In a significant move to enhance urban safety, the UK government will soon release guidelines aimed at creating streets that are safer for women and girls. This initiative, driven by Active Travel England (ATE), seeks to address what officials describe as a pervasive inequality affecting individuals’ ability to navigate their neighbourhoods safely.
Focus on Lighting and Visibility
Key elements of the forthcoming guidance will include improved street lighting, enhanced CCTV coverage, and the replacement of dimly lit underpasses with more visible street-level crossings. The proposals reflect a growing recognition of the need to reassess urban design through a gender-sensitive lens.
To bolster this initiative, officials are exploring successful measures implemented in countries like Spain and Sweden. These examples include allowing women to request bus drivers to let them off between stops during nighttime, a strategy particularly beneficial for those in rural areas where walking in darkness can be hazardous.
Public Sentiment and Safety Concerns
Polling data commissioned by ATE reveals alarming statistics: nearly 75% of women reported changing their routes in winter to avoid poorly lit areas, while 88% expressed feeling unsafe when walking alone after dark. Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood emphasised that the guidance is not just a matter of fairness but also vital for encouraging higher levels of physical activity among women and girls, which currently lag behind those of men and boys.
In her forthcoming address at a related conference, Greenwood will highlight the need for a cultural shift in how society views women’s safety in public spaces. “For many, particularly women and girls, walking is fraught with calculations about safety and risk,” she plans to state. “Instead of enjoying the destination, they are forced to worry about the journey.”
Training and Funding Initiatives
The guidance, expected to be published later this year, will also include training sessions for local councils. Similar to previous ATE recommendations regarding cycling infrastructure, councils will have the opportunity to apply for central government funding to support safety improvements. However, funding will be contingent upon the quality and efficacy of proposed schemes.
ATE’s objective is to demonstrate how a gender-focused approach to active travel can foster safer and more inclusive urban environments. This encompasses not only enhancements in lighting for quieter routes but also strategies to ensure that women feel secure on busier roads that are already monitored by CCTV.
A Shift in Responsibility
Jess Phillips, the Home Office minister responsible for safeguarding, underscored that this initiative aims to shift accountability from women to the environments that pose risks. “Women and girls deserve to feel safe in their everyday lives, whether walking, travelling, or using public spaces after dark,” she asserted.
Chris Boardman, ATE’s commissioner, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of basing guidance on the actual experiences of women and girls. He lamented the current lack of freedom many face in simply walking through their neighbourhoods, stating, “Our job is to help make that happen.”
Why it Matters
This initiative is more than just a policy change; it represents a significant step towards dismantling systemic barriers that inhibit women’s mobility and autonomy. With a striking majority of women feeling unsafe in public spaces, the government’s commitment to enhancing safety is crucial not only for individual well-being but also for fostering a more inclusive society. As urban areas evolve, prioritising the safety of all citizens, particularly those most vulnerable, is essential for promoting public health and economic vitality.
