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MVA Consultancy to lead DfT Shared Space Research

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MVA Consultancy has been appointed to lead a team of consultants in a study of shared space and shared surface schemes for the Department for Transport (DfT).

This study will be the first significant attempt in the UK to collate evidence of the benefits and drawbacks of shared space, and issue comprehensive guidance on design and provision.

The team will carry out research to identify how design and other mitigating measures can address the concerns that some people, particularly those with a visual impairment, have about these environments.

Stuart Reid, MVA’s Project Manager for the study, said: “There is a great deal of interest in shared space schemes, but some user groups have expressed concern about aspects of them, particularly shared surfaces.

 “We recognise and understand those issues and we are committed to exploring them in an open and transparent way. The aim is to make shared space work for everyone by giving the best possible guidance to practitioners.”

The project team led by MVA Consultancy includes TRL, Atkins, the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) JMU Access Partnership and Phil Jones Associates. The study will conclude in spring 2011.

Information for Editors:

Notes for Editors
1. Shared space schemes are schemes in which no single user type has a clear priority. They are becoming popular in some town centres as a way of using minimal traffic signing and other traffic management measures to reduce the speed of motor vehicles and so encourage drivers to share the highway more equitably with pedestrians and other users. Some shared space schemes feature a shared surface in which there are no kerbs to segregate pedestrians from motor traffic – examples include the award-winning New Road redesign in Brighton.

2. The project is the latest in a series of DfT initiatives to better integrate highway planning and design with other aspects of urban design. It follows recent research and guidance publications on this theme including:

• The Manual for Streets
• Local Transport Note 1/08 Traffic Management and Streetscape
• Local Transport Note 3/08 Mixed Priority Routes

3. MVA Consultancy provides advice on transport and other policy areas, to central, regional and local government, agencies, developers, operators and financiers.

 A diverse group of results-oriented people, MVA employs more than 500 people worldwide. Through client business planning, customer research and strategy development we create solutions that work for real people in the real world.

4. Atkins is the UK’s leading transport consultancy providing consultancy support to the UK and international road and rail sector. Our services include transport consultancy and planning, developing designs for new and existing transport structures, managing road maintenance programmes and providing innovative and intelligent transport solutions. Our transport planning business has a wealth of experience in pedestrian, shared space and public realm projects including overseeing the delivery of the environmental improvements at Trafalgar Square.

5. TRL is an internationally recognised centre of excellence, providing research, advice and solutions for all issues of land transport. Our breadth of expertise encompasses a wide range of disciplines, with staff that are particularly skilled at undertaking multi-disciplinary investigations and offering expert opinion based on quality research and practical experience.

For further information please contact:

Emma O'Sullivan on 01483 742925
or email eosullivan@mvaconsultancy.com

or

Sarah White on 01483 742975
or email swhite@mvaconsultancy.com

18 February 2009