As reported by the Washington Post, a new traffic control program, known as “shared space,” is taking root throughout Europe. The goal of the program is to reduce traffic accidents, and to make the roads safer. This is not news. What is different about shared space is that all traditional traffic control devices are eliminated, leaving traffic up to the common sense of the drivers.

It is an intriguing idea, to say the least. The assumption is that drivers are used to owning the road and being guided by the various traffic devices in place. Removing these devices, the logic goes, will cause drivers to get nervous and thus slow down and be more aware of their surroundings.

In Haren, the Netherlands, traffic at one intersection dropped 95% from 200 accidents a year to only 10. The German town of Bohtme has already implemented the program in select areas of its downtown, and is hoping to achieve similar results. Only 2 laws remain the converted area: 1) the Germany-wide 30 mph city speed limit remains in force and 2) everyone must yield to the right, regardless of the vehicle or pedestrian.

While an intriguing idea, I definitely have my doubts about it. If the basic rationale for the program’s success is that drivers get nervous in the new environment, what happens when they become accustomed to having no traffic control devices? They will likely revert back to their old ways. This is not to say that shared spaces cannot work. Here in Boston, part of the Green Line T rides along a major street, completely overlapping with car lanes. Drivers yield, but then again, it doesn’t take a genius to learn to yield to a train. This might not apply when there are bicyclists or pedestrians also in the driving lane.