The Suffolk Design: Streets Guide is the first document of its kind to prioritise walking and cycling in the routes people will use - and the infrastructure required to make them safe and attractive - over the needs of private vehicles.
The guide can also be used by highway engineers, drainage engineers and Public Rights of Way officers in responding to planning applications and in the technical review and approval of new highways infrastructure.
While not compulsory, the guide has been prepared with Suffolk’s other authorities using government policies, guidance and best practice.
It replaces the Suffolk Design Guide for Residential Areas, last updated in 2000, and has been drawn up with Stantec – a global leader in sustainable design and engineering.
In 2019, every local authority in Suffolk declared or acknowledged a climate emergency.
The design of streets has a significant role to play in the reduction of carbon emissions by prioritising walking, wheeling, cycling and access to public transport, as well as managing the effects of flooding through effective sustainable drainage systems.
By placing greater priority on designing for people as pedestrians - whether wheeled or walkers - and cyclists, the council is contributing to its ambitions for reducing carbon.
Councillor Richard Smith, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Economic Development, Transport Strategy and Waste, said that as the authority responsible for public rights of way the council has an important role in helping the planning system support transition to a low-carbon future.
