Fast-tracked statutory guidance, published on May 9 and effective immediately, tells councils to reallocate roadspace for significantly-increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians. Further guidance on May 12 was published to ensure that the transport network is safe for those who need to use it. The guidance will be reviewed in three months. 
Transport Minister Grant Shapps said: 

'The government ... expects local authorities to make significant changes to their road layouts to give more space to cyclists and pedestrians. Such changes will help embed altered behaviours and demonstrate the positive effects of active travel.

'I’m pleased to see that many authorities have already begun to do this, and I urge you all to consider how you can begin to make use of the tools in this guidance, to make sure you do what is necessary to ensure transport networks support recovery from the COVID-19 emergency and provide a lasting legacy of greener, safer transport.'

So how will local authorities respond? Agenda

Part one: statutory guidance, toolkit and funding (45 mins)
Chair: Andrew Forster, Editor, Local Transport Today

Rupert Furness, Deputy Director, Active and Accessible Travel Division, Department for Transport (invited)
Robert Huxford, Director, Urban Design Group 

Panel discussion 

Part two: Case studies and implentation issues (45 mins)
Chair:Robert Huxford, Director, Urban Design Group 

Mark Frost, Assistant Director Transport, Parking & Environmental Strategy, London Borough of Hounslow
Andy Salkeld, Cycling and Walking, Leicester City Council
David Harrison, vice-chair, London Living Streets
Ruby Stringer, Senior Consultant, ITP

Panel discussion 

Please email tom.daldry@landortravelpublications.com for joining instructions

Every fortnight we bring you your LTT magazine with unrivalled news, comment and analysis about the local transport scene. And now every fortnight – in the week between LTT issues – we bring you a discussion online that helps our audience of professionals keep connected with the key issues and each other during this time of isolation in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Join us on 22 May for another friendly gathering on Zoom.