Research aims and objectives
The research to date has considered the use of Zebra crossings by all users, and in particular, the needs of most at risk road users. In this section, we set out the overarching aims of the Zebra crossing research, and the specific objectives of Phase 2.
Overarching research aims
The overarching aim of the research is to meet the requirements of the PSED, to explore if and how reasonable adjustments could be made to Zebra crossings to ensure they meet the needs of individuals with protected characteristics. Doing so, it is hoped that the research can realise the following additional aims:
- Identify areas for improvement in perceived safety for people with a disability;
- Influence current and future practice in the deployment of Zebra crossings across on all road types; and
- Promote good practice in the deployment of Zebra crossings.
As the research is ongoing, and there is potential for future phases of research, these aims remain valid.
Phase 2 aims and objectives
The overarching aims of Phase 2 were to:
- Close the knowledge gap from Phase 1 on the needs of users most at risk (specifically disabled users), and their attitude to and experiences at Zebra crossings; and
- Identify those at-risk groups for whom Zebra crossings are beneficial, and for which at risk groups they are not suitable, to understand what, on balance, is reasonable for all.
To achieve the above, the following objectives were defined; for the Phase 2 research to:
- Validate the findings of the Phase 1 online questionnaire and literature review, or otherwise;
- Seek the views and experiences of disabled people with whom the online survey may not have engaged; and
- Identify potential improvements to the design of Zebra crossings or their surroundings for further investigation, primarily regarding increasing perceptions of safety for most at risk users.
Section 3 details the study methodology that was developed to achieve the Phase 2 aims and objectives.