Shared Space
Breaking Boundaries – Transforming Ashford’s Ring Road
Integral to the expansion of the town centre
has been breaking the barrier created by the former Ring
Road.
Since its completion in the mid 1970's, most
of the development has turned its back creating an unpleasant, car
dominated environment that does not encourage walking or active
street frontages.
But a mutli-million pound project to transform it back into
a two-way system, incoporating the UK's first fully
functioning 'shared space' scheme, has dramtically improved
both traffic flow and the entire character of Ashford.
The shared space area at the bottom of the lower High
Street allows motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists to
occupy the same space and create safer environments, with reduced
speeds.
Visitors will notice the improved paving and street furniture,
and a 20mph zone to increase safety, and the stunning road design
makes the area an attractive place for residents, businesses and
visitors, stimulating growth and opening up the town
centre.
Further phases will be implemented in
conjunction with progress on Victoria Way and Park and Ride, that
will reduce the need for traffic to enter the town centre.
Since its launch, the area has been accident
free and several UK cities and towns, including Edinburgh,
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Oxford, Blackpool and Staines, are
considering redesigning their urban streets using the principles of
shared space - using Ashford as a model for success.
Kent County Council have produced a
DVD to explain more about shared space - Watch the
DVD.
Read the story of the Ashford ring road project as told
by the participants - The Ashford Ring Road
Project leaflet 3.03 MB PDF
A series of information leaflets has also been produced,
which provides information on the scheme download the
Breaking
Boundaries Leaflets or visit the Kent County
Council website.