same applies to people with a mobility problem.
However, their physical ability to walk the increased distances
becomes a factor. The pedestrianised area will become inaccessible for some
if the mobility range for that person is exceeded. Mobility ranges vary enormously
between individuals with age and disability. Other factors such as weather,
topography and obstacles can also affect mobility ranges.
For further details on travelling distances without rest see 4.1
Dimensions of People and Equipment.
Proposed pedestrian schemes should aim to achieve the following mobility range targets if significant numbers of disabled people are not to be excluded from parts of the area:
Where gradients exist the target mobility distances should be
reduced. Conversely, the provision of seating and resting places can extend
the mobility distance.
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