2. Introduction

2. Introduction

2.1.1. Transport Scotland (TS), the Scottish Government (SG) and the Department for Transport (DfT) required research evidence and recommendations on methods and approaches to help deliver inclusive design environments within town centres and busy street areas. WSP was commissioned to undertake the research and produce this research report.

2.1.2. TS supports Scottish Ministers in prioritising future transport policy and investments, whilst actively promoting sustainable transport and road safety. Within all of these areas of operation, there is a requirement for accessibility and safety to be considered.

2.1.3. A specific area of work is required to update current guidance for Scotland on street design to deliver accessible town centres. At a UK level, following the withdrawal of Local Transport Note 1/11: Shared Space, there is a commitment from the DfT to update guidance^[2]. TS is therefore working jointly with the DfT and the SG Planning and Architecture Division to review current guidance with regard to making streets fully accessible for all.

2.1.4. This research project has been undertaken in parallel with separate research commissioned by the DfT and undertaken by the TRL to review two sets of DfT guidance with the aim of understanding how they need to be updated:

νInclusive Mobility: A guide to best practice on access to pedestrian and transport infrastructure^[3] (published in 2002).

νGuidance on the use of tactile paving surfaces^[4] (published in 1998).

2.1.5. Both research studies have been designed to be complementary without significant overlap of content. The outcomes of the parallel research are presented in the TRL Technical Report 'Accessible Public Realm: updating guidance and further research'^[5]. (February 2020). That report is summarised in this report under section 3.1.13 and in Appendix E.

2.2.1. TS, the SG and the DfT appointed WSP (with support from Napier University and KSO Research) to undertake research into methods and approaches to help deliver inclusive street design environments within town centres and busy street areas.

2.3.1. The project was overseen by a Client Group which included membership from TS, the SG and the DfT. The Client Group was consulted in respect of key elements of the proposed research methods prior to the research team undertaking the different stages of the research.

2.4.1. A Working Group was set up by TS prior to the commencement of this research to inform a review of issues related to inclusive engagement and design. The members of the Working Group include key stakeholders including the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS), the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), Disabled People's Organisations, Third Sector Organisations and local government representation.

2.4.2. The Working Group agreed the research specification and was informed of the methods and approaches undertaken during regular meetings throughout the research programme.

2.5 Structure of the report

2.5.1. The structure of the report is as follows.

• Chapter 1: Executive Summary
• Chapter 2: Introduction
• Chapter 3: Overview of the Research Approach
• Chapter 4: Literature Review and Key Findings
• Chapter 5: Inclusive Engagement - Research Findings
• Chapter 6: Recommendations related to Inclusive Engagement
• Chapter 7: Inclusive Physical Design Measures - Research Findings
• Chapter 8: Recommendations related to Inclusive Physical Design Measures
• Chapter 9: Recommendations related to Training
• Chapter 10: Summary

Appendices

• Appendix A - Literature Review
• Appendix B - Perspectives of Disabled Street Users on Inclusive Engagement
• Appendix C - Perspectives of Disabled Street Users on Inclusive Physical Design Measures
• Appendix D - Designer, Implementer and Promoter Perspectives
• Appendix E - Summary of 'The Accessible Public Realm: Updating Guidance and further Research' TRL Ltd, 2020
• Appendix F - Good Practice Examples of Inclusive Engagement
• Appendix G - Equality Legislation Overview
• Appendix H - Further Research Considered
• Appendix I – Existing Guidance
• Appendix J – Principles and Recommendations for Inclusive Engagement
• Appendix K – Principles and Recommendations for Inclusive Physical Design Measures

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