Shared space

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Shared space is an urban design idea that reduces the separation between people who use roads. It does this by removing or lowering features like curbs, road markings, traffic signs, and traffic lights. The goal is to create a sense of uncertainty about who has priority, which (in theory) makes drivers slow down and pay more attention to others. Proponents say this can reduce crashes, lower vehicle dominance, and improve safety, walking and riding comfort, and the feel of the place.

Shared space can take many forms. Some versions aim for near car-free streets, while others create semi-open spaces on busier roads where pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles mingle. The approach is controversial, especially for blind, partially sighted, or deaf people, who often prefer clear separation between pedestrians and vehicles.

Origins and development
The term is mainly linked to Dutch traffic engineer Hans Monderman, who popularized the idea in the Netherlands. Earlier projects in Chambéry, France, used the idea of “pedestrian priority.” Over time, the concept was developed through European collaborations, notably the European Shared Space project (2004–2008). Today, many places around the world use elements of shared space, though there is no single fixed design. Different groups describe variants such as pedestrian-prioritized streets, informal streets, or enhanced streets, sometimes with different rules for who has priority.

What supporters say
- When there are fewer traffic controls, people negotiate space with each other, which can slow speeds naturally and make streets feel safer and more vibrant.
- It can reduce congestion and encourage walking, cycling, and social activity.
- Proponents argue it can be a cost-saving and flexible way to re-use urban space.

What critics and concerns say
- Disability groups, including organizations for blind and partially sighted people, often oppose shared space because it can remove safe, predictable routes and cues they rely on.
- Some studies question the claimed safety benefits, especially in streets with high traffic where pedestrians may feel forced to yield to vehicles.
- In the UK, the Department for Transport stopped promoting new shared-space schemes in 2018, citing concerns about how they work for disabled people. Earlier research found mixed results: pedestrians sometimes gave way to vehicles, and some groups felt uncomfortable or avoided shared spaces.
- In practice, the success of shared space often depends on local conditions, design details, and how people communicate and behave in a specific space.

Examples from around the world
- United Kingdom: Ashford in Kent, Hereford’s Widemarsh Street, Seven Dials and Exhibition Road areas in London, and Brighton’s New Road have featured shared-space elements with varying outcomes.
- Europe: Drachten in the Netherlands (Laweiplein) reported fewer accidents after removing signals, though some pedestrians and cyclists perceived reduced safety; Graz in Austria created a shared space area around Sonnenfelsplatz; some Swiss towns use the Begegnungszone approach, where pedestrians have priority.
- Other places: New Zealand has experimented with “accessible zones” to keep safe paths for disabled people; in the United States, cities like West Palm Beach and Savannah have created shared-space-like areas to mix pedestrians and vehicles more gradually.
- Notable design ideas include removing curb barriers, using shared materials and street furniture to hint at different uses, and designing for slower speeds and more eye contact between users.

Current view
Shared space remains a debated approach. Some places report slower speeds, more pedestrian activity, and better street life, while others raise concerns about safety and accessibility for disabled people. It is still used in some cities and schools of thought, but many planners insist that successful implementation requires careful, inclusive consultation, clear local rules, and ongoing evaluation to balance safety, accessibility, and livability.