SAFER STREETS FOR VULNERABLE ROAD USERS- THE UK EXPERIENCE

The paper describes the road accident picture in UK, with particular reference to vulnerable road users - pedestrians, cyclists and motor cyclists - and looks at progress in improving their safety. Safety engineering is seen as an important contribution to accident reduction particularly if done through a framework of Urban Safety Management and Traffic Calming. The paper discusses: (1) the role of Central Government funding, accident reduction targets, and advice for Local Authorities; (2) the effect on speed, accidents, traffic flow and public opinion of some of the schemes installed; (3) the use of specific engineering measures such as speed humps, speed cushions, chicanes, rumble areas, crossings and speed enforcement cameras. This general overview and objective measurement of the effect of different approaches and treatments to assist vulnerable road users, should provide a helpful contribution to dicussions on European Road Safety. (A)