The Government has launched a consultation to help design streets which improve personal safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
It seeks opinions on: which street design features work, and which do not; what data and evidence there is around the prevalence of those incidents; and how people can be involved in street design to create better outcomes.
The consultation follows the murder of Sarah Everard in March this year. The 33-year-old marketing executive disappeared as she was walking home in London. Last month, former Metropolitan police officer Wayne Couzens pleaded guilty to her murder.
Government has said it will add £25 million to the Safer Streets fund, which provides neighbourhood measures such as better lighting and CCTV.
Transport minister Rachel Maclean said: “Streets are an essential part of people’s journeys, but it has become clear that many people, particularly women, feel unsafe using the street and experience harassment, intimidation or unwanted sexual behaviour in public spaces.
“This must be addressed if we are to make streets safe for everyone.
“I know these issues cannot be solved by design alone. There are much wider cultural, behavioural, and societal issues that need addressing.
"But streets and roads make up three-quarters of all public space, so their design has a significant impact on people’s lives.
“Improvements to the safety of transport will be of limited use if people do not feel safe using the street to access it.
“We want to find out how the design, maintenance and operation of streets can be improved to make sure everyone feels safe and confident using them in their daily lives.”
The consultation closes on September 1 and the results will help shape the Government’s work to update Manual for streets and Manual for streets 2.
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