BRE EP67 PDF

Introduction

The Department for Transport has produced a number of publications aimed at encouraging walking. The white paper A new deal for transport: better for everyone (Department for Transport, 1998) sets the framework for national transport policy in the UK. The white paper encouraged local authorities to view walking as a key means of travel, setting out a number of objectives achievable within the walking strategies produced by local authorities.

In 2000, the Department of Transport published Encouraging walking: advice to local authorities (Department of Transport, 2000). It outlined the principal aims for the walking environment – that it should be connected, comfortable, convenient and convivial. Since its publication, the government has taken forward a broad range of health, planning and transport policy initiatives aimed at improving quality of life.

On the move: by foot (Department for Transport, 2003) received a critical response, given its inability to deliver a clear national framework. In an attempt to address this, the Department for Transport produced Walking and cycling: an action plan (Department for Transport, 2004). There was substantial pressure for the government to provide national guidance for local authorities regarding the walking and the pedestrian environment. While waiting for national guidance, local authorities began formulating their own independent walking strategies.

In response to these initiatives, Essex County Council published The Essex walking strategy (Essex County Council, 2001) which helped determine funding, planning and design for the development of the walking environment. It provided guidance on making identified objectives for walking in Essex achievable.