Auckland's CBD Into the future
Auckland's CBD Into the future
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City Centre shared spaces
Darby Street.
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- Video presentations
- FAQ's
Overview
This initiative, which involves removing the
traditional distinction between footpath and road so vehicles and pedestrians
can share the space, is transforming our city streets and open spaces into
vibrant, people-friendly urban destinations.
Following the successful opening of Darby Street in
April 2011, more shared space streets have recently opened including:
FAQ
What is shared space?
Shared spaces are slow speed streets where pedestrians have right of way. One typical
design element is the removal of kerbs and the installation of a single level of paving across the full width of the street. Removing the traditional distinction between the footpath and road provides more room for people, outdoor dining and other street activities and events.
Within the street, conventional traffic control devices such as signs, barriers, bollards and road markings are kept to a minimum but there is shared space signs at the entrance and exit of the city centre shared spaces.
How a shared space street is designed, may vary depending on an area's specific environmental and cultural needs. The fundamental philosophy remains the same however – an attractive street environment where pedestrians have priority without the need to ban vehicles.
Are they safe?
Due to lack of conventional street cues such as
kerbs and road markings, it is proven that shared space streets often become
safer environments.
This is because motorists and pedestrians are
encouraged to engage more carefully with their surroundings and with each other.
For example, motorists instinctively slow down and make eye contact with
pedestrians.
Design elements such as street furniture, artworks and vegetation throughout the space also encourages slow vehicle speeds.
Careful consideration has also been put into
creating shared spaces that are accessible and safe for all the community.
Disability groups including the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind and
the Disability Resource Centre had extensive input into the design which
includes accessibility zones that are clutter-free and run along the building
edges to provide safe and easy movement through the space. These accessibility
zones are framed by linear tactile paving strips to help guide vision impaired
people.
What are the benefits?
Where shared spaces have been introduced overseas,
city streets have been reclaimed as high quality spaces that attract more
people.
The principle benefits
include:
- more space for pedestrians to move, sit and relax
- more space for outdoor activities such as dining and events
- increased flexibility in the use of the street environment for a diverse range
of street activities
- traffic reduction and calming, whilst still retaining access for traffic
- the creation of attractive destinations for people to visit, spend time in and
shop
- the creation of more vibrant street areas that can better support local
businesses and attract investment.
How do pedestrians use shared spaces?
- Pedestrians have the right of way and may access any area in a shared space
but they should be aware of vehicle movement.
- If they prefer, pedestrians may walk along pedestrian only
accessibility zones that are located either side of the street near the
buildings' edge. These zones are free from street furniture and parked
vehicles.
How do vehicles use the area?
Shared spaces
are slow speed environments where pedestrians have the right of way.
Vehicle stopping is not permitted
other than between 6am-11am daily for five minute loading, deliveries or drop
offs. This information is sign-posted at the entry and exit points of the city
centre shared spaces and tickets may be issued for non-compliance.
Vehicle stopping is not permitted in the accessibility zones
at any time.
What about cyclists and motorcyclists?
- Cyclists and motorcycle users are subject to the same rules as cars and must
give way to pedestrians.
- Cyclists and motorcycle users must travel in the same direction as traffic
(i.e. one way only in Darby Street).
- Bicycle racks are available and dedicated motorcycle parking is available to
support cycling and motorcycle use.
How are shared spaces policed?
Shared spaces are enforced as other streets are
enforced, i.e. via the city's bylaws and the official New Zealand road code.
Behaviour such as illegal parking, not driving to the conditions and speeding is prohibited and may result in
ticketing. This is essential to support the success and maintenance of our
shared spaces.
Please note, in the city centre shared spaces:
- vehicle stopping is NOT permitted other than between 6am-11am
for five minute loading, deliveries or drop offs
- vehicle stopping is not permitted in the 'accessibility zones' at any time
- drivers must observe low speeds and give way to pedestrians
- cyclists and motorcycle users are subject to the same rules as cars
and must drive slowly and give way to pedestrians
- cyclists and motorcycle users must travel in the same direction as
traffic.
What kind of activities can occur in shared spaces?
The city centre's shared spaces have been designed
to cater for a variety of outdoor activities to enliven and activate these
areas. Activities may include (but are not limited to) dining, filming, music
activities, festivals, outdoor exhibitions, markets and stalls.
More information
New Lynn shared spaces
Shared spaces are also heading to west Auckland via the
New Lynn Transit
Oriented Development Programme
Shared space overseas
Updated October 2011
