Response to Recovery

SECTION ONE: CORONAVIRUS IMPACTS ON THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY

Changing Travel Patterns

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically transformed travel patterns and led to a temporary shift in the demands placed on our public highway network. The current ‘lockdown’ measures imposed by the UK government are likely to be eased in a transitional manner over coming months, with social distancing restrictions remaining in place for an extended period. This continually evolving situation compels Highway Authorities to consider a range of strategies to facilitate safe and efficient movement, maintain social distancing and support the renewal of economic activity in a post ‘lockdown’ environment.

Reduced demand for public transport

Social distancing regulations

Potential for modal shift

Managing the Transition from Response to Recovery

Highway Authorities will play a key role in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery, prioritising public space for essential activities and implementing measures that enable people to thrive in the ‘new normal’. Many cities across the world are temporarily reallocating road space to better reflect current usage patterns and enable social distancing regulations to be observed. This includes a range of ‘healthy streets’ initiatives such as exercise zones and improved local infrastructure to encourage walking and cycling in order to reduce crowding on public transport. The long term impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the highway network remains uncertain. Developments in technology, the emergence of a remote working culture, changing patterns of consumer behaviour and transport modal shift may contribute to more permanent changes to the public realm. Therefore, in addition to the implementation of temporary measures, the current situation provides Highway Authorities with an opportunity to test solutions that could deliver long term environmental benefits and expedite the UK’s transition towards a low carbon economy.

An Agile Solution for Managing the ‘Post Lockdown’ Public Realm

The current situation demands a flexible approach that is informed by data on changing behaviour patterns, reflects the needs of local communities and can be aligned with Government guidance through each stage of the ‘post lockdown’ transition. The following paper presents a range of measures that may be introduced to support Highway Authorities manage the ‘post lockdown’ public realm in a safe, agile and cost effective manner.