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T.P.D.M. V.2.3
(Al/2001)
3.9.2 Railings
3.9.2.1 Railings are generally used for the control, protection and guidance of pedestrians along
footways or footpaths, but may also be used in certain circumstance to prevent parking.
3.9.2.2 Railings to prevent pedestrians injuring themselves should always be provided where the
level difference between the footway and adjacent carriageway verge or other area is greater
than 1500 mm or there is a steep downhill slope at the back of the footway.
3.9.2.3 Railings should be provided to prevent pedestrians spilling onto the carriageway opposite
exits to cinemas, theatres, schools, or to other places where similar sudden large pedestrian
flows might be expected. In particular, at school exits, railings should be provided and
extended to a safe crossing or roadside pick-up point. Further, if large flow of small
children is anticipated, special railings providing increased visibility is desirable.
3.9.2.4 When pedestrian flows are in the vicinity of or exceed the capacity flows given in Table
3.4.11.1, railings should generally be erected to prevent pedestrians from walking onto the
carriageway. However, where these conditions occur on footways less than 2 m in width
discretion will be necessary, as the installation of railings might make conditions worse
because of the reduction of effective footway width.
3.9.2.5 In the immediate vicinity and on either side of at-grade crossing points railings should be
erected to channel pedestrians to the crossing points and to reduce jay walking. The exact
length of the railings required will depend upon individual site conditions, but normally the
lengths of railing should desirably be 15 m or if not possible, at least 6 m on either side, but
see also paragraph 3.9.2.9.
3.9.2.6 In the vicinity of grade-separated crossings, generally railings will need be erected along the
footway for considerably longer lengths than for at-grade crossings, to encourage the use of
such facilities. Exact length of railing will depend upon circumstances prevailing, but the
minimum sufficient railing in the vicinity of the entrance/exit will be needed to prevent
pedestrians from encroaching onto the carriageway.
3.9.2.7 For dual carriageway along District or Local Distributor Roads, railings should be erected
along the central reservation to prevent pedestrians from crossing the roads other than at
designated crossing points.
3.9.2.8 In respect of the above paragraphs it is relevant to note that Regulation 39 of the Road
Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations prohibits pedestrians from:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Crossing within a zebra controlled area other than on a zebra crossing.
Crossing within 15m of a light signal crossing otherwise than at the crossing where
such lights operate.
Crossing within 15m of a footbridge or subway or any part of it otherwise than by
means of the footbridge or subway,
Climbing over or through any kerbside fence or central reservation onto a
carriageway.
The careful use and choice of railing type will assist in the enforcement of this regulation,
though it may not always be possible to extend railings over the full length affected, because
of servicing requirements or other reasons.