The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA), in collaboration with the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), has jointly presented a proposal to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) advocating for the adoption of the "Manual for Streets" (MfS) in Northern Ireland.

The initiative follows a meeting in December 2024 between the RSUA and the then-Minister for Infrastructure, John O'Dowd, where the adoption of MfS was highlighted as a key priority for the architectural profession in Northern Ireland. Details of that meeting can be found [link to previous story, if available, otherwise omit]. 

The "Manual for Streets" is a well-established guidance document used in England and Wales. It provides comprehensive advice for professionals involved in the planning, design, development, and approval of new or modified streets. Its primary aim is to enhance the quality of life for residents by placing a strong emphasis on their needs in street design.

Following the initial discussions, the RSUA committed to formally supporting the adoption of MfS by the DfI. Working in partnership with the RTPI and CIHT, the RSUA presented a concise one-page proposal to the current Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins, after a follow-up meeting held on 1st April 2025.

The joint proposal underscores the benefits of implementing MfS in Northern Ireland, highlighting its potential to foster better street design, improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and create more liveable and sustainable communities across the region.

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The paper as presented to the Minister appears as follows:

Sensible, Sustainable, Safe: Adopting Manual for Streets in Northern Ireland

The Manual for Streets (MfS) is a comprehensive guidance document by the UK Department for Transport (DFT), designed to improve the planning and design of residential streets and urban spaces. MfS comprises technical guidance and does not set out any new policy or legal requirements.

First published in 2007 and currently used in England and Wales, MfS focuses on prioritising people over vehicles, promoting safer, more accessible, and visually appealing street designs.

RSUA believes MfS could be swiftly adopted in Northern Ireland and, with the support of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), has prepared this paper to outline its key advantages.

The benefits of introducing MfS as we see them are:

• A Holistic Approach

MfS advocates an integrated approach to street design, considering not only traffic flow but also social, economic, and environmental impacts. The aim is to create safe, enjoyable, and functional spaces for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users.

This ethos views streets as public spaces that enhance community wellbeing, with features such as seating, greenery, and pedestrian-friendly elements promoting social interaction, public health, and a sense of community.

• Collaborative Planning

MfS highlights the need for collaboration between architects, local authorities, planners, engineers, developers, and the public in designing streets that meet the needs of all users. Early and ongoing consultation with residents and businesses ensures designs are practical, well-supported, and adaptable to local needs.

• Context and Inclusivity

MfS focuses on creating street designs that are suitable for the local context, considering the character of the area, whether urban, suburban, or rural. It also stresses the importance of accessibility for all, regardless of age or ability, with features such as level surfaces, tactile paving, and drop kerbs for children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

• Promoting Sustainable Travel

MfS introduces a user hierarchy that prioritises pedestrians over cars to tackle the environmental and social issues associated with car dependency. By promoting walking, cycling, and public transport through improvements to infrastructure, MfS encourages healthier, more sustainable modes of travel.

• Improving Safety

By prioritising pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly designs, adhering to MfS can help reduce accident risks, particularly for vulnerable users. It promotes measures such as narrower roads, raised crossings, and traffic calming to lower vehicle speeds and enhance safety for all.

• Bridging Design Gaps

Wider application of MfS principles will help to fill the perceived gap in design advice between MfS as it stands and the onerous design standards for trunk roads set out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB).