Give locals more space to make essential trips by foot or a cycle, says active travel charity

Coronavirus: Sustrans wants local authorities to embrace new powers ans adapt roads, streets and places to ensure people stay safe and can travel actively during the pandemic

The Department for Transport has updated temporary guidance regarding Traffic Regulation Orders in England. It gives local authorities more powers to re-allocate road space to walking and cycling, such as closing roads or changing their use, as long as they’re in line with Government Covid-19 safety guidance.

Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity, is asking local authorities to use the powers and adapt roads, streets and places to ensure people stay safe and can travel actively during the pandemic.

The call comes out as Brighton & Hove City Council will be the first UK council to be closing a major road along the south coast resort's seafront to motor traffic from Monday 20 April. This is to give local residents more space to take their outdoor exercise during the coronavirus pandemic, including walking, running and cycling.

Increasing the flexibility of the rules applied to traffic regulation orders (TROs) will make it easier and quicker for local authorities to reallocate road space to walking and cycling during COVID-19.

Walking and cycling is an important part of UK resilience against the virus. The need for social distancing of two metres highlights the lack of safe space in some areas to ensure people, including key workers, can undertake their essential trips and exercise in the safest possible way.

Temporary cycle lanes, closing streets to cars and widening pavements can enable residents to do essential trips and stay active under ever-changing circumstances. These measures will also help support local businesses and last mile deliveries. We encourage local authorities to use the powers and respond accordingly to the new circumstances to ensure public spaces are safe, healthy and inclusive for all.

Any new measures implemented now should also aim to deliver long-term change after lockdown, addressing congestion, air pollution, social inequalities and the global climate crisis.

Rachel White is Head of Public Affairs at the walking and cycling charity Sustrans