Park where you like? No Minister !

Pavements are for People - DfT leaflet 

In July 2013, the BBC reported that sources close to the communities secretary Eric Pickles told the Daily Telegraph that "over-aggressive" parking enforcement was one of the reasons why many High Streets were struggling.  His proposed solution - let drivers park for up to 15 minutes on areas with yellow lines.  Although a year later, it was reported that the idea had been quietly dropped.  This followed the publication of a Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) report that found that it could also "encourage more anti-social and potentially dangerous parking and also lead to sequential parking in some popular areas where kerb space might be continually occupied despite there being a restriction in place". (My emphasis)

This appears to be an all-too typical approach from the Communities Secretary, make a lot of noise on a supposedly populist policy announcement - only to quietly drop it when people realise the negative impacts.

More seriously, than the public dog-whistle posturing of individual politicians - is the central direction of transport policy that this example highlights.  

Need to increase "growth" ? Rush through plans to build more roads. Let's just ignore decades of evidence that building more roads does not reduce congestion. In fact, they increase traffic levels.

"An average road improvement, for which traffic growth due to all other factors is forecast correctly, will see an additional [i.e. induced] 10% of base traffic in the short term and 20% in the long term." (1994 SACTRA report 'Trunk Roads and the Generation of Traffic')

Worried about the impact of increased CO2 emissions from more traffic?  (on your newly built roads) - remove CO2 emissions from the grounds that local people can object to a road building proposal.

Pretending you are worried about the demise of the High Street as people shop at out-of-town retail parks due to the high cost of parking charges?  Suggest that vehicles can park anywhere on yellow lines - despite evidence from your own department that this would increase danger to pedestrians and people cycling.

How about changing the regulations that mean that large out-of-town retail centres do not pay business rates on the massive amounts of land taken up with "free" car parking places - whilst small High Street businesses have to pay business rates on the small number of car parking spaces that they provide. Level playing field anyone?  (But this is a subject for a future blog post).

But back to the subject of vehicles being able to park anywhere....

In the 1980s the Department for Transport (DfT) and Central Office of Information (COI) produced the leaflet (see above) which was sent out with driving licences and politely reminded drivers not to park on the pavement.  Unfortunately, the DfT and DVLA no longer seem to view this as a priority - although some Councils do.   

The government encourages local councils to apply to take over parking responsibilities from the police. This is called decriminalisation, because parking offences become civil matters, rather than criminal. In other areas where the local council has not applied to take charge, the police will still be responsible for enforcement.

The government encourages local councils to apply to take over parking responsibilities from the police. This is called decriminalisation, because parking offences become civil matters, rather than criminal. In other areas where the local council has not applied to take charge, the police will still be responsible for enforcement. - See more at: http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/make-a-change/urgent-actions/pavement-parking#sthash.HxK2Reru.dpuf

The government encourages local councils to apply to take over parking responsibilities from the police. This is called decriminalisation, because parking offences become civil matters, rather than criminal. In other areas where the local council has not applied to take charge, the police will still be responsible for enforcement. - See more at: http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/make-a-change/urgent-actions/pavement-parking#sthash.HxK2Reru.dpuf

The government encourages local councils to apply to take over parking responsibilities from the police. This is called decriminalisation, because parking offences become civil matters, rather than criminal. In other areas where the local council has not applied to take charge, the police will still be responsible for enforcement. - See more at: http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/make-a-change/urgent-actions/pavement-parking#sthash.HxK2Reru.dpuf

The Manchester City Council website states:

"Where there are parking restrictions in place, such as double yellow lines or where the kerbs are lower to enable pedestrians to cross, we can take action. However, the majority of instances happen where there are no parking restrictions in place.  If it presents an actual obstruction and pedestrians, wheelchair users or pushchairs can't pass safety or a car is parked across your driveway then contact the Police on 101 who can take action."

The government encourages local councils to apply to take over parking responsibilities from the police. This is called decriminalisation, because parking offences become civil matters, rather than criminal. In other areas where the local council has not applied to take charge, the police will still be responsible for enforcement. - See more at: http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/make-a-change/urgent-actions/pavement-parking#sthash.HxK2Reru.dpuf

In a 2006 report, Manchester City Council stated that they did "not currently have the powers to introduce a city-wide ban on pavement parking due to no current legislation for enforcement outside London. The only way a total ban could be achieved would be to implement individual TRO’s and erect associated signage on every street within the city."

The report went on to explain how to do this on a road-by-road basis would be very expensive.

However, in London, pavement parking is banned throughout the 32 London boroughs, and the City of London under the Greater London (General Purposes) Act 1974. The Highway Code states; "You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London". All councils in London can and should enforce this law by issuing parking tickets to any vehicles parked on pavements, unless there is a sign there that specifically permits it. (Para 244)

Pavement parking is banned throughout the 32 London boroughs, and the City of London under the Greater London (General Purposes) Act 1974. The Highway Code states; 'You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London'. All councils in London can and should enforce this law by issuing parking tickets to any vehicles parked on pavements, unless there is a sign there that specifically permits it. - See more at: http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/make-a-change/urgent-actions/pavement-parking#sthash.HxK2Reru.dpuf

Manchester recently announced that one-third of all the streets (where people live) would have a 20mph speed limit. Reducing traffic speed and noise will help play a part in making our streets safer and nicer places to live, meet, play and cycle.

Reclaiming pavements for people (young and old) to walk and play on would be another great step.  

Following a presentation at the Manchester Cycle Forum (March 2014) about enforcement by Manchester Community Enforcement officers of parking in cycle lanes and shared pavements - the MCC officers were asked whether it would be possible (legally, not necessarily politically) for Manchester to implement a similar regulation to the London Scheme.  Eg all pavement parking is banned - apart from where it is allowed.

A response was promised for the next Cycle Forum (June) but unfortunately was not forthcoming.  Let's hope that an answer can be provided to the September Cycle Forum.

Meanwhile, you can support the Living Streets campaign on inconsiderate pavement parking. Living Streets calls for: 

• UK Government to make pavement parking illegal throughout the UK  
• UK Government to lead a wider national “pavement education” campaign on all aspects of using our pavements – including anti-social parking and cycling 
• All local authorities to decriminalise and take on the civil enforcement of parking offences 
• Where police are responsible for enforcement, to take the issue more seriously and enforce all instances of pavement parking.

Living Streets calls for:

• UK Government to make pavement parking illegal throughout the UK
• Scottish Government to expand dropped kerb regulations into Scotland
• UK Government to lead a wider national “pavement education” campaign on all aspects of using our pavements – including anti-social parking and cycling
• All local authorities to decriminalise and take on the civil enforcement of parking offences
• Where police are responsible for enforcement, to take the issue more seriously and enforce all instances of pavement parking.

- See more at: http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/make-a-change/urgent-actions/pavement-parking#sthash.HxK2Reru.dpuf

Bury Council policy:  Safer parking

We have a responsibility to keep the roads and footpaths safe to use.
Illegally parked vehicles cost us thousands of pounds a year due to damaged paving, damaged grass verges. They also cause serious problems for blind, disabled and older people.

What action do we take against pavement parking?If there are waiting restrictions (yellow lines) on the highway adjacent to the pavement then a Penalty Charge Notice would be issued, as a vehicle parked in this manner is in contravention of the Traffic Order. Waiting restrictions cover the highway from the centre of the highway to back of the footpath.
If there are no waiting restrictions on the highway adjacent to the pavement, then we have no powers to take action and this should be taken up with the Police as it constitutes obstruction.


Trafford Council. What action do we take against pavement parking?

If there are waiting restrictions (yellow lines) on the highway adjacent to the pavement then a Parking Fine would be issued since a vehicle parked in this manner is in contravention of the traffic order.
Waiting restrictions cover the highway from centre of highway to back of footpath.
If there are no waiting restrictions on the highway adjacent to the pavement, then we have no powers to take action and this should be taken up with the Police since it constitutes an obstruction.

How fast can your granny run?

In April, the BBC reported that Manchester had become the UK's first city to be recognised as age-friendly by the World Health Organisation. More accurately, Manchester has become the first UK city to become a member of the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC).

As a network member, Manchester has committed to “undertake a process of continually assessing and improving their age-friendliness” and will ensure that “older residents are involved in a meaningful way throughout the process.”

If Manchester is serious about becoming age-friendly as well as improving the walkability of the City then one practical measure that the Council, and the other GM local authorities, could implement is to change the crossing times at pedestrian crossings.

How fast can YOUR granny run?

Research for Living Streets found that most people over the age of 65 walk much slower than the current assumed walking speed of 1.2 metres per second, on which the “green man” time allowed to cross is based, meaning they have insufficient time to safely reach the opposite kerb.

Or, put another way, the “green man” crossing time is not enough for 85% of women and 76% of men aged 65 and over.

The current crossing time guidance dates from the 1950s when levels of car ownership and traffic were much less than today. Living Streets is calling for the assumed walking speed to be changed to 0.8m/s which would add just 3 more seconds onto the green man crossing time on an average width road.

• 3 seconds might not sound like much, but for older people, people with mobility issues and parents with children it can really have a big impact.

• 3 more seconds could help make Manchester a better place to walk. Increasing the number of people walking might encourage more people to leave the car at home for shorter trips to their local shops and neighbourhoods. Making Manchester a nicer place to walk would also be fairer to the 45% of Manchester households who do not own (or have access to) a car. (Census 2011)

Increasing walking levels and reducing car traffic volumes (and speeds) could also encourage more people to cycle – you never know we might catch up with the Dutch where people over 65 make 24% of all their trips by bicycle.(Page 504)

You can find out more information and support the Living Streets “Give me time to cross” campaign on the website.


PS Shortly after this blog article was first drafted, the Manchester Evening News reported that the Government was reviewing road-crossing times. The article quoted Transport for Greater Manchester as saying: 

“At signalised junctions with pedestrian facilities, Greater Manchester follows the standard Department for Transport guidance of 1.2 metres per second walking speed.
“If a longer crossing time is required we do review this on an individual basis along with local authority engineers.

“We’re aware of this ministerial proposal and will follow developments with interest. If the guidance from the Department for Transport changed to assume a lower speed then we would change all our crossing speeds accordingly.”

Stay tuned to see what comes of this review.

Take the 'Chair you left behind' challenge and Walk to Work Week: 13-17 May 2013

Get your workplace walking this May and get closer to more than just a destination

• Team spirit - compete with your colleagues and walk together
• Better shape - burn calories and get fitter
• Clearer head - blow away the cobwebs and relieve stress
• Fatter wallet - save your bus fare and walk instead
• Hidden treasures - make new discoveries in your area

How it works

During Walk to Work Week, you and your colleagues can:

• see how many miles you walk, calories you burn and carbon you save with our online walking calculator
• count all walking, whether it’s to work, at lunch or for a meeting
• set up teams to compete with colleagues
• achieve a walking feat - either simple individual feats or more extravagant team-feats
• raise money for your favourite charity – perhaps your charity of the year or a local community charity project. 

 Walk to Work week webpage.

The chair you left behind

Walk yourself into better shape this May.

There are lots of daily activities we do sitting down – listening to music, eating lunch at our desks

To take our Better shape feat choose one you can do while you walk - and send us a photograph of the chair you left behind

Simply get up, stand up and do it on the move. Go for a walk during your lunch break. Hold a walking book group. Go for a walk in the park with friends (and take a flask of coffee!).

And from 1 May, you will be able to share your success by uploading a picture of your empty chair (or car seat, or bike saddle, or favourite stool at your local cafe...). Or by simply telling us about it.

Sign up to take the Chair you left behind challenge.

Tell your council you love 20mph

Higher speeds kill more people... slower speeds kill less...  you might think this is obvious but many driving commentators and local councillors don't seem to get it.

Yet, a report published by the Department for Transport (DfT) in 2010 'Relationship between Speed and Risk of Fatal Injury: Pedestrians and Car Occupants' clearly highlights that as speeds reduce, your chances of survival if you are hit by a vehicle increase dramatically. (See graph to the left).

If you are hit by a car at 35 mph, your chance of survival is 50%.  At 20 mph, your chance of survival leaps to 97%.


20 mph is a much safer speed - a study into 20 mph zones in London found that casualties fell by an average of 42%.  Reducing traffic speeds on our streets is the single biggest measure that will make them safer, more vibrant and social places.

20mph should be the standard speed limit for most streets in built-up areas.  Local authorities now have the power to introduce 20 mph limits on streets where we live, work and shop.


So what's happening in Greater Manchester?
 
Wigan Council are leading the field in Greater Manchester. Wigan Council has pledged to make the borough’s roads safer by introducing a 20 mph speed limit in more residential areas so that all residents, particularly children and young people, are able to walk, cycle and feel safe on our streets. The introduction of a 20 mph speed limit will improve road safety, saving lives and preventing serious injuries.

In February 2012, Manchester City Council accepted support a motion which stated that "This Council believes: that the implementation of a city-wide speed limit of 20mph on all non-major residential roads, combined with a public information campaign and innovative

inexpensive traffic calming, would have an immediate beneficial impact on accidents and fatalities in the City."  The Council voted to"direct[s] officers to produce a report for the Executive on the feasibility of implementing a city-wide 20mph limit on all residential roads, excluding major routes as appropriate."

Unfortunately, there seems to be little progress to date - but better than many of the other Councils in Greater Manchester.  For example, in March 2012, the Trafford Liberal Democrats submitted a motion which requested Trafford Council to:

1. Instruct Officers to initiate a feasibility study to implement more 20mph speed limits within Trafford for residential roads.

2. Recommend that the focus for 20mph speed limits be around schools and shopping areas.
 
3. Introduce public consultation, to ensure open and transparent public involvement for making decisions on 20mph in Trafford, through the existing democratic structures.

Shamefully, the Conservative led Trafford Council voted to reject this motion.

A 20 mph speed limit can...

• Increase road safety by reducing the risk and severity of collisions
• Get more people walking and cycling, and create more social and liveable streets
• Cut pollution from exhaust fumes
• Smooth traffic-flow by reducing stop-start driving
• Reduce traffic noise.

So what can I do about it?

Why not show your council that you love 20mph.  Living Streets have designed a very simple email action to send that message to your council. 

Join a local Living Streets or 20s Plenty for Us group that are campaigning for 20mph default speed limits where people live.  

No local group near you?  Why not invite your neighbours and friends round for tea and start your own local group.

Contact your local councillor or Member of Parliament and ask them what they are doing to support slower speeds in your neighbourhood.  Those lovely people at Write to Them make it very easy to contact your local representatives.

Icy pavements are not cool

With the cold and icy conditions upon us, Living Streets are asking people to contact their local councillors and urge the local councils make local pavements safe for everyone this winter.
 
Icy and snowy pavements are a danger to us all during the winter months.
Every winter, thousands of people in the UK are admitted to hospital after slipping on ice or snow. If you’re older, disabled or have a pushchair these ice-rink conditions can make it almost impossible to venture outdoors.

Ice-related falls are also expensive. In 2009/10 it is estimated that hospital admissions in England alone cost tax payers £42 million.    

It doesn’t have to be this way. Your council has a legal duty to keep pavements safe. Ask your council to fulfil its duty and sign up to the Living Streets ‘winter contract’ with local people committing to:

• clear pavements and paths serving key local destinations and give them at least the same priority as key roads in relevant plans and winter maintenance schedules

• send contractors unable to carry out their main jobs in bad weather to help clear icy pavements

• help residents do their bit by making sure grit is available, encouraging people to clear the street outside their property and helping organise volunteer teams of ‘snow wardens’.

Help make sure councils do their bit and keep pavements ice-free this winter.


PS if you receive a response by email from your council, please forward it to campaigns@livingstreets.org.uk

This will help them gauge how well councils are responding to demand for ice-free pavements.

Those boots were made for walking...October is Walk to School month

October is International Walk to School Month. 

Each October, primary school children from across the UK join forces with over 40 countries worldwide to celebrate the benefits of walking to school.

Walk to School Month in the UK is run by Living Streets. In 2012, we’ll be celebrating with Strider’s International Walking Challenge. This month-long activity encourages pupils to walk at least once a week for the month. We provide classroom packs that include everything a school needs to run a month-long challenge, encouraging pupils to walk. 

This Walk to School Month, Living Streets is delighted to be teaming up with children’s shoe manufacturer Start-rite to encourage more children to walk to school during International Walk to School Month. 

Start-rite are sponsoring 20 schools in the Greater Manchester area to take part in Living Streets’ WoW (Walk once a Week) scheme which awards badges as incentives for children to walk to school regularly. 

More details on Living Streets' Walk to School Month website. 

Where is the cycling version of this....

Those nice people at Living Streets have developed a great Ice Cream calculator to work out how quickly you can burn off those lovely summer (!) treats when endulging your legs in a sport of walking...

As Living Streets recognise we can all be "guilty of over indulging over the summer holiday period with ice cream treats being a real favourite – whatever the weather! Our ice cream calculator will show you how walking can help burn off those extra calories. Just log your walk to find out which ice cream you have burned off. Simple as that. And you can enter a prize draw to win an instant lolly maker."

 

Anyone know where there is an equivalent calculator for cycling.... definitely a gap in the market :)

Take the Great British Walking Challenge

The month of May sees our friends at Living Streets launch the Great British Walking Challenge....so whatever your normal transport mode why not step up to the challenge?




Join the country as it takes to its feet. How many steps can you help clock up?

Every step counts as we unite to see how many times we can collectively walk between Land’s End and John O’Groats. Throughout May you can log your walking, whether it’s to or from school, on the commute to work or taking the dog for a walk.

Take a range of walking challenges - share tips, routes and see more of your surroundings from 1 May.  

If you're taking part with your workplace, Walk to Work Week takes place 14-18 May.

The Great British Walking Challenge takes place during Living Streets’ National Walking Month.

Sign up here.

Walk to Work Week 2010

This year's "Walk to Work Week" is taking place from 26th - 30th April and organisations across Greater Manchester are being asked to encourage their staff to:

1.Try walking all or part of the way to work
2.Try walking all or part of the way home from work
3.Hold a walking meeting
4.Walk all or part of the way to a meeting
5.Take a walk during your lunch break

The Walking Works campaign is organised by Living Streets' campaign that aims to get us all walking more in our daily lives. The Walking Works campaign "aims to encourage more people to walk to and from work, and to walk more during their working day.  As part of the campaign, we work directly with businesses to help them promote walking and encourage their employees to use walking as a way to travel actively."

Why not ask your organisation what they are doing to encourage people to walk or cycle to work?