ELEVEN.. New developments around Cambridge

Case study

Home Zones

Children playing football in The Dings, a Homezone in Bristol: J Bewley / Sustrans

Under the Transport Act 2000 local authorities have the power to designate Home Zones in certain areas. In these areas they can implement Use and Speed Orders which allow local residents to define how they want the roads near their homes to be used and what speed limits should be set.

The idea was developed in the Netherlands in the 1970s as a way of reclaiming the streets from domination by cars. Home Zone design attempts to strike a balance between traffic, pedestrians, cyclists and leisure use of open space. There are currently Home Zones in Ipswich, King’s Lynn, Plymouth and Croydon.

The Campaign wants to see Home Zones become part of new developments in the Cambridge area, though many of the principles we outline above are very Home Zone –like, even without such designation.

Creating a people-friendly environment by reducing car speeds is a key part of the concept. Even without any specific cycling facilities the reduction of traffic speeds removes a major barrier to cycling. A major problem with the implementation of Home Zones is the inadequate guidance coming from the Department for Transport, which the County Council is in a good position to pressure to fix.