Shared-space junctions

From today's Telegraph: "An elderly man has been run over by a bus in Coventry city centre. Part of the city centre has been closed after a serious accident, which happened at the junction of Corporation St and Burges at about 12.30pm. Police and ambulance crews are on the scene which is where a new road "shared space" lay-out has been created. It appears the victim is an elderly man. Traffic is being diverted and both roads closed There's this junction and the Cox Street/Gosford Street junction as well Read more Discuss, anyone?

Won't be long before some councillor shouts "I told you so!"

For those who haven't seen it, here's the one at the top of Cox Street

Dear me!! This is the first time I've seen this - and it looks horrendous! Surely, with a central section of that type of blockwork, it makes it look as though it's a pedestrianised area!! I wouldn't fancy crossing here myself, let alone if I were old(?) - infirm - or disabled. Once again, what were they thinking?

Here's another view

It looks even more confusing from that angle! Surely, the way it is designed encourages people to cross "diagonally" and removes the kerbs as visual clues to "the shortest & safest route" across?

They look terrible! What's the idea behind them then?

SHORT VERSION That the road area is a "shared space" - it appears no-one has right of way over any other! For anyone interested, the full article can be found here

MEDIUM VERSION I've found this (from Google ) and include it here with full acknowledgment to its author; Tim Long Shared Space (SS) is latest traffic calming idea from Europe, but schemes have existed in the UK for 20 years. 4 parts of this discussion: The aim of Shared Space is to tilt traffic priority towards pedestrians to improve walking by reducing kerb height's so it is easier to cross the road, especially for physically impaired (e.g. wheelchairs, prams, heavy shopping / luggage, young and elderly). More people crossing the road slows and calms traffic, encouraging greater pedestrian priority. Lower kerbs are also supported by a paving contrast; pave footways in paving and carriageways in tarmac, so they look and feel correct.

Wish I hadn't asked Tony

You know Neil, you are absolutely right - why the heck did I post all that nonsense! I've abbreviated it to make it a "bit" more readable. Thanks for your comment!!

In a word - 'Deathtrap" Another way of keeping the population down ! ! !

Another 'Shared space' accident today, this time by the Sports Centre. Another bus/pedestrian incident. I got side swiped by a bus about eighteen months ago outside the Transport Museum, I was following the so called pavement edge. I was lucky just shook me up, driver never even noticed.

Where did you hear of this, can't see anything on the Telegraph web-site?

It was reported on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire, never wait for the Telegraph.