Launch of new research by Matthew Moody on the use of the Manual for Streets (MfS) guidance and the barriers to delivering better streets. Hosted jointly by the Active Travel Academy and the Urban Design Group
00:00:00 – Introduction by Katja Stille. The legislative and non-legislative context for an updated MfS.
00:03:03 – A quick poll and Introduction to his research by Matthew Moody
00:05:20 – Main research objectives and the survey.
00:07:24 – Background to MfS, MfS 2 and upcoming MfS 3.
00:11:08 – The extent of MfS usage by Local Highway Authorities (LHAs)
00:12:49 – Department for Transport’s ‘Better Connected’.
00:13:26 – Detailed description of research findings.
00:15:43 – Direct highways staff feedback.
00:17:17 – The practical status of various forms of guidance.
00:18:35 – Highway classifications.
00:19:40 – LHAs approach to 19 key elements of MfS.
00:21:59 – Corner radii.
00:24:51 – Barriers to better streets
00:28:40 – Constraints.
00:29:06 – Summary of findings.
00:31:15 – Conclusions and recommendations.
00:34:35 – Katja Stille introduces panel discussion
00:39:11 – Response from Rachel Aldred: New streets versus retrofitting. Cycling design guidance
00:42:56 – Amy Burbidge: How can guidance be adopted more universally. Check out ‘Decarbonising Infrastructure in Masterplanning’ and ‘Streets for a Healthy Life’
00:50:01 – Brian Deegan: Moving away from rigid geometries toward placemaking
00:53:55 – Andreas Markides: A reminder of DB32. A lengthy list of current barriers to good design.
01:01:54 – Questions from the audience.
01:03:19 – Matthew Moody responds to question concerning inappropriate use of DMRB.
01:05:43 – Brian Deegan addresses the merit of standard detailing and local interpretation.
01:08:30 – Amy Burbidge: Is a ‘Rosetta Stone’ across disciplines required?
01:12:03 – Katja Stille asks: Why do qualitative standards / outcomes vary between different LHAs?
01:13:12 – Brian Deegan provides an engineer’s answer: The vital role of vehicle speed.
01:15:19 – Andreas Markides responds: All built environment professions are responsible.
01:18:03 – Katja Stille asks: Can the divisiveness be smoothed over?
01:19:02 – Rachel Aldred: The benefit of improved communication.
01:21:31 – Amy Burbidge – Collaborative working and learning.
01:24:52 – Concluding Summaries: How can we arrive at better streets?
01:25:40 – Andreas Markides: Education.
01:27:03 – Brian Deegan: All professions should understand Placemaking. Lower ‘design speeds’!
01:27:49 – Brian Deegan responds to question about participating in consultation for MfS 3.
01:29:32 – Matthew Moody: Vastly improve corner radii.
01:30:35 – Rachel Aldred : Tackle the contraints imposed by refuse lorries. The importance of good data.
Chaired by Katja Stille, Tibbalds, and former Chair of the Urban Design Group.
Results of Survey on Street Design in England – Matthew Moody
Matthew Moody is a Principal Transport Consultant at Pegasys with over 15 years’ experience in transport planning in South Africa and internationally. His work focuses on developing sustainable transport policies, strategies and schemes, with particular expertise in public transport, walking and cycling. He has led and contributed to a wide range of projects for governments, local authorities and development finance institutions. Matthew recently completed an MSc in Transport Planning at the University of Westminster and is passionate about street design and creating places that prioritise people
Discussion Panel:
Rachel Aldred, Active Travel Academy,
Amy Burbidge, Homes England,
Brian Deegan, Active Travel England, and
Andreas Markides, Academy of Urbanism, former President of CIHT
Summary by the Active Travel Academy and the Urban Design Group:
Launch of new research on the use of the guidance and the barriers to delivering better streets
Streets are essential to the social, economic and environmental life of our towns and cities—but too often remain dominated by motor traffic. Manual for Streets sought to change this, promoting a more people-focused approach to street design.
This webinar shares new research exploring how the guidance is being applied across England, the barriers to delivering better streets, and what needs to change. The discussion is particularly timely given the ongoing consultation on Manual for Streets 3.
source
