Publications:
Designing for Disabled People in Home Zones

8.0 Conclusions

This study utilised three main methods of gathering data from users of Home Zones, namely structured site tests, focus groups and a participant questionnaire. The analysis of the findings has identified issues about the use of Home Zones by disabled people and has added strength of opinion to the often anecdotal information contained in some of the other available guidance.

The project has developed a methodology whereby individual features commonly found within Home Zones can be described in generic terms of how they affect the use of a Zone, and how they can be used to delineate space, create feelings of safety and, at the same time, maximise freedom of movement and appropriate decision making.

However, it is clear that disabled people generally have some very serious concerns and negative experiences of the use of Home Zones. In the study, the design of Home Zones received almost three times as many negative comments about design features as positive ones.

Disabled people do not accept the premise that the concept of the Home Zone will permanently change the behaviour of players such as motorists and cyclists, especially as inappropriate behaviour by these players can have such serious consequences for disabled people.

However, an understanding of the issues experienced by disabled people and careful attention to the design and layout of features used within a Zone can go some way to addressing these concerns. This requires an understanding of the concerns of the users and a willingness to address how the provision of features and facilities within the Zone can impact on people's perceptions of it.

8.1 Recommendations for those Promoting the Use of Home Zones

8.1.1 Key Findings and Guidance from the Site Tests, Questionnaires and Focus Groups

This project has identified several key areas that affect the use of Home Zones by disabled people, and the extent to which they feel comfortable and safe when doing so.

These can be summarised as follows:

Home Zones and similar shared areas can pose problems for disabled people. In general, disabled people prefer to have the option of using a complementary delineated pedestrian area that is clearly defined and unambiguous (7.1.1.4 and 7.1.1.5);
Orientation is aided where there is a continuous building line or where there is a readily identifiable pedestrian pathway or route (7.1.3.4);
Identifying the proposed uses of areas or routes to be used or followed by vehicles and pedestrians can be done by -
- delineating space and activity at surface level (using, for example, visual contrast - although this will not be of benefit blind people with no remaining vision);
- physical features at ground level (using, for example, tactile surface finishes);
- intermittent physical features above surface level (using, for example, bollards, trees, individual planters, lampposts, and individual seats); or,
- continuous physical features above surface level (using, for example, long planters, rows of seating and railings) (7.1.1.4 and 7.1.2.4);
Any method used to delineate space should not unduly restrict the general freedom of movement of pedestrians (7.1.2.4);
Whilst clearly identifiable pedestrian pathways benefit disabled people, attention is also needed to the siting and provision of appropriate crossing points or routes (7.1.4.4 and 7.2.7.5);
The provision for disabled people to cross the paths of vehicles or to identify the preferred uses of different areas should be clearly identifiable and unambiguous for drivers, disabled pedestrians and cyclists (7.1.2.4 and 7.1.5.3);
Pedestrians are more positive about using a Home Zone if it has identifiable pedestrian pathways and the speed of vehicles is kept below 20mph to aid detection (7.2.2.4, 7.2.3.5, 7.2.5.4 and 7.2.8.4);
Freedom of movement is a positive factor within a Home Zone. However, safety and security are also important factors to be considered;
Gateways to a Home Zone should be readily identifiable to all users. This can be done by the appropriate provision and positioning of signs, and by a tactile indicator incorporating the use of differing surface finishes (7.1.6.4);
At gateways, care should always be taken that the design and extent of any tactile surfaces do not impede access and egress to the Zone by people using mobility aids. (7.1.6.4);
The position of areas allocated for parking and the vehicle routes to those areas should be identifiable and predictable (7.1.7.5);
Informing residents, motorists, cyclists and the wider community of what a Home Zone is and how it should be used will have an important and beneficial effect on how it is used (7.2.8.4, 7.2.9.4, and 7.10.5);
Street furniture can be used to assist in identifying the preferred use of areas, provide protection, and influence the movement and flow of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists (7.1.8.4);
It is important that street furniture is only provided where it is necessary and it should always act as an integral part of the overall design (7.1.8.4);
The potential for street furniture to present a tripping or collision hazard will be lessened if it:
- is logically placed;
- extends at least one metre above surface level;
- is positioned such that any horizontal elements do not project into circulation routes (i.e. the horizontal section of a seat);
- has its position identified by surface level visual contrast or a tactile area;
- contrasts visually against the background against which it will be viewed in both natural day-light and artificially-lit situations (7.1.2.4 and 7.1.8.4);
Good lighting is essential to enhance a feeling of personal safety, to identify routes and obstacles, and to gather information (for example, from signs and visual contrast) (7.1.10.4);
Lighting should not cause undue or confusing shadows and be positioned to deliver a uniform distribution of lighting within the Zone (7.1.10.2);
The recommended standard maintained illuminance within a Zone should be between 20 and 50 lux (7.1.10.4);
The selection of light sources (bulbs and lamps), should consider their effect (for example, colour rendering performance) on the visual contrast selected to identify features within the Zone. Management practices should be in place to ensure that lighting is appropriately maintained (7.1.2.5 and 7.1.10.3);
Surface finishes should be smooth, level, and slip resistant in all weather conditions. Surfaces should always be appropriately managed to reduce seasonal hazards, such as ice and leaves (7.1.9.5);
Surface gradients should be kept to a minimum but should always be designed to prevent standing water. Adverse cambers should be avoided (7.1.12.4);
Drainage features should be located away from main pedestrian routes and any drainage covers and gratings used should have a maximum size of openings of 13mm (7.1.12.4);
Obstructions overhanging circulation routes caused by projecting features such as seating, signs, trees and other vegetation etc, should be avoided. Where unavoidable, the obstruction should be protected with a barrier at low level and clearly identified using visual contrast (7.1.11.5);
Overhanging trees and shrubs should not extend below 2.1m above surface level (7.1.11.5).

8.1.2 Implementing the Key Findings

The literature review identified several current good design guidance documents, including the "Home Zones Design Guide" published by IHIE. However, since its publication in 2002, knowledge of the issues relating to the design and use of Home Zones has changed. Other guidance recently published includes the 'Manual for Streets" which, whilst also considering the broader issues related to the concept of shared spaces, also contains some guidance on Home Zones.

By undertaking site tests, interviews and focus group sessions with a representative sample of disabled people, designers and others, the findings from this study enhance and extend current guidance. In that respect, it is suggested that the most appropriate format for the findings of this study to be disseminated is in a manner that extends the guidance already available, rather than as a 'standalone' additional guidance document.

We understand that organisations such as the IHIE would be receptive to suggestions of combining and extending the findings in this way.

8.2 Further Study

This study has met its objectives in terms of the scope of the study proposed. However, one issue that was identified as an area where further guidance is needed relates to the provision of visual contrast in external areas such as Home Zones, and especially when they are artificially lit. Whilst not part of this study, it was noted that some users described difficulties in seeing hazards and delineation where visual contrast had been used to identify its presence. Therefore, further study is recommended into the effects of artificial lighting regimes on the identification of visual contrast in Home Zones, including the influence of illuminance and the colour rendering characteristics of the light sources.