2.1 Surrey street core design principles
Streets in which it is easy for everyone to move. Streets must be designed with a clear ‘hierarchy of users’ in mind, designed firstly for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and then private vehicles.
Streets in which it is safe, enjoyable and easy to walk for everyone. Streets should have direct routes and be designed as pleasant places that are attractive and that feel safe to use for pedestrians and cyclists, not drive-to cul-de-sacs [Reference 1].
Green streets that enrich Surrey’s biodiversity, enhance the environment and improve air quality. Streets should have regular trees and green public spaces not deserted lanes of asphalt. Wherever possible, streets should make positive use of existing natural features (trees, water and topography).
Streets that connect seamlessly to existing places allowing natural movement. Streets should link to existing roads and local services and not turn their back on neighbours.
Streets that are beautiful. Streets should be ones in which people want to spend time, raise their children and grow old, not streets that people avoid.
Streets that support happy, healthy and sustainable lives for all. Streets must be ‘tight’ and finely grained, not a series of large winding bends, providing direct and pleasant routes for walking and cycling.
Figure 2-1: Streets should be designed according to a clear hierarchy of users (Credit - Create Streets)
References
- Reference 1: N.B. This is not always possible to avoid, for example if one large plot is being infilled within an existing urban area (Return to content for reference 1).