Publication - Advice and guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer public spaces - updated guidance
Guidance focused on design principles for safer urban centres and green spaces in Scotland during the coronavirus crisis. It contains information and examples of interventions that may be undertaken by owners and operators of public spaces to keep people safe.
63 page PDF
12.2 MB
63 page PDF
12.2 MB
8. Appendix
8.1 Where to obtain further information
Coronavirus in Scotland: Scottish Government information and support
Here you will find a range of information and support relating to:-
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Scotland
- Protecting yourself and others
- Health and wellbeing
- Getting tested for coronavirus
- Healthworkers carers and social work
- Housing and accommodation
- Schools, education, children and young people
- Sport and Leisure Facilities
- Businesses and self-employed people
- Work and financial support
- Offer help
- Funeral, burial and cremation
- Animal owners
- Travel
- Scottish Government approach and strategy
This includes specific guidance on:-
Shielding support and contacts
Re-opening Schools Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on preparing for the start of the new school term in August 2020
8.2 Safer Places Guidance Documents
Sustrans' design guidance This guidance is to inform and enable statutory bodies implementing temporary infrastructure in Scotland during COVID-19. Content will be regularly reviewed and updated by Sustrans Scotland.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): retail sector guidance: This guidance for the retail sector in Scotland includes procedures for staff and customer safety and an operations checklist.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on sport and leisure facilities: Guidance for the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities with physical distancing and hygiene measures.
8.3 Security Guidance
Staying secure during Coronavirus: Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure
Risk to pedestrians during COVID-19: Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure
8.4 Transport Scotland Guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Advice on how to travel safely: This guidance contains advice on how to be safe when walking, wheeling (wheeling refers to travelling by wheelchair), cycling, or travelling in private vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Scotland.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance on Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders and Notices
Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS): MACS gives Scottish Ministers advice on aspects of policy, legislation and practice affecting the travel needs of disabled people.
Two recent MACS pieces of guidance specifically related to COVID-19 are:-
- MACS guidance for disabled passengers - Transition plans
- Temporary Street Measures during the Coronavirus Crisis
Designing Streets is the policy for how streets should be designed in Scotland
8.5 Guidance for the safe use of places of worship
Guidance for the safe use of places of worship
8.6 Additional relevant external information
NHS inform general advice
Access Panel Network Access Panels work in their areas to address access issues in the built environment. They also work towards improving social inclusion for disabled people and access in the broadest sense. The website provides a network for Access Panels, together with information, support and resources.
Landscape Institute Scotland The Institute has created a digital showcase demonstrating potential design solutions created by its members, supporting longer term climate crisis action and utilising outdoor space to address a number of challenges including:- encouragement of health and well-being activities; safely educating children; moving safely to work, or around more generally; recreation of a social life for communities; and using more of outdoor spaces for the benefit of society and the planet.
greenspace scotland greenspace scotland and The National Lottery Heritage Fund have produced a guide to help local authorities and other greenspace managers manage parks, gardens and greenspaces safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
Guidance from Sustrans on walking and cycling during the coronavirus outbreak
Paths for All Guidance on walking during social distancing
Paths for All Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) Open Fund This funding can be used for support for developing rotas, schedules and shift patterns as well as other travel behaviour change projects.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Coronavirus Third Sector Information Hub provides information and links to find guidance and funding to help organisations respond to the crisis.
Funding Scotland lists funding sources in Scotland
Northern Ireland IMTAC statement on pop up infrastructure
RNIB advice for LAs in England
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code
The links below provide and demonstrate further examples of opportunities for change:
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
8.7 Checklist: Potential Interventions in your Places
This checklist provides a summary of all the potential interventions in this document that could help you support physical distancing in your places. For speed of checking, all of the points have been split into movement, space, buildings and infrastructure. To quickly understand what changes you should consider, please use the colour coding approach for what you either need to: (1) add to your environment as something new; (2) improve an existing situation; or, (3) remove from a space.
new : i.e. new changes that you may need to make to your places e.g. new signage or markings.
improve : i.e. enhancements that you may need to make to your places e.g. widening footpaths.
remove : i.e. things you will need to take away, or minimise, to help create more space e.g. moving planters
Please use the check list to firstly 'tick' what is relevant to your place and then secondly 'check-off' your completed changes. You can also use the list to monitor outcomes and make further changes to your place, as required. Remember that an EQIA is required under the Public Sector equality duty.
Place |
Consideration |
Detail |
Relevancy |
Completed |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
new |
people movement |
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pedestrian space |
signage |
Remind pedestrians of distance requirements. This could be through spray markings and signage at entrances and movement intersections. |
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restaurants/cafes/eateries |
Allow restaurants/cafes/ eateries to occupy carriageways/on-street parking bays for external service. A balanced approach to the use of space should be taken in order to maintain appropriate areas for public activities and to ensure any additional seating does not clutter or reduce space for physical distancing and disadvantaging disabled people. |
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maintenance |
Provide additional cleaning regime and maintenance. |
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pedestrian movement |
distance |
Maintain 2m (6ft) distancing, if appropriate, for pedestrians. |
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entry/exits |
Provide separate entry and exit routes for pedestrian access with clear signs (i.e. creating one-way directions). |
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signage |
|
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pedestrian corridor |
Aim to have a pedestrian corridor that is free of obstacles with access to dropped kerbs and tactile paving provided where required. This will help disabled people to navigate and maintain physical distancing. |
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traffic signals |
Alterations to traffic signal times and phases to give greater priority to pedestrians. |
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unobstructed routes |
A clear, unobstructed route should be maintained for pedestrians on existing footways, with particular consideration given to the requirements of those with wheeling and mobility needs, visual impairment or other disabilities. The need for special consideration with regard to avoiding negative impacts upon disabled people also applies to the provision of external restaurant service. |
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queuing |
needs of different groups |
Consider the needs of individuals with disabilities and older people who may not be able to stand for long in the provision for queuing. |
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defined areas |
Create defined areas to indicate where pedestrians should stand when queuing using spray markings or temporary barriers. |
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management of multiple queues |
|
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"Do not join the queue" signs |
Provide at popular destinations, when capacity reached. |
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marshals |
Consider the use of marshals to help manage queues and pedestrian flows. |
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bus stops |
Provide signs reminding users to physically distance at bus stop waiting areas. |
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collaborate |
Work with your local authority or landlord to take into account the impact of your queues or other processes on public spaces such as high streets and public car parks. |
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transport movement |
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traffic management |
traffic lanes |
These could be either be (1) closed (2) made one way or (3) completely pedestrianised. Links to further guidance can be found in the Appendix. |
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temporary parking areas |
Depending on circumstances, it may be advantageous for temporary car parking areas to be located at the edge of town centres and busy areas. This may help to disperse traffic from busy areas, reduce the impact of the loss of car parking due to footway enlargement, and allow the prioritisation of car parking for disabled people within town centres. |
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delivery times |
Phase delivery timings in loading bays. |
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new road layouts |
Provide signage to inform pedestrians and road users of changes to road layouts. |
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cycleways |
Introduce new cycleways and temporary bike parking. |
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safety |
Ensure appropriate safety measures are in place for clear segregation between traffic lanes, cycleways and pedestrian footways. |
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transport hubs |
|
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pedestrianisation |
Pedestrianise and consider impact on traffic movement. |
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improve |
people movement |
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pedestrian space |
widen footways |
Widen to accommodate distancing between pedestrians, including the use of temporary barriers in the carriageway; changes to parking bays, loading bays and relocating cycle lanes. |
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pedestrian movement |
access |
Maximise/enlarge access to entry and exit routes to minimise queues. |
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transport movement |
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traffic management |
people with disabilities |
The impact of measures on people with disabilities and other groups needs to be kept under consideration. This includes access for blue badge holders and may call for a balanced approach. |
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deliveries/street works |
Consider the need for delivery access and essential access for street works and maintenance. |
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parking |
Consider car parking layout and spacing, reducing capacity if appropriate. |
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crossings |
Ensure safe, level crossing points. |
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seating |
Ensure seating areas for the disabled and older people. |
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use existing street furniture |
Use existing street furniture (e.g. lamp-posts) for signage to avoid impacting on pedestrian flows. |
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transport hubs |
Maximise access and introduce one-way entry and exit points. |
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remove |
people movement |
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pedestrian space |
street clutter |
Remove or relocate unnecessary obstacles, for example planters, and add markings/tape on seating to maintain physical distancing. |
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pedestrian movement |
bus stops/shelters |
Move bus stops/shelters to areas which can accommodate queuing in line with physical distancing requirements. |
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transport movement |
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traffic management |
parking layout |
Consider car parking layout and spacing, reducing capacity if appropriate. |
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on street parking |
Potential to suspend on-street parking to facilitate other measures whilst taking account of any accessible parking bay needs. |
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pinch points |
Minimise pinch points, whilst taking into consideration security and the needs of the disabled and older people. |
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traffic speeds |
Reduce traffic speeds using traffic calming measures. |
Place |
Consideration |
Detail |
Relevancy |
Completed |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
new |
Pedestrian space |
signage |
Place signs on physical distancing and circulation, particularly at entrances and conflict points, such as junctions & crossings. |
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queue markings |
Show queue marking indicators at main entrance, popular park destinations and toilets. |
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marshals |
Marshals to help manage queues & pedestrian flows. |
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pedestrian, cycle and wheeled movement |
one way |
One-way movement of pedestrians to maintain 2m (6ft) distancing. |
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signage |
Signage to encourage pedestrians to wait/step aside to allow others to pass at entryways or along footpaths. |
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entry and exits |
Provide separate entry and exit routes for pedestrian access with clear signs. |
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queuing |
defined areas |
Create defined areas to indicate where pedestrians should stand when queuing, using spray markings or temporary barriers. |
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"Do not join the queue" signs |
Provide at popular destinations, when capacity reached. |
||||
traffic management |
traffic lanes |
These could be either be (1) closed (2) made one-way or (3) completely pedestrianised. |
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improve |
pedestrian space |
footway widening |
|
||
street furniture |
Use existing street furniture for signage to avoid impacting on pedestrian flows. |
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seating |
Add markings/tape on seating to maintain physical distancing. |
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maintenance |
Provide additional cleaning regime and maintenance. |
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pedestrian, cycle and wheeled movement |
entry and exits |
Enlarge entrances and exits to minimise queues. |
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crossings |
Ensure safe level crossing points to access park. |
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traffic management |
deliveries |
Consider the need for delivery access and timing. Plus, essential access for street works and maintenance, taking into account noise/disturbance issues for local residents, where possible. |
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remove |
pedestrian space |
planters |
Remove unnecessary obstacles, for example planters, and add markings/tape on seating to maintain physical distancing. |
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traffic management |
parking |
|
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traffic speed |
Reduce traffic speed around parks. |
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pinch points |
Minimise pinch points, whilst taking into consideration security and the needs of the disabled and older people. |
Place |
Consideration |
Detail |
Relevancy |
Completed |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
new |
retail/ commercial areas and buildings |
building frontages |
Provide queue marking indicators on pedestrian areas, focusing queues along the building frontage, where appropriate. |
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building entrances |
Keep building entrances and footpaths clear, whilst taking account of the needs of the disabled, older people and security considerations. |
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phasing |
|
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queue markings |
|
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one way |
Create one-way circulation for street markets. |
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deliveries |
Phase delivery timings in loading bays. |
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waiting zones |
Identify waiting zones. |
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signage |
|
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public toilets |
Provide signs at public toilets for queuing, physical distancing and automatic sanitising. Toilets should only open with careful risk management and mitigations to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. |
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outdoor markets |
Outdoor markets should be planned and set-up to allow for 2m (6ft) physical distancing, spacing between stalls, queuing and the safe flow of people along with appropriate hygiene measures. |
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improve |
retail/ commercial areas & buildings |
access |
Maximise access and introduce one-way entry and exit points. |
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forecourt space |
Consider relocation of station forecourt to provide more space for interchange. |
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footways |
Widen footways by utilising the carriageway. |
Place |
Consideration |
Detail |
Relevancy |
Completed |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
new |
digital |
digital tools |
Owners/operators may want to consider the use of data and digital tools to make it easier for people to maintain physical distancing. Plus, to aid decision-making regarding the management and modification of spaces. |
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availability of data |
Consider making data available that shows the current footfall of spaces, especially those places that are prone to overcrowding. Access to data and digital tools will allow people to more effectively plan their journeys and choose alternative spaces, or use spaces, at other times of day. |
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monitoring use of spaces |
Owners/operators should consider using data and digital tools to monitor the usage of spaces, and to make modifications to the access (and use of those spaces) as required. |
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Plan for changing uses |
Data and digital tools may be needed to anticipate and plan for the changing use of public places over time. They can also be used to predict and mitigate the potential for overcrowding at certain sites during peak usage times. Necessary corrective measures can be taken to make it easier for people to physically distance. |
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inclusive and accessible formats |
The communication of information relating to changes in transport and infrastructure needs to be in an inclusive and accessible format and widely circulated. Disability Equality Scotland hosts both the inclusive communication hub which shares information on accessible information, and the Accessible Travel Hub that has been liaising with providers to ensure the latest travel information is available for disabled travellers. |
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improve |
e-booking systems |
Consider how existing e-booking systems can be utilised to support the effective capacity management of public spaces, such as outdoor sports courts and provide key guidance for usage. |
Helpful notes
Temporary signage
Owners/operators are advised to provide clear and concise information to the public on how to adhere to physical distancing. Note: Must use simple, clear and accessible images and messaging to explain guidelines, with consideration for groups where their first language may not be English or where alternative formats may be required.
Security considerations
Security considerations and the impact of measures on people with disabilities and other groups, need to be kept under consideration. This includes access for blue badge holders and may call for a balanced approach.
Safety advice
Emphasise the latest Scottish Government advice on safety procedures and carefully consider physical distancing guidelines in public places. This could include:
- Showing the maximum number of people who can queue safely (accounting for physical distancing).
- Signs and announcements about safe travel and maintaining physical distancing. Signs should be placed strategically to maximise impact.
- Information on changes for disabled users and how they can continue to access public places in a safe way.
- Providing marshals in the busiest areas.
- Marking appropriate spaces for queuing, accounting for queues and space required by neighbouring premises whilst taking security considerations into account.
Designing Places
All considerations in the checklist work with the 6 Qualities of what makes a successful place. They are: distinctive, safe and pleasant, welcoming, adaptable, resource efficient and easy to move around.
Contact
Email: chief.planner@gov.scot