3.4.1 Designing for pedestrians
Pedestrians are at the top of the modal hierarchy (Local Transport Plan Core Policy 3) and their needs take precedence over other street design elements in the design of footways and paths.
Where the street typology requires footways, these must be provided on both sides of all streets.
Footway Widths
Footways should have a desirable minimum width of at least 2m, clear of any obstructions. This must be wider in areas of higher footfall (e.g. outside schools or shops), where new infrastructure (such as trees or street furniture) introduce a reduced width, or where stated in the Street Typologies.
An absolute minimum footway width of 1.5m must used where there are pre-existing obstacles such as trees and street furniture. The maximum length of this reduced width must be no more than 5m, and there must be a space of at least 8.0m between any reduced width sections.
Gradients and Dropped Kerbs
A regular, level surface must be provided. The level change for a dropped kerb should be achieved using a short ramp at the kerbside that maintains a clear, level pavement width in line with the rules above
Footways should generally be level, with no gradient in excess of 1 in 60. Where this is not feasible, gradients must not exceed 1 in 20, with regular level landings (every 0.5m in level change) provided.
Dropped kerbs must be provided at all junctions and all crossing points. Every street must feature at least one dropped kerb on both sides of the street at least every 100 metres.
Other Requirements
Footway surfaces should be smooth, sealed and even to ensure accessibility for wheelchair users and people with mobility or balance impairments.
Footways must be visually distinct from the carriageway, this can be achieved using visually contrasting materials (preferred), or by using a kerb upstand to define the edge.
Pedestrian guard railings must not be used
Accessibility Considerations
Pedestrian priority streets must have, as a minimum, a 25mm upstand kerb to delineate the footway and carriageway. For new streets, this would only apply to High Streets – Low Traffic (Type 1.B).
Tactile paving must be used on all designated crossing points, including continuous crossings points and raised tables.
Regular resting places, including seating, must be provided every 50m to 100m.