Highways & Footways Accessibility Guidelines

DSDHA & David Bonnett Associates

The production of this report combines DSDHA’s extensive experience in citymaking as a transdisciplinary practice together with DBA’s technical expertise on accessibility and inclusive design. Together, the two practices have consolidated in-depth analysis of emerging issues affecting highways and footways, with reference to a range of site complexities, unique attributes and design solutions across boroughs under the Cross River Partnership’s (CRP) network.

As two London-based practices with the majority of our work based in the capital, we share the Central London Sub-Regional Transport Partnership’s (CLSRTP) ambition of contributing positively towards the creation of fully accessible highways and footways. At DSDHA, our Directors and senior staff members are active on Design Review Panels as members and chairs for Islington, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Our past and current involvement in these areas provides cross-borough knowledge and understanding.

DSDHA have developed a body of research on mobility, transport and spatial justice, through research fellowships with institutions such as the 1851 Royal Commission, and teaching at the London School of Architecture where students explore design solutions to create visions for a fair, just and inclusive city. DSDHA are experienced in designing special educational needs (SEN) schools such as Pond Meadow School and Links Primary School, as well as senior-living accommodation, with planning approval recently granted for a scheme in Belgravia - all requiring sensitive and extensive engagement and consultation to create visions for a fair, just and inclusive city.

David Bonnett Associates is an architectural inclusive design and access consultancy. It provides advice to clients and architects working on projects ranging from cultural venues and landscape schemes to large-scale masterplans, transport interchanges and residential developments. Since the practice was established in 1994 the demand for access has grown, driven partly by legislation and partly by changing social expectations. As recognised experts in the field,DBA contributes to a range of national forums including the Design Council and the British Standards Institute and various LA panels monitoring the quality of design for planning applications. DBA has worked on large urban masterplans and public realm improvements including Oxford Circus, Exchange Square, Nine Elms Park, Covent Garden streetscape works and more recently supporting the inclusive design guides for the Royal Docks.

This report reviews current and past policies and guidelines for London’s streets, identifying gaps and latent opportunities for design-led solutions in light of contemporary conditions that have arisen from Covid-19. The demand for green and public spaces has increased over the course of the global pandemic, which itself has exposed challenges and opportunities in sustainability and equity. Although local authorities have stepped up with proactive and experimental temporary solutions to relieve the immediate pressures on highways and footways, these measures need to be analysed and appraised to inform adjustments and long-term solutions.

This study was commissioned by the Cross River Partnership (CRP) on behalf of Transport for London’s Central London Sub Regional Transport Partnership (CLSRTP), a collective of senior transport officers and directors from ten London boroughs who provide strategic advice for, and on behalf of, Transport for London (TfL). DSDHA collaborated with David Bonnett Associates as lead consultants on the report.

Building on DSDHA's research 'Sharing The Beautiful Everyday Journey' (commissioned by The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851), and findings from the 'Spatial Intelligence Group' during COVID-19 pandemic, a wide range of users have been identified to encompass the variety of people using vehicles, cycles (including adapted cycles) and mobility aids, in different activities such as commuting, delivery and fitness. This study also builds on CRP's 2021 report on 'Mobility Justice & Transport Inclusivity' which captures important lived experiences and lessons for strategic planning and design.