Counterintuitive Streets

It goes against everything we know, or think we know. Safer neighbourhood streets brought about by removing traffic lights, sleeping policemen (not from the coffee shops but rather of the speed bump variety), stop signs, crosswalks etc. Apparently Hans Monderman is pioneering the new concept and finding it works in the European setting. Promoting the idea of shared spaces, Monderman has found that removing signage and restrictions allows pedestrians and cars to mix better. A new social traffic behaviour results and eye contact, acknowledgments etc follow. Drivers who are rushed, aggressive and inconsiderate smarten up. Oh by the way I just passed a defensive driving course. Can you tell?
En Route Magazine, Air Canada, April 2007.