 At the recent Grayshott Parish Assembly, proposed Village traffic calming measures were discussed. In these discussions The Grayshott Society, who have been involved over several months with the relevant authorities both in Hampshire and Surrey as well as the Highways Agency brought up the subject of "shared space/streets".
Chris Vardy, Secretary of the Grayshott Society said after the meeting, " Perhaps it was not made clear at the meeting what is meant by " shared space". A report by the County Surveyors Society, which represents local authorities responsible for most roads in England and Wales, recommends a revolution in road design. It calls for widespread adoption of the concept of "shared space".
The report says that "paradoxically", creating barriers and divisions may worsen safety because drivers feel more confident and speed up, despite the limitations on the speed at which the human mind can take in the amount of information now displayed on our roads. The human response to increased in-car and on road-safety may be to increase risky behaviour. " We are social animals and there is evidence that the removal of control and the creation of uncertainty can slow traffic and elicit more considerate behaviour".
Barriers and signs such as railings, kerbs, traffic lights and white lines cause crashes because people assume they will keep them safe and therefore fail to focus on what other road users are doing. Giving drivers less information by removing signs will encourage them to slow down to negotiate a safer route along busy streets and junctions.
Phil Bates, Vice Chair of the Society said, "The point of raising the "shared space" concept is to broaden the discussion over what is the best solution for Grayshott Village over traffic issues, we must not just accept what is on offer, we must accept what is right for Grayshott, particularly as traffic calming has been seen as part of the A3 Tunnel Project and that Hampshire and Surrey County Councils have promised to obtain the necessary funding. In the circumstances we are looking for a more enlightened approach to traffic calming measures and will not accept " best value" just because its the cheapest rather than the best solution. Considering the overall cost of the A3 Tunnel Project and it's impact on local roads surely we can expect whatever funding is required and the fullest attention over the matter".
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