Enforcement as part of measures to enable more walking Richard Hebditch Living Streets

Enforcement and walking Why walking is important Why people are walking less Role of enforcement in changing that Role of enforcement in supporting other improvements

Living Streets 1929 – Pedestrians Association 1990s – Living Streets: focus on improving streets for people 2006 – also promoting walking for short journeys Consultancy services, local groups, campaigning, policy work, Walk to School and Walking Works

Decline in walking 1970 – 291 miles per person per year 2006 – 201 miles per person per year 1995/97 – 292 walk trips per person 2005 – 245 per year 1995/97 – 80% of trips under a mile on foot 2005 – 76%

Why it matters Health: Declining physical activity Rising obesity levels – “by % of men and 40% of women could be clinically obese”

Why it matters… Emissions Short journeys relatively high emissions (cold engines, stop / start journeys) Congestion Increase in car use for relatively short journeys that could be walked One in five cars on school run at peak time

Why it matters… Quality of life and social capital feel more connected to their community more likely to know their neighbours have greater levels of trust more likely to contact elected officials just more social

Why are people walking less Car journeys over public transport Fewer local shops and services Management of streets (eg pavement maintenance) Planning and design of streets and public spaces

Disconnected network / connected network Source: Frank Speilberg

Also management / enforcement of behaviour Almost four in ten car users say they would reduce their car use 'if there were safer walking routes', 30% say they would do so 'if pavements were better'

Different users and enforcement Older people Children Those with disabilities –"those Councils and Police Forces who fail to respond to persistent complaints from disabled people about obstructed pavements and highways which prevent them carrying out their normal activities may find themselves in breach of the [DDA] because as public agencies they will have a duty to promote the equality of disabled people." (Speech by Bert Massie, A Modern Transport System, 29 September 2005).

Pavement parking

Parking enforcement

Speed

Pavement cycling

Footway obstruction

Enforcement and design / maintenance

In conclusion Enforcement is an essential part of wider policies to design and manage places that encourage walking Design and enforcement are complementary – thinking about them together can reduce the need for both