Barriers

Barriers — Professional Traffic & Site Management Solutions

Barriers are essential tools for controlling vehicle and pedestrian flow, securing construction sites, managing crowds, and protecting property across every sector of industry. From lightweight plastic crowd-control barriers to heavy-duty water-filled units capable of redirecting HGV traffic, our range delivers the right level of protection and delineation for every application. All products meet current UK and European safety standards.

Barrier Types & Key Applications

Water-Filled Barriers

Rotationally moulded from UV-stabilised HDPE, water-filled barriers are filled on-site via the integrated fill port, dramatically reducing transport weight while providing substantial mass once deployed. They interlock end-to-end to create continuous runs of any required length:

• Temporary road narrowing and contraflow lane separation
• Event and festival perimeter control
• Construction site boundary and compound security
• Bridge parapet and edge protection
• Temporary pedestrian refuge zones

Plastic Crowd Control Barriers

Interlocking plastic crowd barriers — typically manufactured in HDPE or polypropylene — are lightweight, stackable and rapidly deployable. Standard colours include red, blue, yellow, and high-visibility orange. They are the go-to solution for:

• Sports events, concerts, and music festivals
• Retail queuing lanes and controlled entry points
• Parades, marathons, and public gatherings
• Emergency service cordons

Steel & Aluminium Barriers

Metal barriers provide greater rigidity and a more permanent appearance than plastic alternatives. Powder-coated steel barriers suit pedestrian areas and long-term event infrastructure. Aluminium variants offer corrosion resistance for coastal and high-humidity environments:

• Town centre pedestrian management
• Permanent queue management in transport hubs
• Arena and stadium perimeter

Temporary Road Barriers & New Jersey Profiles

New Jersey profile barriers — originally a concrete motorway design — are available in plastic and water-fillable versions for temporary road management. Their tapered profile redirects vehicle tyres upward on low-speed contact, reducing the likelihood of a vehicle mounting the barrier. Used extensively by:

• Highway maintenance and road construction contractors
• Utility companies undertaking carriageway works
• Temporary event roads and race circuits

Technical Specifications

• Standard barrier lengths: 1.0 m – 2.5 m per unit
• Standard heights: 800 mm – 1,200 mm
• Dry weight (water-filled unit): 15 kg – 35 kg; filled weight: 250 kg – 700 kg
• Interconnection: Steel pin-and-socket or moulded hook systems for continuous runs
• Material: UV-stabilised HDPE, polypropylene, powder-coated mild steel, or marine-grade aluminium
• Colour options: White, yellow, orange, red, blue, green (custom RAL on volume orders)
• Forklift pockets: Available on most water-filled units for rapid relocation

UK Standards & Compliance

• BS EN 1317-2 — Performance classes for vehicle restraint systems; relevant for road-use barriers
• Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual — Governs the use of temporary barriers in highway works in England & Wales
• The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 2016 — Colour and specification requirements for road-use equipment
• New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) — Licensing requirements for works on the public highway
• CDM Regulations 2015 — Construction phase site boundary and access control responsibilities

Choosing the Right Barrier

Selection depends on four factors: duration of deployment, traffic speed and volume, site access and logistics, and required containment level. For short-duration pedestrian events, plastic crowd barriers are the most cost-efficient option. For roadworks involving live traffic at 30 mph or above, water-filled New Jersey profile barriers with crash-test certification are the appropriate choice. For permanent or semi-permanent vehicle exclusion, steel or concrete units should be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many water-filled barriers do I need to secure a site perimeter?

Divide your perimeter length (in metres) by the individual barrier unit length (typically 1.0 m or 2.0 m). Allow 10–15% extra for corner and gateway configurations. For a 100 m perimeter using 2.0 m units, you would need approximately 55–60 units including connector hardware.

Are water-filled barriers suitable for use in freezing conditions?

Water-filled barriers should not be left filled with plain water in sub-zero temperatures, as freezing water expands and can crack the moulding. For winter deployments, fill with a water/antifreeze mix (food-safe glycol at appropriate concentration for forecast temperatures) or use sand-filled units where freezing is a concern.

Do barriers on the public highway require local authority approval?

Any barrier installation that affects the public highway requires approval from the relevant highways authority. Operatives placing barriers on public roads must hold a valid streetworks qualification (NRSWA accreditation) and the employing contractor must hold the appropriate Section 50/Section 171 licence. Unapproved obstructions of the highway are an offence under the Highways Act 1980.

Can plastic crowd barriers support banner or signage attachments?

Yes — most plastic crowd barriers feature pre-formed slots or mesh panels that accept standard banner clips and zip ties. For heavier signage, use dedicated barrier feet with ballast to prevent toppling in wind. Always calculate wind loading for any large-format signs attached to free-standing barriers.