Calls for 5mph limit in Exhibition Road

[Martin Cassini]

A pedestrian was hit by a lorry in Exhibition Rd on Monday 13 Feb 2012 (story here). This is not an argument for abandoning shared space, but it supports my view that streetscape redesign is not enough on its own. The call for 5mph limits is right and wrong. Motorists should drive at walking pace when pedestrians are around, but they should be free to watch the road and drive according to context, not forced to drive by numbers or obey 24-hr limits. Roads will be safe and fit for all road-users only when the perception shift from priority to equality has taken root - something that will only be achieved through culture change and re-education.