Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has to amend the driving test to take into account shared space schemes.

The Government published its response to the Women and Equalities Select Committee report on 14 March 2018. It can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-and-the-built-environment-government-response-to-select-committee-report.

The response welcomed the Committee’s contribution to this important debate and is absolutely clear that the needs of the whole community, including disabled people, need to be considered by councils looking to introduce any public realm scheme, including shared space.

The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation has now reported to the Government on its review of shared space. It published “Creating better streets: Inclusive and accessible places” in January 2018.

http://www.ciht.org.uk/en/document-summary/index.cfm/docid/BF28B40D-9855-46D6-B8C19E22B64AA066

The review has considered many of the issues raised by the Committee, and the report made recommendations for further work, including on guidance. The Government is considering those recommendations and will respond formally in due course.

The Department for Transport is aware of and understands the issues raised around navigation within shared space. Local Transport Note 1/11: Shared Space already stresses the importance of engaging with groups representing disabled people during the development of any shared space scheme. It also refers to the need for authorities to ensure their designs are inclusive and reminds them of their duties under the Equality Act 2010.

Local traffic authorities are responsible for the design of streets in their care, and do not have to seek Department for Transport approval to install street design schemes, whether they incorporate shared space or not.

With regards to the driving test, both the theory and practical test are periodically updated to ensure the tests are kept up to date. There are no plans currently to include shared space.