The Minister for Sustainability and Rural Development Jane Davidson today outlined how the future of street design can contribute to building sustainable communities. 

The Manual for Streets has been designed to update the guidance for street design in residential areas. It reflects the Welsh Assembly Government's commitment to sustainability and social justice, improving the quality of the built environment in Wales. 

Today the Minister gave the keynote address to the Manual for Streets seminar at Cardiff University, chaired by the Institute for Highways and Transportation and the Design Commission for Wales. 

She said: "Sustainable communities are ones in which people want to work, live and play. This Manual provides guidance on how to create these spaces by balancing the needs of motorists driving through, with those of cyclists, pedestrians or playing children for example. 

"Good design can strengthen a community by helping people to identify with the area in which they live and can even reduce levels of graffiti, anti social behaviour and crime." 

While the Manual addresses the needs of motorists, especially safety concerns, it encourages less focus upon the car and greater consideration of more sustainable forms of travel such as walking, cycling and access to bus stops. 

"We must make it easier and more appealing for people to choose 'green' modes of transport and street design has a real part to play in this. If the walk to someone's nearest bus stop is safe, direct and pleasant they are more likely to use it and this is vital in addressing the significant issue of climate change," the Minister said.

Author:

Georgina Roberts

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

21-Jun-07

Categories:

Nations & Regions 

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