Last year Oxford's city council approved a 20-year urban development plan to create neighborhoods where essential services are accessible by walking no more than 15 minutes. But the reason for the recent protests is the County Council’s proposal to introduce six new traffic filters on key connecting roads around the city. Automatic number plate recognition cameras will monitor cars passing through, with a fine of £70 issued to drivers who are not exempt. The goals of the scheme being to reduce unnecessary car journeys within the city, a net zero transport network, and zero road fatalaties. As a consequence, the streets will be much safer for pedestrians and cyclists, bus journeys will be much faster, and the overall atmosphere of the town will be more pleasant. Residents of the city will be permitted 100 days per year in which they can travel through the filters with no charge. When the trial period of the scheme begins, it will be accompanied by a public consultation to assess the impact and public support.
Living where I do in a village I can't access any of the above amenities without using my car or the every two hour bus service. But if I lived in a town or city and those amenities were nearby I would welcome a 15 minute walk. I know many of the children attending the village school live well within a 15 minute walk from home but many are transported by their mums in their shiny 4WD's.
I've been hearing the term "15-minute city" used here and there recently, but didn't know what it meant. Thanks for the explanation!
ReplyDeleteI knew about housing developments having to have the services and amenities but didn't know about the 15 minute thing!
DeleteI can't keep up with all of these new catchwords that keep on being bandied around. Today someone on our local Facebook page was asking where could she go for a bottomless brunch with her friends! I couldn't imagine whatever she was on about so once again I had to resort to Mr. Google.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of that one either, it sounds good though!
DeleteThis is such an old idea that it was current when I was at university 50 years ago. New towns of that period were designed in neighbourhoods, each with its own shops within walking distance of the houses. East Kilbride was designed this way back in 1947 and, as it happens, I was involved in some work there on a geography field trip. In theory the people of each neighbourhood had a pleasant walk through quiet streets and parkland to the shops. What we actually found was that many people crossed busy roads to get to the shops in other neighbourhoods. One of our lecturers, who did a lot of research into the way we perceive the landscape, suggested that this may be because people who are used to urban environments feel that open spaces like parks are much bigger than they actually are, and so felt that they were nearer to shops in more built-up areas.
ReplyDeleteIt is, it was always known as town planning. I grew up in Peterborough where there were lots of lovely park areas and a fine river.
DeleteI haven't heard of that term. It seems as though there are a lot of "deserts" in the city, any city that has limited transit. It seems like a very good and healthy idea to me.
ReplyDeleteI knew about the planning of new estates but not the 15 minute term.
DeleteThe 15 minute city is a good idea, if it means essential shops and facilities will be easier to get to. But it won't be much help to people like you living in villages because as you say you need a car to reach a lot of amenities. You're right about the mums (and dads) in their gas-guzzlers ferrying their children to school. We have two schools nearby and the road is totally jammed twice a day with parents' cars.
ReplyDeleteI agree Nick, it is a good idea. Sometimes I wish I was still living in a town.
DeleteThis 15-minute city was a new term to myself as well, Polly. However after reading this post and your statement about how living in a village is not as close, it seems that the mill apts where we now reside are much more advantageous. We live less than 5 minutes walking distance to downtown Nashua, also the library, medical offices, retail pharmacies and so on including the newly opened arts center.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds a lovely place Beatrice, when can I move in?! x
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