Vehicle Access Control Experience
There is a growing interest in access control schemes to tackle traffic and environmental problems in our towns and cities.
Vehicle Access Control
Types of Vehicle Access Control
VAC schemes have been used for a variety of purposes and can be adapted to meet local needs. The categories of people and vehicles that qualify for access will be determined by the objectives of the scheme. Similarly, the time duration of the restriction should be chosen to meet the scheme objectives. For example, a VAC scheme may wish to only restrict access during core shopping hours, and exempt public transport vehicles so that they have 24hr access.
The creation of different categories of roads and spaces, with clear rules about the types of vehicle allowed access and at specific times of the day, is a fundamental element of co-ordinated town centre design. Some typical categories, which depend on VAC schemes include:
- Pedestrian areas/zones with no vehicular access;
- Servicing (loading) traffic only, but time restricted;
- Bus-only streets;
- Cycles and holders of blue disabled persons parking badges only;
- Special Permit Holders only, such as shop owners and local residents; and
- Access to specific premises only, such as shop service yards.
TTR has considerable experience of working on all aspects of VAC scheme design and are able to assist local authorities with:
- Defining VAC scheme objectives;
- Feasibility studies;
- Demonstration projects;
- Stakeholder consultation;
- VAC scheme design;
- Advice on TRO, signing and enforcement;
- Public consultation;
- Public acceptance, equity and attitudes; and
- Monitoring & assessment of traffic, behavioural and environmental impacts.