Gaps, Gates and Stiles
From GPG
Contents |
Least Restrictive Access
CROW section 69 amended section 147 of the Highways Act to require authorities to have regard to the needs of persons with mobility problems when authorising new structures on rights of way.
Most authorities work on the principle of 'least restrictive access' when considering structures on public rights of way. This encourages anyone looking at installing a new structure, or assessing an existing structure, to consider if it needs to be there at all, and if so if it is the right kind of structure.
The following questions should be considered :
- Is any form of barrier necessary here?
If the boundary is between fields which do not contain stock there is no real reason for any barrier. Land managers may be concerned that if they want to put stock into the field at a later date they will not be able to, this can be resolved with a promise to reassess the decision if land management practices change. - Can a gap be left?
This is the ideal option allowing most people access to the route. - If a barrier is necessary can it be a gate ?
Gates are much more accessible than stiles, however land managers may have concerns that the gate will be left open and stock allowed to stray.
(see a sample specification for a wicket or pedestrian gate - reproduced with kind permission of West Sussex County Council) - If a wicket gate is not possible can a kissing gate be used?
Kissing gates are more accessible than stiles, but still cause problems for some legitimate users, in particular people with buggies, in wheelchairs or on mobility vehicles, and those carrying large rucksacks or babies in backpacks. Kissing gates cannot be installed in all locations especially where space is restricted.
(see a sample specification for a kissing gate - from West Sussex County Council) - If no form of gate can be used is a stile the only option?
In some places this may be the only practical solution, but even then stiles should be seen as a last resort.
(see a sample specification for stile)
Many authorities no longer consider installing stiles due to the number of people who have difficulties getting over them.
In the past ladder stiles were used to cross high boundaries, very few authorities consider using ladder stiles today, and many have policies of removing them and replacing them with more accessible structures.
If the route is a bridleway the minimum requirement is for a bridlegate - which should be able to be opened from horseback and from both sides. See a sample specification from West Sussex County Council)
It is worth considering who is excluded by any structure you may be considering installing - the following table is taken from the Lake District National Park guidance.
| Order | Barrier type | Who is excluded by it? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 900mm (minimum) Gap | - |
| 2 | Two-way gate | - |
| 3 | One-way gate | - |
| 4 | Large kissing gate | Some outsize wheelchairs, scooters and pushchairs |
| 5 | Smaller kissing gate (box type) | All wheelchairs, scooters and pushchairs |
| 6 | Smaller kissing gate (triangle type) | The above plus some child-carrying back packs |
| 7 | Squeeze stile | All wheelchairs, scooters and pushchairs, plus some others with limited mobility |
| 8 | Modified stile (eg extra steps or thumbpost) | A larger proportion of the above |
| 9 | Ordinary (BS) stile or stone step stile | A larger proportion of the above |
| 10 | Ladder stile | A larger proportion of the above |
Several companies provide site and gate kits - Centrewire has developed a range of accessible countryside furniture which many authorities use.
Examples of authority guidance
Many authorities produce guidance on stiles and gates for their own staff. See Hampshire County Council's guidance. This guidance presents the process an officer should adopt on receiving a report of a failed or missing structure, as well as advice on dealing with landowners and improving access for all. Separate sections provide relevant extracts of the legislation and advice on materials and design.
Information and advice for landowners
Many authorities have advice on erecting stiles and gates in rights of way on their websites. Plymouth City Council demonstrates how this can be done in a way which gets the message across in a clear and easy to understand way.
Oxfordshire CC have a good FAQ section for landowners
Statutory provision for gates and stiles
Sections 145, 146 and 147 of the Highways Act 1980 contain the statutory provision for gates and stiles on rights of way. These sections cover the liability for maintenance, authorisation of new structures and widening of gates. This is explained in more detail in the document Statutory provision for stiles and gates.
BS 5709: 2006 relates to gaps, gates and stiles. Copies can be purchased from the BSI website.
