FEET FIRST: PUBLIC ATTITUDES AND CONSULTATION IN TRAFFIC CALMING SCHEMES. A REPORT FOR TRANSPORT 2000 TRUST

In 1988, 15 British local authorities and Transport 2000 formed a 'Feet First' network. Each of the local authorities was committed to an area-wide traffic calming scheme, and the network enabled them to learn from each other how best to implement one. This report assesses the results of the schemes in the cities of Brighton, Leicester, Sheffield, and York in detail, compares them, and outlines the results of the other eleven schemes. It draws on 'before' and 'after' surveys to show what local residents really think of traffic calming. The schemes surveyed have slowed down traffic, and made drivers more likely to drive carefully and give way to other road users. They have also given streets back to people, and, for example, made parents happier to let their children go to schools or shops on their own. The attitude surveys found overwhelming support from all sections of society for the principle of traffic calming, but also found some minority opposition. Pedestrians felt significantly safer, and motorists were more likely to let them cross. Motorists' attitudes to the schemes varied considerably.