Today (04/01/2019) the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) announced a consultation on new 'quality statements' for streets and roads, to deliver the best health outcomes for the general population.

Long a topic of concern for CIHT members it investigates interventions on footways, cycle tracks and highways to identify what the key health impacts are and how best practice can be identified. CIHT support an effective transport hierarchy where sustainable modes are prioritised, recognising the environmental, health and social benefits that can come with the promotion of these options.

NICE has identified concerns over obesity and chronic conditions including some cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression which can be affected by highway design. They say that in the UK, physical inactivity is the fourth largest cause of disease and disability, directly contributes to one in six deaths and that the annual UK cost is an estimated £7.4 billion. Specific topics addressed include;

• Ensuring new and refurbished footways, footpaths and cycle routes link to existing routes
• Widening footways and introducing cycle lanes
• Introducing traffic-calming schemes to restrict vehicle speeds

Three of the most relevant statements for transport planners, highways engineers and other CIHT members to be aware of are;

Statement 1 Local authorities and healthcare commissioners have physical activity champions to oversee the development and implementation of local strategies, policies and plans.
Statement 2 Local authorities develop and maintain connected travel routes that prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and people who use public transport.
Statement 3 Local authorities involve community and voluntary groups in designing and managing public open spaces.

NICE provides guidance and advice to improve health and social care in the UK. Their quality statements are not mandatory guidelines but they can be used to plan and deliver services, and support high quality and evidence based health policy. CIHT is currently working on new advice for land use planning which is the other main driver of active travel uptake and compliments this work.

CIHT intends on responding to the consultation, if you are a CIHT member and would like to support the response please email technical@ciht.org.uk with your comments. The public consultation can be found at this link.