Introduction
Our town centres and streets provide facilities and amenities which play a vital role in supporting the needs of our communities and in developing a positive sense of local identity. Ensuring that all members of Scotland’s communities have the ability to access these areas safely and confidently is an important part of delivering an inclusive society.
When the design of town centres and busy street environments does not fully take into account the needs of all members of the community, people may become excluded from these areas and the important functions that they provide.
This non-statutory national guidance has been developed to support the design of town centres and busy streets that are inclusive for all. It is based on the premise that considering the needs of disabled people in all aspects of design will deliver environments that meet the needs of everyone. Although the guidance focusses on the needs of disabled people, previous research (see links below) has identified that street design should consider the needs of everyone and should take into account all protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.