Pedestrian Barriers: Handrails, Crowd Control & Accessibility (DDA)
Pedestrian barriers serve a dual purpose: guiding people safely and ensuring accessibility for all users, including those with mobility impairments. Getting the specification right means balancing crowd management requirements with the obligations of the Equality Act 2010.
Types of Pedestrian Barrier
Crowd Control / Queue Barriers
Interlocking steel barriers for event management, queue control, and temporary pedestrian routing. Height: 1,100mm–1,200mm, length 2.0m–2.5m per unit. See our crowd control barriers range.
Pedestrian Guardrail
Permanent galvanised steel guardrail for footway protection adjacent to roads. Standard to BS 7818. Typically 1,000mm high with horizontal rails at 500mm and 1,000mm.
Handrails
Required by Building Regulations Part K for steps, ramps, and changes of level. DDA-compliant handrails must meet BS 8300:2018 requirements.
Equality Act 2010 & Accessibility Requirements
- Gap widths: Minimum 900mm clear gap for single wheelchair user; 1,200mm preferred for comfortable passage
- Level access: Through any permanent barrier line
- Colour contrast: Barriers must contrast visually with surrounding environment (for visually impaired users)
- Tactile paving: Required at controlled crossing points in public realm
BS 8300:2018: Key Requirements for Barriers
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Handrail height | 900mm–1,000mm above floor/nosing |
| Handrail diameter | 32mm–50mm (circular cross-section) |
| Handrail projection beyond steps | Minimum 300mm at top and bottom |
| Colour contrast | 30-point luminance contrast with background |
| Gap between barrier elements | Maximum 100mm (prevents child entrapment) |
Crowd Barriers & Disability Access
- At least one accessible entry/exit point per designated area
- Minimum 900mm clear width at accessible entry points (1,200mm preferred)
- Level access to all accessible areas — ramps where level access is not possible
- Clear signage directing disabled users to accessible routes
Browse our pedestrian barrier range and crowd control barriers.