How is the road user space allocation policy being implemented in NSW?

Better Streets welcomes the Transport for NSW Implementation review of the TfNSW Road User Space Allocation policy.  In January 2021, when the Road User Space Allocation (RUSA) policy was released, this  marked a monumental step in the organisation’s growth strategic planning. The two-page policy was short, but achieved its purpose in allowing the organisation to have real conversations about Road Space Allocation. 

The principles of the policy are:

• Aim for reduction of the mode share of private motor vehicle trips

• When allocating road user space based on the network vision and road functions, consider all road users in order of:

1. Walking (including equitable access for people of all abilities); 

2. Cycling (including larger legal micro-mobility devices); 

3. Public transport; freight and deliveries; and point to point transport ahead of 

4. General traffic and on-street parking for private motorised vehicles  ​

Image source: Transport for NSW Road User Space Allocation policy

The review found, there have been enormous challenges with actually implementing the policy or holding anyone accountable and seeing changes in projects provisioning for more space for people walking, riding to improve sustainable transport options on our roads. Some of the findings were:

1. A lack of awareness within the organisation, the misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the policy and how to implement it

2. The policy lacks sufficient weight to achieved designed outcomes, this is reflected in: 

   1. The organisation’s lack of agreed vision of the function of roads in the network

   2. The policy not forming any part of assurance policies such as the business case process and the economic appraisal process used to justify and seek funding for transport projects. 

Better Streets supports the recommendations following the review including:

• Update the policy and supporting procedure

• Staff training and capability development

• Performance indicators and tools to support the policy

• Stronger alignment between the policy and assurance reviews

• Review and revise organisation and governance arrangements to embed the policy

• Review technical guidance, standards and warrants relating to road space allocation

• Review existing programs in terms of alignment to the policy.

Better Streets encourages Transport for NSW to adopt these recommendations as soon as possible and ensure the transition process is adequately funded and well resourced. This is a massive change management exercise that will require a strong team and committed leadership. 
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We can’t afford to build more road space for private motor vehicle use if we want to live in healthy, sustainable, liveable places. Stronger policies like this RUSA policy (with measurable targets) are required to ensure we build safer, more enjoyable places for people to walk and ride a bicycle, and operate businesses.