New and upgraded roads should prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and public transport over motorised vehicles.

NICE has urged planners to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and public transport over motorised vehicles when it comes to new roads

So says the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as it looks to encourage everyone to be more active in their day-to-day lives with the help of safe, convenient, active travel that is accessible for everyone, including older people and those with limited mobility.

According to NICE, planners should develop policies and initiatives to ensure that safe, convenient, inclusive access for pedestrians, cyclists, and people who use public transport is maximised and is prioritised over motorised transports (cars, motorbikes and mopeds, for example).

However, the RAC has expressed concerns over the calls.

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “While we certainly welcome changes to road design that encourage more people to walk and cycle in towns and cities, the reality is that the use of many roads is inevitably shared between different types of motorised traffic, cyclists and pedestrians – with priority often given to motorised transport in order to keep large numbers of people moving.

“We also shouldn’t forget the vital role motorised transport continues to play in many people’s lives in the UK.”

He also noted that NICE has previously acknowledged the importance of smooth traffic flow in order to reduce air pollution, and highlighted the need to ensure the new guidance did not lead to increased congestion and pollution.