Our Eastern team recently conducted a combined ATZ and night-time assessment, placing a particular focus on the Healthy Streets indicators and the Mayor’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy. These assessments aren’t just policy checkboxes, they’re essential tools for creating inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments for everyone, no matter the hour.
Why Night-Time ATZ Assessments Matter
London is a 24-hour city, with over 1.6 million people working at night. Despite similar crime rates during the day and night, perceptions—especially among women—significantly impact travel decisions. These assessments align with the Mayor’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy and Transport for London’s (TfL) Healthy Streets Approach.
What Is a Night-Time ATZ Assessment?
A Night-Time ATZ Assessment extends the standard ATZ, which focuses on the hours between 6pm and 6am. It evaluates the public realm through a gender-inclusive, safety-first lens, which is crucial for residential, community and shift-based employment developments. The assessment focusses on the quality of active travel routes and seeks to identify any shortcomings and improvements that could be made to encourage active travel.
Key Components of the Assessment
Engagement is a fundamental component, involving listening to lived experiences, especially from women and gender-diverse communities. Timing is critical, with assessments typically conducted post-commute hours (after 8pm), taking into account seasonal darkness. The scope involves assessing main routes but also commonly used alternatives, particularly those avoided at night, such as alleyways, parks and cut throughs. To further support the assessment, data gathering can be undertaken including crime statistics, community consultations, and site photography. Additionally, practitioner safety is paramount, with a rule to never conduct assessments alone.
What We Found in Our Assessment
Our assessment identified issues with blind corners and feelings of isolation, particularly when using alternative routes late at night where footfall is far lower. However, there were also positive observations, such as the bright and frequent streetlighting along the pedestrian and cycle route under enclosed spaces under a nearby bridge. This was a significant find as this is likely to be on the key desire line for those travelling towards a nearby underground Station. Additionally, we ensured that our findings were in line with TfL’s bus stop guidance and design out crime principles.
Design & Mitigation Strategies
Effective lighting is crucial for fostering a sense of safety. This involves ensuring that street lighting is both bright and frequent. In areas where traditional street lighting is not feasible, LED lights embedded in walkways can be effectively used in parks, along with sensor-activated lighting. Additionally, wayfinding and signage must offer clear alternative routes for night-time travel. Green spaces and art installations should maintain unobstructed sightlines and promote local identity. Also, enhancements in CCTV and bus stop lighting are essential for improving surveillance and providing shelter.
Reporting & Development Implications
Documenting the details of who conducted the assessment, the time it was carried out, and the conditions under which it occurred is essential. Improvements should be proportionate to the development impact, ensuring that changes are both effective and appropriate. When direct mitigation isn't feasible, TfL encourages collaboration, fostering a cooperative approach to enhancing night-time safety
If you're planning a development project in London, make sure to include night-time ATZ evaluation in your plans. For expert guidance, collaboration opportunities, or to learn more about integrating safety into your transport strategy, please reach out to us.