BS5709 Gap Specs
Introduction
British Standard 5709 is a revision, taking into account current practice, of BS 5709 (1979) which is withdrawn.
The Standard is of direct relevance to this Design Guide and the performance standards that it sets for gaps, gates and stiles are summarised below. Where appropriate, the Information Sheets for the designs in the Guide also indicate whether a structure conforms to these standards.
The following summary is not exhaustive and reference should therefore be made, as necessary, to the full British Standard 5709 published by the British Standards Institute (see contact details at the end of this Appendix).
Background and Rationale for the Revision
This revision of this British Standard (BS) is a response to fact that walking, cycling and riding have continued to increase since the first edition was published in 1979. In particular, recent public concern and legislation has focused on the need for the countryside to be made more accessible to less able bodied and disabled people. Emphasis is therefore placed on the needs of all path users in the context of the agricultural needs of farmers and landowners.
BS 5709 acknowledges that traditional types of stile and gate should not be lightly discarded for a standard design. However, it also points out that the main objective is for gates and stiles to be adequately stockproof while providing good access for all legitimate users. In this context, the BS draws attention to possible liabilities under the Disability Discrimination Act, 1995 (see Appendix 1) and to the responsibilities of local authorities under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.It is important to note, as stated in the BS 5709, that 'compliance with a British Standard does not itself confer immunity from legal obligations'.
Scope
BS5709 specifies field measurable performance standards for gaps, gates and stiles for footpaths and bridleways and, by presenting these as a hierarchy, enables choices to be made as to the type of structure that is most appropriate in particular circumstances.]
The BS acknowledges that no one structure providing access across field boundaries is satisfactory in all situations. The guiding principle, referred to as the 'principle of least restrictive option', is that any structure across a path should result in as little restriction as possible for potential users. On this basis, the BS proposes that the following order of preference should be used in selecting an appropriate type of structure:
- a path crossing a field boundary should in the first instance be through a gap;
- if this is inappropriate or impractical, the next choice should be a gate, which should be easy to operate in both directions by all people entitled to use the path;
- if a gate is inappropriate, a kissing gate should be chosen;
- stiles should only be used for new structures when exceptional circumstances require them. (It should be noted that, with theexception of horse stiles, the BS is aimed at the repair and refurbishment of existing stiles.)
Performance Requirements for Gaps and Structures
The new British Standard sets out general performance requirements for gaps and structures, together with more specific, additional requirements in respect of each type of structure: a brief summary of some of the key points is set out below. It should be noted that this summary does not include many of the more detailed aspects of the Standard's performance requirements and it is recommended that, in all cases where more definitive information is required, reference is made to the full BSI publication.
General Requirements for All Gaps and Structures
The revised British Standard sets out general performance requirements for structures. Some of the key points are:
- there should be no barbed wire or electric fencing inside, or within one metre of the gap or structure or the manoeuvring space to either side of it;
- the ground through the structure, and within one metre of it, should be kept free of surface water and provide a firm surface;
- structures should be set back from vehicular roads for a distance of at least four metres for bridleways and at least two metres for footpaths (the latter should be increased to four metres where a footpath is likely to be used by groups of walkers or directly crosses a road);
- the structure should not possess any projections that may harm users or animals;
- structures should be constructed and maintained so that they have adequate strength and rigidity.
As well as the above general performance requirements, the BS sets out additional requirements in respect of the individual types of structure.
Gaps
- on footpaths, the minimum width of the gap should be 900mm;
- on bridleways, the minimum width of the gap should be 1525mm.
Gates
Pedestrian Gates and Bridle Gates
- the minimum clear width of pedestrian gates should be 1000mm, and for bridle gates it should be 1525mm;
- latches, if fitted, should be visible, accessible and simple to operate from both sides of the gate;
- self-closing pedestrian gates and bridle gates should be two way, except where adjoining roads;
- gates should swing freely;
- a manoeuvring space should be provided on either side of the gate;
- to avoid risk of finger injury where a two way gate swings past a post, there should be a minimum 30mm gap between the gate and the post (except in any latch area);
- the gate overlap onto the closing post on one way gates should be at least 30mm.
Kissing Gates
the minimum internal manoeuvring space should be one that allows a one metre diameter cylinder (with its flat end on the ground) to pass through the gate;
- latches, if fitted, should be easily accessible from both sides of the gate;
- gates should swing freely;
- a manoeuvring space should be provided on either side of the gate;
- the gate overlap on the closing posts should be at least 30mm;
- where a gate may be used by a mobility vehicle, the ground within the gate and the manoeuvring space should be level or have a gradient of less than 1:10 ;