State of Progress and Problems in Formulating Road Improvement Plans Based on the Barrier-Free Law in Japan

In Japan, population aging is progressing at a pace unparalleled in other countries. Indeed, it has been forecast that, by the year 2015, one in every four citizens in this country will be aged 65 or over. It is therefore now a major task to create a social environment in which all citizens – including the aged and disabled – can participate in reassurance and live in comfort. Against this background, the Law for Promoting Easily Accessible Public Transportation Infrastructure for the Aged and the Disabled (known more familiarly as the “Barrier-Free Law”) was enacted on May 17th, 2000. It came into effect in November 2000, along with “Standards on Road Structures Required for Easier Transportation Accessibility in Improvement Priority Areas” (or “Standards on Easier Transportation Accessibility on Roads”). These highlighted the need to reduce physical burdens on the aged and disabled in connection with urban movement, and to improve the convenience and safety of such movement, by making road environments barrier- free. This paper discusses the problems faced when promoting the formulation of “Basic Plans” and “Designated Road Measures” by local authorities in line with the Barrier-Free Law, as well as the future roles of road administrators, based on the results of hearings and field surveys.