Shared space - the alternative approach to calming traffic

This article looks at the concept of shared space where vehicle traffic and pedestrians use the same environment. Introduced in the 1970s by Dutch traffic engineer Hans Monderman, the concept assumes an ability of people to resolve potential conflicts and involves the removal of speed limit devices, fences and lines. Road user behaviour is conditioned by the environment and by perception of risk: where safety factors are increased, people take more risk and less responsibility for the outcome. Where there is more obvious risk, road users are alert to hazards, drive slower and seek eye contact more often. Removing the clutter of road signs, barriers and lights makes a town centre a more attractive place to live and work. Traffic engineering specifications need to be revised to take into account the use of shared space. The concept is slowest to be recognised by at-risk groups, particularly the elderly and disabled.