Home Zones in the UK

History, Policy and Impact on Children and Youth

Abstract

This paper considers the evolution of the home zone concept in the UK over the last ten years or so. It outlines its background, history and links to the Dutch woonerf model. It traces the development of the UK government’s engagement with home zones, and the emergence of wider public and policy interest. It also presents opinion and research into the design and implementation of home zone schemes in England, Scotland and Wales, including new research on the impact of home zones on the lives of children and young people. Further, it reviews the extent to which British schemes have, or have not, followed the legal and design principles of their Continental counterparts. The paper concludes that the home zone concept has created new, fascinating, fertile territory for exploring profound questions about children’s stake in society and the built environment.