Vehicle Access Control

Vehicle Access Control Scheme Implementation

The implementation of Vehicle Access Control (VAC) schemes has allowed local authorities to change the priority of our urban spaces to:

• Reduce the impact and severance caused by traffic;
• Reduce pollution and tackle congestion caused by unnecessary car journeys;
• Enhancing an area's accessibility, vitality and quality.

The design of schemes has seen a growing use of technology, with the development from simple signs and manually operated barriers to hi-tech fully automatic solutions such as rising bollards and traffic signal based systems. This has led to the development of a wide range of VAC solutions that can be tailored to meet the local objectives of forward thinking local authorities.

TTR has worked on a number of VAC schemes and undertaken a study for the DfT leading to guidance on the subject. From this work TTR have a clear understanding of many innovative vehicle access schemes throughout; Bath, Halifax, Cambridge, Durham, Gloucester, Norwich, Oxford and York.

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. 

For more information on how we can help you and some examples of our experience within this area of expertise, please click here for further details.