Whether you're securing a construction site, managing a crowd at a public event, or protecting pedestrians during roadworks, temporary fencing is one of the most essential pieces of safety equipment you can invest in. Across the UK, thousands of sites rely on temporary fencing panels every single day — but with so many types, specifications, and hire-vs-buy decisions to navigate, choosing the right solution can feel overwhelming.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about temporary fencing in the UK: the different panel types, how feet and bases work, anti-climb options, and how to decide whether to hire or buy. By the end, you'll have all the information to make a confident, cost-effective decision for your site.
What Is Temporary Fencing?
Temporary fencing refers to free-standing, relocatable fence panels designed to create a secure perimeter without requiring permanent ground fixings. Unlike permanent fencing, temporary panels can be installed, moved, and removed quickly — making them ideal for construction projects, events, road maintenance, and any situation where the boundary needs to change.
In the UK, temporary fencing must comply with relevant Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance and British Standards where applicable. Choosing the right panel type from the outset ensures your site remains compliant, secure, and safe for workers and the public alike.
Types of Temporary Fencing Panels
1. Heras-Style Mesh Fencing Panels
The most widely recognised form of temporary site fencing in the UK, Heras-style panels consist of welded wire mesh mounted in a steel frame. Standard dimensions are typically 3.5m wide × 2m high, though variations exist. Key features include:
- Heavy-duty galvanised steel construction for long-term durability
- Mesh apertures that provide visibility through the fence while deterring unauthorised entry
- Compatible with a wide range of bases, clamps, and anti-climb accessories
- Suitable for construction sites, roadworks, utilities work, and demolition zones
Heras panels are the go-to choice for most construction site fencing applications due to their robustness, availability, and ease of installation by a single operative.
2. Anti-Climb Fencing Panels
For high-security sites — including data centres, railway infrastructure, and areas with high theft risk — anti-climb fencing panels feature:
- Small mesh apertures (typically 358 mesh, also known as "prison mesh") that prevent fingers or toes from gaining purchase
- Increased panel height (up to 3m or more) for enhanced deterrence
- Optional barbed wire or rotary spikes at the top for maximum security
- Thicker steel wire and frame sections for impact resistance
These panels are significantly heavier and more expensive than standard Heras, so they're typically deployed only where the threat level genuinely warrants the additional investment.
3. Crowd Control Barriers
Crowd control barriers (sometimes called "Mojo" barriers after one of the original manufacturers) are lower-profile, interlocking steel barriers designed for pedestrian management at events, festivals, concerts, and public gatherings. Key characteristics include:
- Typical height of 1.1m–1.2m — visible but not obstructive
- Interlocking feet that connect panels side by side for a continuous, stable line
- Lightweight enough for rapid deployment and repositioning by event staff
- Available in galvanised steel or powder-coated finishes
Crowd control barriers are not intended to provide full site security — they're designed to guide and manage pedestrian flow, define queuing areas, and keep crowds a safe distance from stages, performers, or hazards.
4. Pedestrian and Event Fencing
Between Heras-style construction fencing and crowd control barriers sits a range of lighter-duty event fencing options, including:
- Plastic/PVC barrier fencing — ideal for low-security event perimeters, colour-coded zones, and temporary garden or car park boundaries
- Trellis fencing — expandable wooden or plastic lattice panels used for aesthetic perimeter definition at markets, fetes, and outdoor hospitality
- Water-filled barrier systems — large plastic barriers filled with water on site, used for road traffic management and high-impact vehicle exclusion
Feet, Bases, and Stabilisers
A temporary fence panel is only as good as its base. In the UK, several base options are available depending on the surface and the load requirements of your site:
Rubber Block Feet
The most common base type for Heras-style fencing. Heavy rubber blocks (typically 20–25kg each) slot over the bottom rail of each panel and hold it upright through sheer weight. Advantages include:
- No fixings required — completely non-invasive to the ground surface
- Quick to install and remove
- Can be used on tarmac, concrete, grass, and most level surfaces
- Stackable for efficient storage and transport
Plastic Filled Feet
Hollow plastic feet can be filled with water or sand on site, providing a lighter transport weight with good stability once filled. Popular for softer ground conditions.
Steel Plate Feet / Flat Feet
Steel flat-base feet provide a lower profile and greater wind resistance than block feet. Often used in conjunction with clamps to link adjacent panels for added rigidity.
Panel Clamps and Couplers
Regardless of the base type, panel clamps or couplers should be used to connect adjacent fence panels at the top, preventing individual panels from being lifted away and maintaining the integrity of the perimeter line.
Anti-Climb and Security Accessories
For sites where security is a primary concern, a range of accessories can be added to standard temporary fencing to increase its deterrent value:
- Tarpaulin windbreakers / privacy screens — Attached to the mesh, these screens block the view into the site, protecting work in progress and deterring opportunistic thieves
- Barbed wire or razor coil — Fitted to the top of panels to prevent climbing (note: specific regulations apply to the use of barbed wire in public-facing locations)
- CCTV mounting brackets — Temporary CCTV towers or camera brackets can be attached directly to fence posts
- Warning and security signage — HSE and legal requirements typically mandate site safety signs around the perimeter
- Security lighting — Clamp-on floodlights deter out-of-hours intrusion
Hire vs Buy: Which Is Right for You?
One of the most frequent questions we hear is whether to hire temporary fencing or purchase panels outright. The answer depends on several factors:
When to Hire
- Short-term projects (weeks rather than months)
- One-off events where fencing is not needed again
- When storage space is limited
- When delivery, installation, and collection are preferred
When to Buy
- Long-term or rolling construction projects
- Companies that regularly need fencing across multiple sites
- Situations where speed of deployment is critical and hire logistics are too slow
- When total cost of ownership over multiple projects makes purchase more economical than cumulative hire costs
As a rough guide, owning temporary fencing typically becomes more cost-effective after three to four uses compared with hiring the equivalent quantity. If your business runs three or more projects per year requiring temporary fencing, purchasing your own stock is almost always the better long-term investment.
Browse our full range of temporary fencing panels and accessories — available for immediate dispatch across the UK.
Planning Your Site Security with Temporary Fencing
A well-planned temporary fencing layout is the foundation of effective site security. Here are the key considerations:
Perimeter Definition
Walk the site boundary and map out where fencing is needed before ordering panels. Account for:
- Pedestrian access points (gates and pedestrian wicket gates)
- Vehicle access points (wider gate openings for plant and deliveries)
- Corners and angled sections requiring panel adjustment or specialist corner pieces
- Interfaces with existing permanent fencing or structures
Risk Assessment
Under CDM Regulations 2015 and HSE guidance, you must assess and manage risks to both workers and the public. Consider:
- Proximity to public footpaths, roads, or school routes
- Risk of excavation or fall hazards adjacent to the perimeter
- Out-of-hours security requirements
- Fire escape routes and emergency access
Wind Loads
In exposed locations, particularly in the north of England and Scotland, wind loading can be significant. Use additional ballast, wind bracing, or solid-infill privacy screens only where appropriate — remember that solid screens increase wind loading considerably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard size of a Heras fencing panel in the UK?
The most common panel size is 3.5m wide × 2.0m high. Some manufacturers offer 3.0m wide panels or taller 2.2m options. Always check panel dimensions when ordering, as bases and clamps are sized to match specific panel rail diameters.
Do I need planning permission to erect temporary fencing?
Temporary fencing for construction sites is generally exempt from planning permission, but fencing placed on or adjacent to a public highway may require a licence from the local authority or Highways England. Always check local requirements before installation.
How many panels do I need for my site?
Measure your perimeter in metres and divide by the panel width (typically 3.5m). Add 10–15% contingency for corners, gates, and adjustments. Don't forget to order one base per panel (sometimes two per panel in exposed conditions) and clamps for every panel-to-panel joint.
Can temporary fencing be used on uneven ground?
Yes, rubber block bases can accommodate minor ground undulation. For significantly sloped or uneven terrain, you may need to install additional bridging pieces or use staked ground spikes rather than free-standing bases.
Is temporary fencing suitable for events?
Heras-style fencing is widely used for event perimeter security and backstage areas. For front-of-stage crowd management, purpose-designed crowd control barriers are the industry standard and far more effective at managing pedestrian dynamics safely.
What are the legal requirements for temporary fencing on a UK construction site?
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 require that sites are adequately secured to prevent unauthorised access, particularly where the public could be at risk. The HSE provides detailed guidance on site security in its "Construction Phase Plan" requirements.