Rethinking the streets

Within the report is cautious endorsement of a concept dubbed 'shared Space' - a new trend in urban street-design that is taking off across Europe.

The guidance sets out an approach to the creation of residential streets that recognises their role in creating places with local distinctiveness and identity that work for all members of the community. It also urges practitioners to use street design to promote better social interaction and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and to encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport. Transport minister Gillian Merron said: "The way our streets are designed affects us all everyday, yet it is all too easy to consider streets simply as a means for getting from one place to another, forgetting the important role they play in bringing communities together. "The Government is serious about creating places where people want to live and work and this manual represents a more balanced approach to the very varied needs of all users, and not just those who are simply driving through."

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