On  January 13, 2022, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) held its first Round-Table Meeting in FY2021 on the Universal Design of Road Space.  The meeting discussed the draft "guidelines for facilitating smooth transportation on roads" following amendments to the Barrier-Free Act revised in May 2020 and changes to the standards for facilitating smooth transportation on roads in March 2021.

On that day, the Secretariat presented the draft guidelines; and then after deliberation, these guidelines and the policies for dealing with the issues were approved.

The new draft guidelines feature the following:

• The basic approach to improving road-related facilities is presented using the guidelines for improving roads to facilitate smooth transportation (revised in 2011). The draft guidelines describe improvements in the following categories: ◎  Improvements based on the standards for facilitating smooth transportation on roads, 〇  Standard improvements, and ◇  Desirable improvements. It also includes a full range of references, including findings and case studies.
• The structure of passenger-specific vehicle parking facilities and the service provision using such facilities is described with reference to the guidelines for public transportation.
• The draft guidelines describe what is essential for improvement projects, such as the cooperation of related organizations (related departments, companies, etc.), the concept of participation of people with disabilities, and the promotion of a "barrier-free mind."
• Good practices and points needing attention obtained through questionnaires and interviews with local governments when working on universal design are described. 
• Universal design considerations in new road projects (e.g., HokoMichi (pedestrian-friendly roads), Zone 30 Plus, Precise Docking Control System at a bus stop using automatic operation assistance facilities, etc.).
• Many examples using the latest technologies, such as ICT and digital.

The next step will be a public comment in February, and guidelines will be issued in March.

For more information, please visit the website below (in Japanese only):
https://www.mlit.go.jp/road/ir/ir-council/universal-design/