Shared space

A broad term that can be used to describe many different forms of street treatment. In the main, shared space will involve removal of physical distinction between footway and carriageway, to varying extents - in particular the absence of level difference (no kerbs) and a similar surfacing of carriageway and footway.

The intention is to improve driver behaviour, and to encourage more informal crossing of the road by pedestrians.

'Shared space' is not to be confused with autoluwte, or woonerven - these are Dutch arrangements that specifically involve the removal or reduction of motor traffic, even if in appearance they might resemble 'shared space' schemes.