The concept of creating pedestrian-only streets in town centres (known as ‘pedestrianisation’) grew in popularity in the 1980’s.

• reduced congestion and traffic
• less noise
• lower emissions
• improved pedestrian safety
• ease of movement

However, pedestrianisation can often involve the relocation of public transport facilities and car parks, resulting in accessibility issues for pedestrians. Dedicated parking spaces for disabled people may be lost or may simply be too far away; street furniture may be poorly located; and taxi ranks and bus stops may become too remote. To remedy this, all pedestrianisation schemes must be matched with convenient car parking and public transport services.

Key advice for access groups: If your local town centre is already pedestrianised, but this has resulted in the disruption of local bus services and poorly located street furniture, contact your local planning authority and tell them about the problem.

Alternatively, if your local authority is only currently planning to pedestrianise the town centre, ask to see the plans and find out what changes it will make to the pedestrian environment.