1Use of pedestrian fencing#

Pedestrian fencing might be appropriate in the following circumstances (note that pedestrian fences also provide useful guidance for vision impaired pedestrians):

  • areas of heavily concentrated and vulnerable pedestrian traffic (e.g. in the vicinity of exits from schools or sporting facilities)
  • at locations where there has been a history of crashes involving pedestrians crossing at inappropriate locations
  • to control pedestrian movements on higher speed arterial roads with consistent and substantial pedestrian presence, particularly where alignment discontinuities and speed differentials have been noted.

1.1Placement#

Intervisibility, as well as the physical layout of the fence, is very important and should be major factors in deciding whether pedestrian fences should be installed.

Particular attention should be given to the height and placement of the fence, and to the material used in its construction, in order to minimise the potential sight obstruction between drivers and pedestrians about to cross the road. Improper installation or rehabilitation of pedestrian fences can effectively negate any potential increase in pedestrian protection and can also increase the severity of vehicle accidents.

Fencing with rigid horizontal railing, installed near roads, can be a hazard to occupants of errant vehicles. The horizontal rails can easily become detached and spear into the driving compartment.

Figure 1.1-A – Fences can be installed on medians to control pedestrian movements
Figure 1.1-A – Fences can be installed on medians to control pedestrian movementsp. 5
Figure 1.1-B – When used at staged crossings on pedestrian refuges, fences should be aligned so that pedestrians face oncoming traffic as they are about to leave the median
Figure 1.1-B – When used at staged crossings on pedestrian refuges, fences should be aligned so that pedestrians face oncoming traffic as they are about to leave the medianp. 5
Figure 1.1-C – Fencing and barriers constructed using a horizontal rail should not be used because of the risk of spearing pedestrians and vehicle occupants during a crash
Figure 1.1-C – Fencing and barriers constructed using a horizontal rail should not be used because of the risk of spearing pedestrians and vehicle occupants during a crashp. 6
Figure 1.1-D – Fencing and barriers constructed using a horizontal rail should not be used because of the risk of spearing pedestrians and vehicle occupants during a crash
Figure 1.1-D – Fencing and barriers constructed using a horizontal rail should not be used because of the risk of spearing pedestrians and vehicle occupants during a crashp. 7
Figure 1.1-E – Pedestrian fences, when installed at medians, should commence at the signal post and not encroach past the push button position
Figure 1.1-E – Pedestrian fences, when installed at medians, should commence at the signal post and not encroach past the push button positionp. 8
Figure 1.1-F – New architectural fencing treatments that incorporate horizontal rails and also tend to obscure short pedestrians
Figure 1.1-F – New architectural fencing treatments that incorporate horizontal rails and also tend to obscure short pedestriansp. 9

Absence of horizontal rails and good site layout

1.2Installation and materials specification#

Refer to the Galvanised Welded Mesh Fencing – Standard Drawing 1604. Other types of fencing can be used, provided the guiding principles outlined in this technical note are observed.

Drawings from the original pages

Drawing on page 9 of TRUM Vol 1 Part 5p. 9
Source: TRUM Vol 1 Part 5 · pages 4–10 Open PDF at this page Search this document