Britain to restrict one-way streets

Interesting news from across the pond: The Times of London reports that the "one-way street is to be phased out in residential areas [of the U.K.] as part of a government plan to give pedestrians greater rights to road space." Says the article:

One-way streets have been singled out for criticism by the transport department, which says that rather than reduce “rat runs” they actually encourage speeding, prolonging journeys and inconveniencing cyclists.

Louise Duggan, one of the authors of the guidelines said: “Since the late 1950s, the number of cars on the roads have meant they have taken priority. Now we have realised our roads should be used for more than getting from A to B. Our highways make up 80% of our public realm and we have realised it is wrong that we are only doing one thing with this space.”

(snip)

The transport department’s plans have won the endorsement of the RAC [the British equivalent of the AAA]. Robin Cummins, its road safety consultant, admitted some drivers treat one-way streets like “racetracks”.

“We accept the need for pedestrians and drivers to live together better in residential areas,” he said.