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Hull shows that good design essential to successful low speed zones

05 February 2003

Good design is essential to successful area traffic calming according to research by the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr). 20mph zones can dramatically cut the number of road accidents but require innovative design to ensure good access by ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

A case study of Hull, which has implemented more than 100 20mph zones since 1994, showed the importance of consultation with the emergency services in the design of schemes. In some cases, emergency vehicle access has improved, for example through the use of rising bollards. Other important features include choosing the correct height and spacing for speed humps or cushions.

The findings, part of a national study of child pedestrian safety, will be discussed at an ippr conference in Hull on Wednesday 5th February in partnership with Hull city council.

Tony Grayling, associate director of ippr and co-author of the report said:

‘We estimate that Hull’s 20mph zones have already saved 200 serious injuries and 1,000 minor injuries since 1994. They are popular with residents and it good to see that schemes are also designed in consultation with emergency services, to ensure good access by ambulances and other emergency vehicles. If other councils followed Hull’s example, then there would be far fewer road casualties, especially child pedestrian deaths and injuries on which Britain has a bad record.’

Notes to Editors

- In association with the Centre for Transport Studies, Imperial College London and with the support of Hull City Council, the conference will take place on Wednesday 5th February 2003 at on 10.30am – 4pm at The Guildhall, Kingston upon Hull.

- Speakers include:

* Sandy Bishop, Head of Road Safety at the Department for Transport

* Tony Kirby, Traffic Projects Manager, Hull City Council

* Nick Burkitt, Social Exclusion Unit

Media are welcome to attend and should contact the ippr media office for accreditation.

- Streets ahead - Safe and liveable streets for children by Tony Grayling, Karl Hallam, Daniel Graham, Richard Anderson and Stephen Glaister is available from the ippr media office (journalists only) or from Central Books on 0845 458 9910.

Media enquiries:

Beatrice Stern, Media Officer 020 7470 6125 / 07971 851 145 / b.stern@ippr.org

Other enquiries:

Matt Jackson, Sustainability Team Administrator 020 7339 0007 / m.jackson@ippr.org