Planning for clear zones

Summary

Innovative clear zones were introduced in order to reduce the negative impacts of urban traffic and protect the historical city centre.

Implementing sustainable mobility

The measure was designed as part of Preston’s efforts to create a city centre that is pleasant to be in, vibrant and successful. The clear zone initiative aimed to improve public spaces using good urban design; reduce the impacts of through traffic; and give priority to sustainable modes of transport.

The specific objectives of creating a clear zone in Preston were to increase the user friendliness of the central urban area for pedestrians and cyclists by improving accessibility and safety; and to minimise the impacts of emissions and noise pollution in sensitive areas. The scheme also sought to provide suitable routes for delivery vehicles and public transport services within the clear zone.

Discussions also took place with property developers to encourage them to integrate clear zones and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists into their projects.

Progress

The initial stages of the Preston clear zone measure (that is, strategy development) focused on setting out a long-term programme of work, with public support gained via a process of consultation, which took place over the summer of 2007.

Data were collected to determine the possible location, size and scope of the clear zones.

Activities implemented included major improvements to a junction to make it more user friendly for pedestrians and cyclists; the introduction of traffic calming regulations and the reduction of the speed limit within the clear zones to 30km/h.   

Outcomes

Clear zones were created in the Adelphi area of Preston, in Preston city centre, and in Leyland. Improvements to the Ringway-Friargate junction, and the installation of state-of-the-art signalling technology made the junction easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists to use.

The introduction of traffic calming measures and the reduction of the speed limit (to 30km/h) in and around the Avenham area of the city centre created safer and more pleasant conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

The introduction of traffic regulation measures in the Adelphi area of Preston improved conditions for pedestrians by reducing the number of cars and vans on the roads. Initial statistics also suggested a reduction in the number of traffic-related accidents in the area.

This fact sheet has been updated by a third party on the basis of available information (not by the city itself), therefore we do not guarantee any data with respect to their content, completeness or up-to-dateness.