Highway Code Changes are Set to Prioritise Walkers and Cyclists
Changes to The Highway Code are due to be published this coming Autumn.
Blog
NPPF July 2021 Revision, A Guide to What has Changed
The National Planning Policy Framework which sets out the government’s planning policies for England was revised on the 20th of July 2021.
New Civil Engineer - Future of Roads Event
It was great to have the opportunity to take part in the Future of Roads Event run by New Civil Engineer on Thursday 1st of July 2021. The event provided a platform for sector leaders to explore plans for the future of the industry, keeping in mind the challenges presented by Climate Change, net zero targets, Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Sessions were presented by individuals from the Department for Transport, CIHT, TfL, Highways England, The Highways Sector Council and more.
Orcas and Armadillos - Are we protecting cyclists at the expense of other road users?
Orcas and Armadillos are both common light segregation methods used as cycle lane delineators in the UK. The official use of light protection schemes in the UK was launched in 2013, with Orcas and other delineators now a common sight as the UK’s cycle network expands. While they are designed to protect cyclists by providing a physical buffer preventing vehicles from entering cycle lanes, many believe that these devices cause more harm than good. Reports have highlighted concerns over the devices destabilising motorcyclists, creating trip hazards for pedestrians, and even cyclists are at risk when low-level devices are damaged by vehicles leaving parts strewn on the road.
Reallocating Road Space Guidance in Response to Covid-19
A guide to reallocating road space in response to Covid-19 was published by the Department for Transport on 12th January 2021 and applies to all highway authorities in England. It is additional to the guidance in the Traffic Management Act (2004) and replaces the guidance published on 9th May 2020 and 23rd May 2020. The government now expects local authorities to make significant changes to their road layouts to give more space to cyclists and pedestrians, which will help embed the altered behaviours that have come as a result of the pandemic, and also demonstrate the positive effects of active travel. A summary of the updated guidance is therefore provided below, and useful links are provided at the end.
School Streets Experience, First Hand
Early in November 2020, one of our Senior Transport Planners, George Stow, began volunteering at a School Streets scheme near his home in Hove. School Streets schemes close the road outside a school at the beginning and end of the school day, lowering air pollution, reducing the risk of traffic incidents, promoting social distancing during the COVID pandemic, and contributing to a positive community setting. George provides an article on his hands-on experience of the scheme below, detailing the positive impact he has seen it make, and the challenges involved with setting up these schemes.
Drone Deliveries: Will it Take Off!?
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, UK supermarkets have made huge changes to the operation of their delivery services. As huge numbers of people limited the number of trips they made out of the house, supermarkets saw a surge in online ordering requiring a huge and rapid scaling of their delivery services. Consequently, the online shopping sector is set to grow 33% in 2020, reaching an estimated value of £16.8 billion.
No place to park: why the pavement may no longer be a good option
Pavement parking has long been a contentious and antagonistic issue. While banned in Greater London besides a few exemptions, it is legal - although advised against - in the rest of the UK. Now, as part of the post-Covid-19 recovery involves encouraging more people to choose active travel, the problem is once again being looked at by the government.
LTN 1/20 – The New Cycling Infrastructure Standards
On the 27th of July, the UK Government published its “Gear Change: A bold vision for cycling and walking” document, a plan that sets out the long-term vision of radically increasing active travel, with a £2 billion investment fund for cycling and walking to facilitate this. In support of the “Gear Change” vision, the LTN1/20 “Cycle Infrastructure Design” document was also published, containing guidance for local authorities and highways engineers on designing high-quality, safe cycle schemes and infrastructure.
School Transport Planning Experience
Mayer Brown Ltd (MBL) are a multidisciplinary consultancy providing Transport Planning, Transport Infrastructure Design and Environmental Assessment services for development projects across the UK. MBL have a wealth of experience supporting schools and education facilities from a highways and transportation perspective. This note provides a brief view of our experience. Further details on any individual topic can be provided at request – contact details are provided at the end of this note.
