B4.2.1 Street hierarchy

Code: C4.10

A street hierarchy helps to provide an understandable transition between streets. The Street Hierarchy (List 3) sets out the requirements for each street type, and highlights where the design may differ for each area type. It has adopted the relevant design metrics of the West Yorkshire Streets for People Design Check. The Street Hierarchy (List 3) must be adhered to.

A 2-D over-head view of differing street types which has been demonstrated by drawing different line types such as dashed lines, filled lines and dotted lines, consisting of different line sizes in order of street type such as major roads or private drives.

Figure 93: Shows a sketch from the National Model Design Code which illustrates a typical neighbourhood street hierarchy

List 3: Street Hierarchy

Industrial Major

These roads serve industrial or commercial developments of up to 20 hectares. For developments exceeding this size, the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) must be followed.

Proposed sketch road layout from left to right includes: a grass verge, a cycle lane with minimum 2.2 metre width, a footpath with minimum 2 to 3 metre width, a grass verge with minimum 2 metre width, a carriageway with minimum 7.3 metre width, a grass verge with minimum 1 metre width, a footpath with minimum 2 to 3 metre width, and a grass verge.

Figure 94: Sketch plan and section showing a potential layout for a major industrial road

Carriageway design:

  • typical carriageway arrangement and materiality:

    • a minimum of two running lanes must be provided

    • asphalt surfacing should be used as standard, with the option for alternative surface materials at crossings, junctions, and gateway features to enhance legibility and character

    • lay-bys must be included where necessary to accommodate HGV layovers

  • typical carriageway widths: A minimum carriageway width of 7.3 metres is required, with additional widening on bends or to accommodate right-turn lanes at junctions

  • minimum centreline radius: 35 metres

Pedestrian and cycle infrastructure:

  • minimum footway widths: Minimum 2 metre clear width on both sides of carriageway, increasing to 3 metres in areas of high pedestrian activity, such as bus stops

  • cycleway provision (full design of streets must be based on actual traffic counts):

    • cycle provision must be segregated or off-street, with a minimum width of 2.2 metres

    • parallel segregated footways and cycleways are permitted but must have clear delineation and a combined minimum width of 4 metres

  • crossing provision:

    • for roads with over 8,000 vehicles per day (vpd), controlled crossings (including zebra crossings) must be provided at suitable intervals based on site specific evidence

    • for roads with under 8,000 (vpd), loading and parking bays must be formalised with pedestrian crossing gaps at desire lines. It is recommended these crossings are controlled or placed on raised tables to enhance safety

    • crossings must be signalised where the crossing distance exceeds 15 metres and the speed limit is 30mph or higher

    • where signalised crossings are provided, it is recommended that pedestrian signals rest on green to minimise waiting times

Traffic management and speed control:

  • design speed: 25mph

  • appropriate speed restraints: Curved alignments, textured surface treatments, and full-width speed humps

  • distance between speed restraint features: 120 metres

  • minimum forward visibilities:

    • a minimum 33 metres must be provided

    • on higher-speed roads, visibility requirements must comply with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) standards

    • within 1 metre of the rear edge of the footway, any structures or landscaping features, such as walls, fences, or planting, must not exceed a maximum height of 0.8 metres

Parking and EV integration:

  • appropriate vehicle parking solutions:

    • a minimum of one space per planned unit must be accommodated

    • on-street parallel parking for HGVs should be provided within designated bays, interspersed with buildouts

    • alternatively, a dedicated off-street parking court may be provided to support driver welfare

  • EV charging integration: Provide on build-outs alongside trees or planting

Public realm and landscaping:

  • recommended enclosure ratios: N/A

  • street tree planting and greening opportunities:

    • regular street trees and low-level planting should be provided along verges where space allows, tree planting and greening should be included in the separation between cyclists and vehicles

    • the street should have multiple trees with canopies spaced on average less than 15 metres apart

    • low-level planting should be considered within visibility splays

    • where trees are removed to accommodate works, a tree valuation should be utilised using the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) method to ensure that any tree replacement is adequate and acceptable

  • verge dimensions:

    • grass verges must be provided to separate the carriageway from active travel routes, with a minimum width of 1 metre

    • planted areas should be at least 2 metres wide

    • grassed areas must have a minimum size of 10m² to facilitate maintenance

Street geometry and alignment:

  • vertical alignment (longitudinal section gradient):

    • should be: 1 in 20 (5%), absolute maximum: 1 in 12 (8.5%)

    • around junctions: should be 1 in 40 (25%), absolute maximum: 1 in 25 (4%)

    • minimum gradient for adequate drainage is 1 in 80, if between 1 in 80 and 1 in 200 then channel blocks are required

  • vertical alignment (crossfall): should be 1 in 40 (2.5%), absolute maximum of 1 in 25 (4%)

Industrial Minor

These roads primarily serve Class E uses (such as offices (that are not used for financial services), research and development premises and light industrial processes) and are designed for light vehicles, with minimal heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic.

Proposed sketch road layout from left to right includes: a grass verge, a footpath with minimum 2 to 3 metre width, a grass verge with minimum 2 metre width, a cycle lane with minimum 1.5 metre width, a carriageway with minimum 6.75 metre width, a grass verge with minimum 1 metre width, a footpath with minimum 2 to 3 metre width, and a grass verge.

Figure 95: Sketch plan and section showing a potential layout for a minor industrial road

Carriageway design:

  • typical carriageway arrangement and materiality:

    • a minimum of two running lanes must be provided, with the incorporation of a bus lane where required

    • asphalt surfacing should be used as standard, with the option for alternative surface materials at crossings, junctions, and gateway features to enhance legibility and character

  • typical carriageway widths: A minimum carriageway width of 6.75 metres is required, with additional widening on bends or to accommodate right-turn movements at junctions.

  • minimum centreline radius: 35 metres

Pedestrian and cycle infrastructure:

  • minimum footway widths: Minimum 2 metre clear width on both sides of carriageway, increasing to 3 metres in areas of high pedestrian activity, such as bus stops

  • cycleway provision (full design of streets must be based on actual traffic counts):

    • cycle routes should be segregated wherever possible, particularly on high traffic or HGV routes

    • on-carriageway provision is acceptable only on streets with low traffic volumes and speeds and should be provided at 1.5 metres, with absolute minimum of 1.2 metres

    • cycle lane widths should be a minimum of 2.2 metres for one-way routes and 3.5 metres for two-way routes, with absolute minimum widths of 1.5 metres (one-way) and 3 metres (two-way)

    • design and protection measures must comply with cycle infrastructure design (LTN 1/20) (Department for Transport) Figure 4.1

  • crossing provision:

    • for roads with over 8,000 vehicles per day (vpd), controlled crossings (including zebra crossings) must be provided at suitable intervals based on site specific evidence

    • for roads with under 8,000 (vpd), loading and parking bays must be formalised with pedestrian crossing gaps at desire lines. It is recommended these crossings are controlled or placed on raised tables to enhance safety

    • crossings must be signalised where the crossing distance exceeds 15 metres and the speed limit is 30mph or higher

    • where signalised crossings are provided, it is recommended that pedestrian signals rest on green to minimise waiting times

Traffic management and speed control:

  • design speed: 25mph

  • appropriate speed restraints: Curved alignments, textured surface treatments, raised intersections, and full-width speed humps

  • distance between speed restraint features: For most measures, a spacing of 60 to 90 metres is appropriate. On strategic routes, a spacing between 100 metres and 150 metres may be preferable if humps or raised junctions are used

  • minimum forward visibilities:

    • 50 to 70 metres

    • within 1 metre of the rear edge of the footway, any structures or landscaping features, such as walls, fences, or planting, must not exceed a maximum height of 0.8 metres

Parking and EV integration:

  • appropriate vehicle parking solutions: On-street, parallel parking as required, in bays broken up by build-outs

  • EV charging integration: Provide on build-outs alongside trees or planting

Public realm and landscaping:

  • recommended enclosure ratios: N/A

  • street tree planting and greening opportunities:

    • regular street trees and low-level planting should be accommodated along verges. Where space allows, tree planting and greening should be included in the separation between cyclists and vehicles

    • the street should have multiple trees with canopies spaced on average less than 15 metres apart

    • low-level planting should be considered within visibility splays.

    • where trees are removed to accommodate works, a tree valuation should be utilised using the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) method to ensure that any tree replacement is adequate and acceptable

  • verge dimensions:

    • grass verges should be a minimum width of 1 metre

    • planted areas should be at least 2 metres wide

    • grassed areas must have a minimum size of 10m² to facilitate maintenance

Street geometry and alignment:

  • vertical alignment (longitudinal section gradient):

    • should be: 1 in 20 (5%), absolute maximum: 1 in 12 (8.5%)

    • around junctions: should be 1 in 40 (25%), absolute maximum: 1 in 25 (4%)

    • minimum gradient for adequate drainage is 1 in 80, if between 1 in 80 and 1 in 200 then channel blocks are required

  • vertical alignment (crossfall): should be 1 in 40 (2.5%), absolute maximum of 1 in 25 (4%)

Wide tarmac road to the right hand side with a grass verge separating the traffic from pedestrians and tree lined green space to the left hand side.

Figure 96: Shows example of industrial minor streets at Calder Park, Wakefield

Wide tarmac road to the right hand side with a grass verge separating  the traffic from the adjacent cycle path and pedestrian footway.

Figure 97: Shows example of industrial minor streets at Calder Park, Wakefield

Primary Distributor

On the primary distributor network, where maintaining smooth traffic flow is a high priority and drivers typically expect to travel at speeds above 37mph.

These roads are generally A, B, or C classified routes forming part of the Highway Authority’s strategic road network.

Proposed sketch road layout from left to right includes: a footpath with minimum 2 to 3 metre width, a grass verge with minimum 1 metre width, a cycle lane with minimum 3 metre width, a grass verge incorporating parking of minimum 2.4 metre width, a carriageway with minimum 6.75 metre width, a grass verge with minimum 2 metre width, a cycle lane with minimum 2.2 metre width, a grass verge with minimum 1metre width, and a footpath with minimum 2 to 3 metre width.

Figure 98: Sketch plan and section showing a potential layout for a primary distributor road

Carriageway design:

  • typical carriageway arrangement and materiality:

    • a minimum of two running lanes must be provided, with potential to incorporate a bus lane

    • asphalt surfacing should be used as standard, with the option for alternative surface materials at crossings, junctions, and gateway features to enhance legibility and character

  • typical carriageway widths:

    • carriageway widths must comply with the recommendations set out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB)

    • the minimum width is 5.5 metres, increasing to 6.75 metres where a two-way bus route is provided

    • the maximum width should not exceed 6.75 metres

  • minimum centreline radius: 35 metres

Pedestrian and cycle infrastructure:

  • minimum footway widths:

    • minimum 2 to 2.6 metres clear width on both sides of carriageway, increasing to 3 metres in areas of high pedestrian activity, (for example adjacent to schools, bus stops, railway stations) or where footways are shared with cyclists

    • footways should have good separation from the carriageway

    • an absolute minimum (at constraints) width of 1.8 metres may be allowed for short narrow sections only

  • cycleway provision (full design of streets must be based on actual traffic counts):

    • cycle provision must be segregated or off-street, especially on high-traffic routes

    • cycle lanes or tracks should ideally be 2.2 metres or wider for one-way routes, and 3.5 metres or wider for two-way routes, with absolute minimum (at constraints) widths of 1.5 metres (one-way) and 3 metres (two-way)

    • design and protection must comply with cycle infrastructure design (LTN 1/20) (Department for Transport) Figure 4.1

  • crossing provision:

    • for roads with over 8,000 vehicles per day (vpd), controlled crossings (including zebra crossings) must be provided at suitable intervals based on site specific evidence

    • for roads with under 8,000 (vpd), loading and parking bays must be formalised with pedestrian crossing gaps at desire lines. It is recommended these crossings are controlled or placed on raised tables to enhance safety

    • crossings must be signalised where the crossing distance exceeds 15 metres and the speed limit is 30mph or higher

    • where signalised crossings are provided, it is recommended that pedestrian signals rest on green to minimise waiting times

Traffic management and speed control:

  • design speed: Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB)

  • appropriate speed restraints: Curved alignments, textured surface treatments, raised intersections, and full-width speed humps

  • distance between speed restraint features: 120 metres

  • minimum forward visibilities:

    • a minimum 33 metres must be provided

    • on higher-speed roads, visibility requirements must comply with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) standards

    • within 1 metre of the rear edge of the footway, any structures or landscaping features, such as walls, fences, or planting, must not exceed a maximum height of 0.8 metres

Parking and EV integration:

  • appropriate vehicle parking solutions:

    • on-street parallel parking for HGVs should be provided within designated bays, interspersed with build-outs

    • a minimum of one space per planned unit must be accommodated

    • alternatively, a dedicated off-street parking court may be provided to support driver welfare

  • EV charging integration: Provide on build-outs alongside trees or planting

Public realm and landscaping:

  • recommended enclosure ratios:

    • 1:1 or 1:2 (Urban Area Type (50+dph))

    • 1:4 (Suburban Area Type (40+dph))

  • street tree planting and greening opportunities:

    • regular street trees and low-level planting should be provided along verges

    • where space allows, tree planting and greening should be included in the separation between cyclists and vehicles

    • the street should have multiple trees with canopies spaced on average less than 15 metres apart

    • low-level planting should be considered within visibility splays

    • where trees are removed to accommodate works, a tree valuation should be utilised using the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) method to ensure that any tree replacement is adequate and acceptable

  • verge dimensions:

    • grass verges must be provided to separate the carriageway from active travel routes, with a minimum width of 1 metre

    • planted areas should be at least 2 metres wide

    • grassed areas must have a minimum size of 10m² to facilitate maintenance

Street geometry and alignment:

  • vertical alignment (longitudinal section gradient):

    • should be 1 in 20 (5%), absolute maximum 1 in 12 (8.5%)

    • around junctions: should be 1 in 40 (25%), absolute maximum 1 in 25 (4%)

    • minimum gradient for adequate drainage is 1 in 80, if between 1 in 80 and 1 in 200 then channel blocks are required

  • vertical alignment (crossfall): should be 1 in 40 (2.5%), absolute maximum of 1 in 25 (4%)

Wide tarmac road with 3 lanes in one direction and 2 lanes in the other direction at Newton Bar in Wakefield. There is a grassed area in the foreground and a bus shelter shown adjacent to the road.

Figure 99: An example of a primary distributor street at Newton Bar, Wakefield

Secondary Main Streets

These streets form the main structural routes within a residential development, providing the transition between the surrounding major roads and the more pedestrian-focused local streets.

Proposed sketch road layout from left to right includes: a footpath with minimum 2 to 2.6 metre width, a grass verge with minimum 1 metre width, a cycle lane with minimum 2.2 metre metre width, a grass verge incorporating parking of minimum 2 metre width, a carriageway with minimum 5.5 to 6.75 metre width, a grass verge with minimum 2 metre width, and a footpath with minimum 2 to 2.6 metre width.

Figure 100: Sketch plan and section showing a potential layout for a secondary main street

Carriageway design:

  •  typical carriageway arrangement and materiality:

    • a minimum of two running lanes must be provided, with potential for passing points where carriageway narrows (below 4.8 metres)

    • asphalt surfacing should be used as standard, with the option for alternative surface materials at crossings, junctions, and gateway features to enhance legibility and character

  • typical carriageway widths:

    • minimum carriageway width is 5.5 metres (increasing to 6.75 metres where a two-way bus route is provided)

    • the required width depends on factors including traffic type, percentage of large vehicles, bus route designation, and other design considerations such as vehicle tracking

    • widening should be applied on bends or other locations as necessary to accommodate safe vehicle movements

    • maximum carriageway width is 6.75 metres

  • minimum centreline radius: 35 metres

Pedestrian and cycle infrastructure:

  • minimum footway widths:

    • minimum 2 metre clear footway width on both sides of the carriageway, increasing to 2.6 metres or more in areas with higher pedestrian activity (such as adjacent to schools, shops, bus stops, railway stations) or where footways are shared with cyclists

  • cycleway provision (full design of streets must be based on actual traffic counts):

    • cycle provision should be segregated where possible, particularly on high traffic or HGV routes

    • on low-traffic, low-speed roads, on-carriageway provision may be acceptable

    • for mixed-traffic routes, carriageway lane widths must be 3.2 metres or a minimum of 3.9 metres (but not between 3.2 metres and 3.9 metres)

    • cycle lane widths should be at least 2.2 metres wide for one-way routes and 3.5 metres wide for two-way routes, with absolute minimum (at constraints) widths of 1.5 metre (one-way) and 3 metres (two-way)

    • all design and protection measures must comply with cycle infrastructure design (LTN 1/20) (Department for Transport) Figure 4.1

  • crossing provision:

    • for roads with over 8,000 vehicles per day (vpd), controlled crossings (including zebra crossings) must be provided at suitable intervals based on site specific evidence

    • for roads with under 8,000 (vpd), loading and parking bays must be formalised with pedestrian crossing gaps at desire lines. It is recommended these crossings are controlled or placed on raised tables to enhance safety.

Traffic management and speed control:

  • design speed: 20mph

  • appropriate speed restraints: Carriageway bends, lane narrowing, raised tables at junctions, pinch points, and build-outs

  • distance between speed restraint features: 60 to 100 metres (dependent on design speed)

  •  minimum forward visibilities:

    • 25 or 33 metres dependent design speed

    • visibilities significantly above these levels should be avoided to deter excessive speeds

    • within 1 metre of the rear edge of the footway, any structures or landscaping features, such as walls, fences, or planting, must not exceed a maximum height of 0.8 metres

Parking and EV integration:

  • appropriate vehicle parking solutions:

    • on plot parking that is to the front of the plot will only be permitted for a maximum of 2 parking spaces and then must be broken up with either a fence or soft landscaping

    • on-street, parallel parking as required, in bays broken up by build-outs

    • visitor parking must not be provided within any area that could reasonably be assumed to be allocated to a property

    • visitor parking must be provided in formal designated bays (minimum 1 bay per 10 properties)

    • car club parking is also required in a designated bay for every 250 properties

  • EV charging integration: Provide on build-outs alongside trees or planting

Public realm and landscaping:

  • recommended enclosure ratios: 1:1 (ideal), 1:3 (minimum)

  • street tree planting and greening opportunities:

    • regular street trees and low-level planting should be accommodated in build-outs on the carriageway (between parking)

    • parklets could be adopted outside shops or other popular areas for pedestrians

    • low level planting should be considered in visibility splays

    • where trees are removed to accommodate works, a tree valuation should be utilised using the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) method to ensure that any tree replacement is adequate and acceptable

  • verge dimensions:

    • grass verges should be a minimum width of 1 metre

    • planted areas should be at least 2 metres wide

    • grassed areas must have a minimum size of 10m² to facilitate maintenance

Street geometry and alignment:

  • vertical alignment (longitudinal section gradient):

    • should be: 1 in 20 (5%), absolute maximum: 1 in 12 (8.5%)

    • around junctions: should be 1 in 40 (25%), absolute maximum: 1 in 25 (4%)

    • minimum gradient for adequate drainage is 1 in 80, if between 1 in 80 and 1 in 200 then channel blocks are required

  • vertical alignment (crossfall): Should be: 1 in 40 (2.5%), absolute maximum of 1 in 25 (4%)

Entrance to a new housing estate showing a tarmac road close to a roundabout, a stone coloured dwelling to the left hand side and a Costa Coffee shop to the right hand side.

Figure 101: Example of a secondary main street at Snow Hill, Wakefield

Local Residential

These roads run through residential estates and provide access to the majority of homes within the development.

Proposed sketch road layout from left to right includes: a footpath with minimum 2 metre width, a grass verge incorporating parking with minimum 2 metre width, a carriageway with minimum 6.4 metre width, a grass verge with minimum 2 metre width, and a footpath with minimum 2 metre width.

Figure 102: Sketch plan and section showing a potential layout for a local residential street

Carriageway design:

  • typical carriageway arrangement and materiality:

    • typically, these roads have one to two lanes with passing points provided where the carriageway narrows below 4.8 metres

    • asphalt is the standard surfacing material.

    • cul-de-sacs should be avoided where possible, if absolutely necessary, they must not exceed 200 metres in length

    • turning facilities are required if a cul-de-sac exceeds 45 metres, with additional turning facilities needed if the length surpasses 100 metres

  • typical carriageway widths:

    • minimum carriageway width: 4.8 to 5.5 metres, with variations allowed to respond to built form, vehicle tracking, public spaces, on-street parking, turning from accesses, and widening on bends or other necessary locations

    • carriageways may be narrowed to a minimum of 3.7 metres between kerb where appropriate

    • maximum carriageway width: 5.5 metres

  • minimum centreline radius: 20 metres or based on vehicle tracking requirements

Pedestrian and cycle infrastructure:

  • minimum footway widths:

    • minimum 2 metre clear footway width on both sides of the carriageway

    • hybrid variations (footway on one side only) may be considered only where there are no adjacent properties, pedestrian desire lines on the opposite side or where there is a footpath within 5 metres which runs parallel to the road

  • cycleway provision (full design of streets must be based on actual traffic counts):

    • cycle provision may be provided on-carriageway where traffic volumes and speeds are low

    • for mixed-traffic routes, carriageway lane widths must be 3.2 metres or a minimum of 3.9 metres (but not between 3.2 metres and 3.9 metres)

    • all design and protection measures must comply with cycle infrastructure design (LTN 1/20) (Department for Transport) Figure 4.1

  • crossing provision:

    • for roads with under 8,000 (vpd), loading and parking bays must be formalised with pedestrian crossing gaps at desire lines. It is recommended these crossings are controlled or placed on raised tables to enhance safety

Traffic management and speed control:

  • design speed: 20mph

  • appropriate speed restraints: Speed-reducing bends, gateway treatments, carriageway narrowing, absence of road markings, junction speed tables, vertical elements (for example, trees, bollards, street furniture) and horizontal features such as build-outs and pinch points

  • distance between speed restraint features: 60 metres

  • minimum forward visibilities:

    • 25 metres

    • visibilities significantly above this level should be avoided to deter excess speeds

    • within 1 metre of the rear edge of the footway, any structures or landscaping features, such as walls, fences, or planting, must not exceed a maximum height of 0.8 metres.

Parking and EV integration:

  • appropriate vehicle parking solutions:

    • on plot / on street as required

    • on plot parking that is to the front of the plot will only be permitted for a maximum of 2 parking spaces and then must be broken with either a fence or soft landscaping

    • visitors parking must not be provided within any area that could reasonably be assumed to be allocated to a property

    • visitor parking must be provided in formal designated bays (minimum 1 bay per 10 properties)

    • car club parking is also required in a designated bay for every 250 properties

  • EV charging integration: provide on build-outs alongside trees or planting

Public realm and landscaping:

  • recommended enclosure ratios: 1:1 (ideal), 1:3 (minimum)

  • street tree planting and greening opportunities:

    • regular street trees and low-level planting should be accommodated in build-outs on the carriageway (between parking)

    • community parklets could be adopted

    • low level planting should be considered in visibility splays

    • where trees are removed to accommodate works, a tree valuation should be utilised using the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) method to ensure that any tree replacement is adequate and acceptable

  • verge dimensions:

    • grass verges should be a minimum width of 1 metre

    • planted areas should be at least 2 metres wide

    • grassed areas must have a minimum size of 10m² to facilitate maintenance

Street geometry and alignment:

  • vertical alignment (longitudinal section gradient):

    • should be: 1 in 20 (5%), absolute maximum: 1 in 12 (8.5%)

    • around junctions: should be 1 in 40 (25%), absolute maximum: 1 in 25 (4%)

    • minimum gradient for adequate drainage is 1 in 80, if between 1 in 80 and 1 in 200 then channel blocks are required

  •  vertical alignment (crossfall): Should be 1 in 40 (2.5%), absolute maximum of 1 in 25 (4%)

Shared Surface Streets

These routes are generally provided as shared surface carriageways and must be limited to a maximum length of 45 metres, serving no more than 25 dwellings.

Proposed sketch road layout from left to right includes: a grass verge incorporating parking with minimum 1 metre width, a carriageway shared with pedestrians with minimum 4.1 metre width, and a verge with minimum 0.6 metre width.

Figure 103: Sketch plan and section showing a potential layout for a shared surface street

Carriageway design:

  • typical carriageway arrangement and materiality:

    • typically surfaced with brick or block paving, or asphalt, with a minimum hard margin of 0.6 metres along all edges

    • a single access point is permitted

  • typical carriageway widths:

    • minimum carriageway width: 4.1 metres, with flexibility to adjust based on built form, vehicle tracking, public spaces, on-street or visitor parking, turning movements from accesses, and the need for widening on bends or other

      locations to accommodate service vehicles

    • carriageways may be narrowed to a minimum of 3.7 metres between kerbs where appropriate

  • minimum centreline radius: The minimum centreline radius must be designed to accommodate the tracking requirements of service vehicles currently in use

Pedestrian and cycle infrastructure:

  • minimum footway widths: Minimum 2 metres where provided, although shared streets may be adopted on streets where traffic flows are below 100vph (2 way peak hour flow)

  • cycleway provision (full design of streets must be based on actual traffic counts):

    • cycle provision may be provided on-carriageway, with all design and protection measures adhering to the cycle infrastructure design (LTN 1/20) (Department for Transport) Figure 4.1

  • crossing provision:

    • for roads with under 8,000 (vpd), loading and parking bays must be formalised with pedestrian crossing gaps at desire lines

Traffic management and speed control:

  • design speed: 10 - 15mph

  • appropriate speed restraints: for short street lengths, incorporate gateway features, carriageway narrowing, ramps or raised tables, absence of road markings, vertical elements (for example, trees, bollards, street furniture), contrasting textured surfacing, and horizontal features such as build-outs and pinch points

  • distance between speed restraint features: 30 metres

  • minimum forward visibilities:

    • 23 metres, visibilities significantly above this level should be avoided to deter excess speeds

    • within 1 metre of the rear edge of the footway, any structures or landscaping features, such as walls, fences, or planting, must not exceed a maximum height of 0.8 metres

Parking and EV integration:

  • appropriate vehicle parking solutions:

    • occasional on-street parking, predominantly on plot

    • visitor parking must be provided in formal designated bays (minimum 1 bay per 4 properties)

    • on plot parking that is to the front of the plot will only be permitted for a maximum of 2 parking spaces and then must be broken with either a fence or soft landscaping

    • visitors parking must not be provided within any area that could reasonably be assumed to be allocated to a property

  • EV charging integration: Provided within formal on street parking places

Public realm and landscaping:

  • recommended enclosure ratios: 1:0.5 (maximum), 1:1 (ideal) or 1:2 (minimum)

  • street tree planting and greening opportunities:

    • street trees should be located on or alongside the carriageway

    • low level planting should be considered in visibility splays

    • where trees are removed to accommodate works, a tree valuation should be utilised using the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) method to ensure that any tree replacement is adequate and acceptable

  • verge dimensions:

    • grass verges should be a minimum width of 1 metre, or low level landscaping in designated beds should have a minimum 0.6 metres width

Street geometry and alignment:

  • vertical alignment (longitudinal section gradient):

    • should be: 1 in 20 (5%), absolute maximum 1 in 12 (8.5%)

    • around junctions: should be 1 in 40 (25%), absolute maximum 1 in 25 (4%)

    • minimum gradient for adequate drainage is 1 in 80, if between 1 in 80 and 1 in 200 then channel blocks are required

  • vertical alignment (crossfall): Should be 1 in 40 (2.5%), absolute maximum of 1 in 25 (4%)

Brick block paved road on a new housing estate which is a shared surface between pedestrians and vehicles. The shared surface road is flanked by new brick built dwellings on either side.

Figure 104: Shows a suburban shared surface street at Station Road, Normanton

Brick block paved road on a new housing estate which is a shared surface between pedestrians and vehicles. Merchant Gate multistorey car park is shown to the left hand side and new three storey brick build dwellings to the right hand side.

Figure 105: Shows an urban shared surface street at Carnforth Avenue, Wakefield

Private Drives

Private drives are short, shared access routes that provide direct access to individual properties. They must not exceed 25 metres in length and must serve no more than five properties. Where a private drive connects to a Local Residential Street, a continuous footway (Copenhagen crossing) must be provided across the access, standard dropped kerb crossings are not permitted.

Proposed sketch road layout from left to right includes: a grass verge incorporating parking, and a carriageway shared with pedestrians with minimum 3.7 metre width.

Figure 106: Sketch plan and section showing a potential layout for a private drive

Carriageway design:

  • typical carriageway arrangement and materiality:

    • private drives must not directly abut other private drives

    • where adjacent, clear delineation should be provided (such as landscaping) whilst allowing pedestrians access between them

  • typical carriageway widths:

    • a minimum width of 5 metres must be provided for at least 5 metres from the junction

    • beyond this, a minimum width of 3.7 metres must be maintained

  • minimum centreline radius: The minimum centreline radius must be designed to accommodate the tracking requirements of service vehicles currently in use

Pedestrian and cycle infrastructure:

  • minimum footway widths:

    • dedicated footways are not required, but developments must consider and provide for active travel permeability to ensure safe and convenient pedestrian and cyclist movement

  • cycleway provision (full design of streets must be based on actual traffic counts):

    • not required but consideration must be given to active travel permeability

  • crossing provision:

    • for roads with under 8,000 (vpd), loading and parking bays must be formalised with pedestrian crossing gaps at desire lines

Traffic management and speed control:

  • design speed: 5mph

  • appropriate speed restraints: Introduce continuous footways with raised surfaces at junctions with Secondary Roads, supported by vertical elements (for example, trees, bollards, street furniture), contrasting textured surfacing, and horizontal features such as build-outs and pinch points

  • distance between speed restraint features: On entry

  • minimum forward visibilities:

    • 25 metres

    • within 1 metre of the rear edge of the footway, any structures or landscaping features, such as walls, fences, or planting, must not exceed a maximum height of 0.8 metres

Parking and EV integration:

  • appropriate vehicle parking solutions:

    • occasional on-street parking, predominantly on plot

    • visitor parking must be provided in formal designated bays (minimum 1 bay per 4 properties)

  • EV charging integration: Provided within formal on street parking places

Public realm and landscaping:

  • recommended enclosure ratios: 1:0.5 (maximum), 1:1 (ideal) or 1:2 (minimum)

  • street tree planting and greening opportunities:

    • street trees should be located on or alongside the carriageway

    • where trees are removed to accommodate works, a tree valuation should be utilised using the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) method to ensure that any tree replacement is adequate and acceptable

  • verge dimensions: Where two private drives are in close proximity, soft landscaping must be used to delineate the break in the roads

Street geometry and alignment:

  • vertical alignment (longitudinal section gradient):

    • should be 1 in 40 (25%), absolute maximum: 1 in 25 (4%)

    • minimum gradient for adequate drainage is 1 in 80, gradients less than 1 in 80 must provide permeable surface solutions

  • vertical alignment (crossfall): Should be 1 in 40 (2.5%)

Specialised Streets

Including but not limited to:

  • pedestrian zones

  • event spaces

  • school streets

  • heritage streets

  • byways open to all traffic / restricted byways

  • public footpaths and public bridleways

Carriageway design:

  • typical carriageway arrangement and materiality: Carriageway designs will be considered on their individual merits, with clear changes in surface material used to delineate transitions

Pedestrian and cycle infrastructure:

  • minimum footway widths: Footpaths wider than 1.2 metres must include vehicle mitigation measures to ensure pedestrian safety

Traffic management and speed control:

  • minimum forward visibilities: Within 1 metre of the rear edge of the footway, any structures or landscaping features, such as walls, fences, or planting, must not exceed a maximum height of 0.8 metres

Parking and EV integration:

  • appropriate vehicle parking solutions:

    • on plot / on street as required

    • maximum of 2 parking spaces which then must be broken up with either a fence or soft landscaping

    • visitors parking must not be provided within any area that could reasonably be assumed to be allocated to a property

    • should utilise less intrusive materials to reduce the impact on the surrounding areas established aesthetics

    • proposed electrical vehicle charging points (EVCPs) will be reviewed on a case by case basis, but a minimum provision of 10% of the total parking provision should be provided where parking is supplied

Public realm and landscaping:

  • street tree planting and greening opportunities:

    • rain gardens and attractive planting should be incorporated in all areas with high pedestrian footfall

    • street trees should be provided to offer shade and shelter from rain

    • low level planting should be considered in visibility splays

    • where trees are removed to accommodate works, a tree valuation should be utilised using the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) method to ensure that any tree replacement is adequate and acceptable

Street geometry and alignment:

  • vertical alignment (longitudinal section gradient):

    • should be 1 in 40 (25%), absolute maximum 1 in 25 (4%)

    • minimum gradient for adequate drainage is 1 in 80, gradients less than 1 in 80 must provide permeable surface solutions

  • vertical alignment (crossfall): Should be 1 in 40 (2.5%)

Block paved pedestrianised street in Wakefield city centre with blocks of shops on either side of the street, tree planting along the paved area and the Cathedral spire partially visible in the background of the row of shops

Figure 107: Shows a specialised street in Wakefield City Centre