Section 8.4 - Standards of structures
The standards are founded on functionality and the idea of being 'fit for purpose'. Structures should be built and maintained with adequate strength and rigidity as well as quality of material and design, to provide a reliable barrier to stock and to ensure safe passage for users.
The County Council's designs will be based on the BSI Standards that are current at the time and any other appropriate guidance. HCC will consider alternative designs, so long as they are consistent with the basic standards and requirements set out below. Acceptable alternatives should be added to the list of approved structures prior to installation. Specific designs will be detailed in a separate volume.
Where contractors install structures they will be expected to comply with the relevant contract regulations as detailed in Appendix C. The following specific conditions relate to the installation of any structure on the PRoW network.
- There should be no barbed wire or electric fencing inside the gap or structure or within 1m of the structure.
- Where electric fencing is being used, the fencing should be discontinued at least 1m either side of the gate and the wire (in a flexible plastic pipe) dropped and run in a trench 0.15m below the surface. Electric fencing should not be used alongside bridleways.
- The ground under the structure and its immediate vicinity (approximately 1m) should be free of standing water and provide a firm surface.
- Structures should not be used to mount directional signs, these should be mounted separately so that they cannot overhang the structure.
- Wooden posts should have a weathered top to prevent water penetrating the timber. All wooden handles or edges likely to come in to contact with the user should be rounded to prevent injury.
- There should be no sharp projections, such as barbed wire, nails and splinters on the structure. Projections integral to the design i.e. latches etc should be rounded eg. using 'D' loops.
- Structures next to roads should be set back, 4m for Bridleways, 2m for footpaths to provide an adequate safety margin for users. This is especially important for routes frequented by horse-riders and groups of walkers (where the larger dimension should be adopted wherever possible).
- Where moving parts of the structure could trap fingers, i.e. at the gate closure line, the area should be maximised to reduce the point pressure.
Detailed specifications are available for the following structures:
- Bollards
- Bridle gate
- Cycle gates
- Dog gate
- Gap
- Horse stile
- Kent carriage gap
- Kissing gate
- Pedestrian gate
- Stiles
8.4.1 Gap specification
Where a gap is specified as an authorised restriction it should be a minimum width of 1.525m (5ft) on Bridleways and, 1m on footpaths for a maximum distance of 0.3m.
It is suggested that where a gap in a hedge needs to be defined, a single waymark post should be erected and the hedge cut back appropriately.
go to the top of this section8.4.2 Pedestrian gate specification
The basic pedestrian gate is the simplest method of providing a barrier to stock and yet allow convenient access by the public. A pedestrian gate allows access by a pedestrian, who may have a pushchair, or be accompanying a wheelchair user and can be sometimes shared with pedal-cycles. A pedestrian gate may be self-closing, latched or unlatched. The basic requirements below apply to all other types of gate including kissing gates and bridleway gates.
General requirements
Pedestrian gates are best constructed from wood, although metal may be used in certain locations i.e. parkland or recreation sites.
A pedestrian gate shall normally be placed in line with the fence except where it is necessary to provide a safe margin at road sides (2m on footpaths). It should be hung so that it cannot be pushed open by the animals it is designed to restrict and yet swing freely for all users. There should be at least 30mm overlap at the closure line for one way opening gates.
Latches, where necessary, should be visible, accessible and operable from both sides of the gate. The simplest most appropriate type of latch is the throw-over chain or rope latch. The loop should be secured to the gate and be long enough to loop over the top of the gate post.
Gate posts should not be used as straining posts for a fence.
Sufficient manouvering space should be provided either side of the gate to allow users to operate the latch (if fitted) as well as to pass through the gateway.
Account should be taken of the local topography when deciding which way the hinge of the gate should face. Normally the kissing gate hinge should be on the open side of the field and a pedestrian or bridle gate hinge on the closed side of the field i.e. nearest the corner.
For gates on public paths clear indication of the paths status should be given i.e. public footpath or public bridleway. This can be achieved by positioning an appropriate waymark disc on both sides of the gate or post.
Guidelines for installing wooden gates
Mark out and dig the hole for the gate post first. Remove the turf. Dig the hole as neatly as possible, with vertical sides, and disturb the surrounding soil as little as possible. Where excavations are to be made in a flagged or paved area, the paving stones shall be carefully lifted and stacked neatly to prevent them being damaged prior to being reinstated. Dig hole to a minimum depth of 0.9m. The post to be set in concrete where appropriate. After setting the post, return soil in 0.1m layers and compact each layer firmly, prior to replacing next. During compaction the post must be regularly checked for alignment. It must remain perpendicular to the horizontal at all times.
Dig the holes for the shutting posts, approx. 0.6m depth, with vertical sides, and disturb the surrounding soil as little as possible. When dug mount the gate on the gate post.
Gates should generally be hung so that they open one way only, and have a tendency to close. Offset the upper gate hook, in the direction that the gate is to close, approximately 25mm. The bottom hook should project about 25mm further than the upper hook. For kissing gates, tie the free vertical of the gate to the shutting post, and proceed to ram in the shutting post. This will ensure the gate strikes properly.
The structure shall be made stock proof by extending the rails into the hedge or securing to the existing fencing. Any rails should be attached to the outside of posts to prevent livestock from loosening them.
If being placed within an existing wire fence additional posts shall be placed as straining posts. These should be positioned as close as possible to the gate posts, any gap being secured by the addition of rails.
Mark the top rail of the gate with the status of the PRoW or ensure an appropriate waymark disc is attached to the gate post.
Dimensions
- The minimum clear width for pedestrian gates shall be 1.0m.
8.4.3 Kissing Gate specification
A Kissing gate is formed from a simple pedestrian gate enclosed by fences to prevent livestock from escaping even where the gate is unsecured. Kissing gates can allow access by pedestrians, pedestrians with push chairs and wheelchair users.
The general requirements for pedestrian gates apply. Additional considerations and specification for kissing gates are detailed below:
- The ground under a kissing gate is to be substantially level, no more than 1 in 10, to allow for wheelchair use where applicable.
Dimensions
Minimum internal manouvering space shall be provided so as to allow a 1m diameter cylinder to pass through the kissing gate with its flat end on the ground i.e. . There should be 1m minimum width at all points.
A number of designs meet this standard and include the following options:
- Timber three sided enclosure - Guard rails positioned to form the approximate shape of an open rectangle.
- Metal, circular enclosure.
Detailed specifications and guidelines for installation are to be included in a separate volume.
8.4.4 Bridle Gate specification
A Bridle gate is wide pedestrian gate that allows access by horse riders, pedal-cycles as well as pedestrians, pushchairs and wheelchairs. They are the minimum size necessary for use on bridleways as required by s145 [Highways Act 1980]. Bridle gates may be self-closing and may be latched.
The general requirements for pedestrian gates apply. Additional considerations and specification for Bridle gates are detailed below:
- The gate must be designed so that it can be opened and shut on horseback and on foot. A rider should be able to approach parallel to the gate such that the latch is near the horse's shoulder. It should then be easy to open the gate and pass through without risk of injury or of the reins snagging the opening device.
- Adequate space is required to allow the horse to be manoeuvred when shutting the gate. This requires that the bridleway is at least 3m wide both in front of and behind the gate. Where such space is not available authorisation should not be given.
- Where a gate is located alongside a road, it should be placed at least 4m back to provide a 'safe margin' for riders. Where the entrance to a bridleway is concealed, consideration should be given to placing rails or bollards (painted white) either side to warn car drivers of the potential danger. The relevant highways partnership should be consulted.
- Latches shall be fitted only where they are specifically required. Latches shall be constructed and fixed so as not to be liable to catch on clothing or to injure people or animals. They should be visible, accessible and operable from both sides of the gate. The safest, cheapest and simplest latch arrangement is the 'throw over chain'. This is easy to use and has no moving parts and is therefore less prone to damage. Ensure that it is secured to the gate as high as is reasonably possible. A number of alternative high rise latches exist that should be considered where necessary.
- Self-closing gates may be used. This is best achieved using offset hinges and not a weight or other closing device, which would cause the gate to swing closed faster or harder than under its own natural weight, and as a result may cause injuries to a horse and rider. Self-closing gates in locations which do not adjoin roads should be two-way.
Dimensions
- The minimum clear width for bridle gates shall be 1.525m (5ft) [HA80 s145].
Detailed specifications and guidelines for installation are to be included in a separate volume.
8.4.5 Stile specification
Dimensions
There design may vary providing the overall dimensions comply with the following:
- The minimum width between uprights shall be 1.2m – (narrow structures 0.6-0.7m).
- The maximum height of first step should be 0.3m. The maximum distance between top of steps should be 0.3m.
- The maximum distance between top of top-rail and top step should be 0.45m.
- The height of the top rail from the ground should be between 0.8m and 1.05m.
- The maximum spacing between rails shall be 0.3m.
Stile posts should be 0.1m x 0.1m with a weathered top. The post shall be embedded vertically, not less than 0.75m into the ground. Where a stile is located in a wire fence, two additional posts should be installed and used as strainer posts.
On wide stiles, one of the posts should extend 0.5-0.7m above the top of the top rail so as to provide a safe and convenient handhold. The second post should be no more than 50mm higher than the top rail. The stile post shall not be used to support a finger or direction marker but may provide a useful position for a waymark disc (Section 7).
On narrow stiles the provision of two hand hold posts should be considered extending between 0.5 and 0.7m above the top rail.
Stile steps. Stiles shall normally have one or two steps, the number depending on the height of the top rail and the lie of the land. Where the stile is located on sloping ground an additional half-step may be provided on the downhill side. This should be twice the width of a normal step and should provide a sturdy platform for users. The steps should be 1m long x 0.2m wide (minimum).
A single step shall be at right angles or at an angle not less than 45° to the rails of the stile. Where two steps are provided they are best placed parallel to each other rising to the side of the handhold. The steps should not rest on a rail, allow a minimum gap of 50mm above rail. The horizontal distance between the centre of the top step and the near side of the extended post shall be between 350mm and 450mm for parallel (90degrees) steps and between 500mm and 600mm for crossed (45degrees) steps.
Consideration should be given to the use of the stile in wet/damp conditions. Some solutions are outlined below:
- Use of grooved boards for the step.
- Battens can be made from thin board to provide extra purchase on the step.
- The step can be covered with non-slip paint. (Protect surrounding soil and vegetation by covering in plastic sheeting during application).
- Use of hobnails or galvanised and welded wire mesh, not chicken wire (25x25mm mesh is recommended.)
Stile rails should be no more than 0.3m apart and secured at each end using galvanised nails. Ensure the nails are not too close together, as this may split the wood. Blunting the ends helps to avoid splitting the wood. Where vandalism is a possibility rails can be cross-wired with high tensile wire to prevent 'kicking-off'.
In all cases the rails shall be extended into adjacent hedges or continued either side of the stile to fill gaps and make the structure stock-proof.
Recommended designs
The actual choice of stile design and material will depend on a number of criteria. HCC have a number of designs that comply with the standard, their implementation is governed by the nature of the stock, local relief, and likely use. Detailed specifications and guidelines for installation are to be included in a separate volume.
Wide legover stiles
The most common design which is not appropriate for disabled people and may cause some difficulty for the elderly. Diagrams A/B show single or double step designs which may require additional netting to make it sheep proof. Double step stiles can be employed on less even ground than a single step stile, and often make crossing easier.
Narrow step-through stile
Step-through stiles are similar to the above and are used where width is restricted. The diagrams C/D depict the functional requirements of both single and double step-through stiles.
Squeeze stiles
For restricted width it is often best to use a squeeze stile.
Ladder stiles / deer gates
Where the route needs to cross a wall or high fence and a stile is specified, the appropriate action is to construct a ladder stile or a deer gate. Several designs for deer gates are available. A specification for ladder stiles follows.
The number of steps will be proportional to the height of the obstacle. Each step must be 600mm wide, at least 150mm deep and no more than 300mm above the one below. The top step should be twice as deep. The main supports should extend 600mm above the obstacle and should be made from timber 70mm x 120mm as specified above.
A handrail must be provided, on both sides and a handhold at the top.
8.4.6 Dog gate specification
Where stiles are being constructed, consideration should be given to pedestrians with dogs. Where the rails are closely spaced and/or netting is used to ensure adequate stock proofing, this may necessitate the use of a dog gate. The following specification is recommended although alternative 'dog-flap' designs are available and may be considered as appropriate.
A gap should be made between two uprights of at least 0.3m wide and 0.45m high.
The door should not be capable of being lifted out of the structure and shall automatically close after use. There should be clearance between the door and the ground to prevent it rotting. The door shall have a bottom edge at least 50mm thick and 100mm wide and when closed a gap of no greater than 75mm shall exist between the door and the uprights. The door should not weigh more than 3.5kg.
The door should be fitted with a handle. Dowel, studding or metal pipe can be used as a handle and also to prevent its removal. The door should be operable from both sides of the stile, and must not obstruct the use of an adjacent stile.
8.4.7 Bollards
Bollards can be authorised as a means of enforcing permanent TROs or under Highways Act 1980 (s66) to safeguard users where there is a need to deter or prevent vehicular access. Bollards can be made from various materials including pre-cast concrete, timber or metal. A bollard placed centrally is the simplest method, so as to provide at least one gap of 1.525m.
Removable bollards can be used in areas where there is a maintenance requirement and restriction of access is also necessary. Removable bollards should be locked with keys supplied and kept by the Rights of Way unit.
In circumstances where repeat abuse of concrete or wooden bollards takes place the following solution is suggested. Metal bollards standing 1.5m above the ground and connected beneath the ground by a steel bar, standard dimension of 150mm square section steel tube.
All types can be made more visible by attaching reflectors and or bright paint.
Kent Carriage Gap
The Kent Carriage gap is a particular configuration of bollards that is promoted by the British Horse Society, as it allows passage of horse carts both large and small, and yet restricts motorised vehicular access. Kent Carriage Gaps are barriers designed to stop the majority of three- and four-wheeled motor vehicles from using a route but to allow the passage of walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and most horse-drawn vehicles. They do not prevent use by motorbikes. Some farm vehicles with high axles, e.g. tractors, may be able to negotiate the structures, but if other private or farm traffic needs to use the route it is necessary to install a locked vehicle gate beside the gap and issue keys to the appropriate parties. It is, therefore, necessary to identify all individuals with possible private vehicular rights at the start of the case. In addition, it is necessary to consider whether HCC contractors are likely to need access, for example, to mow the route.
These structure are suitable for Restricted Byways, Byways with a TRO prohibiting motor vehicles, and other routes with permissive access for horse-drawn vehicles. They are particularly suitable where there is a need to prevent use of a route by joy-riders and other drivers.
The basic structure consists of a bollard which is 0.33m high with a clear gap of 1.525m one side and 0.6m the other side. In addition there need to be solid barriers, e.g. fences or hedges, either side of these gaps, preferably strongly defined by fence or gate posts or other bollards, to prevent vehicles going around the structure. This will enable narrow horse-drawn vehicles to go through the 1.525m gap while wider horse-drawn vehicles are high enough to straddle the central barrier with one wheel either side. Most four- wheeled motor vehicles are too narrow to get through either gap and too low to straddle the bollard.
The bollard should be highly visible, e.g. white, or painted yellow and black, to prevent motor vehicles being accidentally driven into it. Signage may also be required. In certain circumstances, e.g. where there is a risk that a single bollard would be vandalised, or where a row of bollards would be more easily visible, additional bollards should be installed in front of and/or behind the central bollard and, possibly in front of the structures defining either side.
For a further information see 'Byways and Bridleways' 1998 issue 8 page 56.
8.4.8 Cycle gates
Access barriers designed specifically with the cyclist in mind, enabling passage without the need to dismount, but deterring access by motorcyclists. The implementation of cycle gates will be in accordance with the operational procedure outlined above. They can be authorised as part of a TRO or on specific cycle tracks.
The most commonly employed design is the York chicane promoted by Sustrans. A phased construction is recommended which enables cost savings if access problems or conflicts fail to materialise, see Bibliography for reference.
8.4.9 Horse stiles (Step-through)
Horse stiles (Step-throughs) are access barriers designed to deter motorcyclists yet maintain access for horseriders. They consist of one or two bars over which the horse can step and cyclists can carry their bicycles. The bars should be made of wood. A horse-stile will require hardening of the surface in order to minimise erosion problems. They can be authorised as part of a TRO (see Section 8) and where there is a proven need to deter motorcycles.
Recommendations for horse-stile construction are outlined below, detailed specifications are recorded in a separate volume.
Structures should be at least 1525mm wide.
Sufficient manouvering space, 3m wide and long, shall be provided before and after the structure. No gates shall need to be opened whilst walking through. A side fence or rail shall be provided to prevent bypassing of the structure.
One bar Horse Stile
HCC has developed the following design which it will consider as part of a TRO. It incorporates a single barrier 1.525m wide and 0.4m high. (This is higher than most alternatives, but is believed to provide a more efficient deterrent.) Where sleepers are used they are best raised off the ground, this has the effect of facilitating drainage and prolonging the life of the wood.
Two bar Horse Stile
This structure comprise two bars across the path with a space between them. The bars should be no more than 200mm +/- 60mm high and there should be at least 1.2m between the centre lines of the bars. The bars should be between 80 and 160mm thick and should not be made of a material that makes a sudden ring or noise when struck by horses' hooves.
The ground between the bars should be free draining.
Consideration should be given to providing separate access for other users alongside, for example, a gate for wheelchair users.