As we go to press Assistant Director message it gives the driver in association Planning, Transportation & Highways with all of the other changes we are Colin Knight writes on the 20 mph city making. Unfortunately in any system centre speed limit: there are drivers who will exceed “Twenty zones have to be designed to be whatever limit is set and it is about self enforcing as the police won't enforce damage limitation. On the positive side, them. There are two reasons for this: the measures we've introduced on resources and the reliability of the Gosford Street have brought average speeds down from 24mph to 18 mph measuring equipment at lower speeds. The whole point about 20 zones is the which is a good result and bodes well.”
February 2012
As the Shared Space controversy rumbles consult more closely with organisations between bus drivers and pedestrians has on, we understand from press reports like Guide Dogs when they are been particularly serious. that streets within the Ring Road will developing future shared space schemes, John Marshall’s photo (left) shows us the to ensure they are safe for all.” become a blanket 20 mph zone in a few new layout. John writes: “In the past, weeks time. Extra training for bus Coventry and Warwickshire Accessible motorists have seemed unable to Transport Committee, has raised a recognise or obey the “buses only” rule drivers has also been proposed to help petition opposing shared space. It posed whilst pedestrians have been unsure them cope with the new junctions. But the question: “[What] are the legal whether the junction is part of the how long will it take to see the sort of culture change that is needed? highway or part of the wider pedestrian implications for drivers and pedestrians One of the watchwords of organisation when no rights of way/stops are square. Equality Streets is ‘Instead of priority, let defined?” “Further difficulties have arisen from its there be equality’. They are very clear close proximity to a busy pelican crossing about traffic system reform: ‘It asserts on Fairfax Street which provides the main pedestrian access to Pool Meadow bus the right of all road users to use station. It is here, in particular, that buses commonsense on roads free of counterproductive traffic controls. and pedestrians seem to engage in a The aim is to change the basic rule of the constant battle of will – reminiscent, road from priority (a traffic engineering perhaps, of some medieval jousting construct) to equality (a social model). contest. Priority makes us compete for gaps and “The new design incorporates a clearer green time. “Get out of my way!” it demarcation between roadway and shouts, as it denies infinite filtering footpath ‐ with distinctive concrete balls opportunities and expressions of fellow marking the way ‐ and a central feelings. Equality says, “After you,” as it We know there are now a number of pedestrian island separating the two‐way stimulates empathy and encourages examples of shared space across Europe bus lanes. drivers to see pedestrians as fellow that work well. Some are highlighted in a “Is this an improvement or does the You Tube sequence lasting some five road‐users.’ junction require a more radical re‐design? A bit high faluting but Interestingly, when minutes. Ben Hamillton‐Baillie, a Is it safer for pedestrians and is it easier specialist in reconciling traffic movement for bus drivers to negotiate the junction lights are out of action and there is no priority, we approach carefully and filter and quality public spaces talks about the safely? Does the new design ease the principles of shared space and its impact problem of gaining access to in turn. As courtesy thrives, congestion on modern cities. It’s worth a look—do a Pool Meadow? Is it now more attractive? dissolves. But we have to ask the question: ’Is that the whole story? Google search on ‘Shared Space The jury is out.” Tony Murray for the Guide Dogs for the Hereford’. Let us know what you think. Blind was quoted in the CT recently: It seems appropriate to also review the Comments can be emailed to the “We would like to see the Council alterations at Millennium Place outside Coventry Society at re‐instate light‐controlled crossings and Sainsbury’s store where the conflict campaigns@coventrysociety.org.uk Coventry-based Imagineer Productions are one of the UK’s foremost producers of large-scale outdoor events, carnival and site specific theatre. At our next meeting Founder and Co-Director Jane Hytch presents
ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 at 7.30 in the Holy Trinity Centre, Priory Row Light refreshments Visitors welcome