DfT Shared space project – Stage 1: Appraisal of shared space

This report sets out the findings of an appraisal into shared space, and concludes that shared space schemes appear to be beneficial in appropriate settings.

This report was prepared as an early output from a project to develop evidence-based design guidance on shared space highway schemes, including those which feature a level surface without kerbs.

Shared Space is an approach to highway design predominantly aimed at changing the impact of motor traffic in places used by pedestrians.

While this report draws a number of conclusions, in doing so it acknowledges that there is limited research available, particularly into the operation of shared space schemes in the UK. Consequently these conclusions are provisional, pending further research.

In summary, the report concludes that shared space schemes do appear to be a beneficial design approach for application in appropriate settings. Shared space describes a design approach rather than a design type characterised by ‘standard’ features. Accordingly each scheme needs to be carefully developed with full reference to the context and setting.

The full benefits of shared space are likely to be achieved when vehicle flows are relatively low, vehicle speeds are effectively controlled and there are features in the space that encourage pedestrian activity. Not all pedestrians are comfortable mingling with vehicles and the provision of clearly defined space in which they can be confident that they will not encounter a vehicle is likely to be beneficial.