Trial feedback and measuring success
We will keep you updated here on the feedback we receive about the trial, and how it worked, we will update and implement the design as needed.
Lower traffic volumes and speeds are a huge proven benefit of Active Neighbourhoods. There is evidence of 56% less traffic on residential streets in some existing Active Neighbourhoods. Some streets have seen more than 90% reductions in traffic (See reference number 3).
But 'Safer Streets' are about more than just removing rat running. They create better space for people to spend time and opportunities to travel more by foot or cycle too. 63% of people in Greater Manchester think fewer vehicles on our streets would help them to cycle more and make their area a better place (See reference number 7).
Measuring success
The success of the project will be measured through monitoring the changes in levels of motor traffic and numbers of people travelling actively as well as, perceptions and feedback from people who live, work and socialise in the area.
| Benefit | Measurement | Frequency | Success |
|---|---|---|---|
| More people walking, wheeling and cycling rather than using the car | Traffic, pedestrian and cycle counts | 3 months into the trial, 6 months into trial, post scheme completion | Reduction in traffic within the neighbourhood, increased pedestrian and cycle movements within trial area. No significant displacement on adjacent roads. |
| Improved health and wellbeing | Route intercept surveys | During trail and post permanent implementation of the scheme | Increased active travel in the area. Increased feelings of wellbeing |
| Improve Road Safety | Collision data, perception of road safety via survey information | Collision data due to timescales will be a before and after scheme implementation comparison. Perception of road safety will be during trial and post implementation of permanent scheme. | Reduction in the number and seriousness of collisions, particularly involving vulnerable road users. |
Measuring traffic flow versus air quality
Because air quality can be affected by a lot of outside factors, it is hard to attach an exact cause to a change in pollutant levels in a local area. If we analyse data over a long period, this does help to confirm a trend, but as the Parsonage trial will only last six months, this will not be possible. Traffic flows were measured before the trial, and are being measured in key locations during the trial. This measurement of traffic volumes, and any changes, can be viewed instead of air quality measurements and can act as an indicator of likely changes in air quality as a result of the scheme.