UK Safety Barrier Standards Reference | Complete Guide
This page provides the definitive UK reference for all standards and regulations governing safety barriers, bollards, and vehicle restraint systems. It is intended as a single-source reference for designers, specifiers, contractors, local authorities, and procurement professionals working with safety barriers in the UK.
BS EN 1317: Vehicle Restraint Systems
What It Covers
BS EN 1317 is the primary European Standard for Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) used on roads. It is a multi-part standard covering performance testing, product requirements, and CE marking for safety fences (guardrails), crash cushions, vehicle parapets, and terminals.
- BS EN 1317-1: Terminology and general criteria
- BS EN 1317-2: Performance classes, impact test acceptance criteria for safety barriers including vehicle parapets
- BS EN 1317-3: Performance classes for crash cushions
- BS EN 1317-4/7: Terminals and transitions
- BS EN 1317-5: Product requirements and evaluation of conformity (CE marking)
Who Needs to Comply
Mandatory for all VRS products used on UK strategic road network (motorways and A roads managed by National Highways). Required by highway authorities for local road schemes involving VRS. Required by structural engineers for multi-storey car park parapet barriers. CE marking under BS EN 1317-5 is required for all VRS products supplied for highway use.
How It Affects Product Selection
The containment class (N1, N2, H1, H2, H3, H4a, H4b) and working width class (W1–W8) must be specified based on a risk assessment using DMRB CD 377/CD 379. The selected product must have documented test evidence (Declaration of Performance) for the specified class.
Where to Get the Standard
BS EN 1317 is available from the British Standards Institution (BSI): www.bsigroup.com
PAS 68: Specification for Vehicle Security Barriers
What It Covers
PAS 68:2013 (Publicly Available Specification) provides a framework for impact testing of vehicle security barriers against deliberate vehicle attack. Products are tested against vehicles of defined mass at defined speeds and angles, with results recorded as a Containment Test Result (CTR) in the format V/[mass][category]/[speed]/[angle]:[penetration].
Who Needs to Comply
Not legally mandatory, but PAS 68 (or its successor IWA 14-1) is required by the UK government's Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), the Counter Terrorism Security Adviser (CTSA) network, and increasingly by insurers and planning authorities for Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) applications in crowded places.
How It Affects Product Selection
Only products with valid, documented PAS 68 or IWA 14-1 test results provide genuine HVM security assurance. The appropriate rating depends on the threat assessment — typically V/2500[N1]/64 for retail and commercial, V/7500[N2]/48 for government and critical infrastructure.
Current Status
PAS 68 has been superseded for new product testing by IWA 14-1:2013. Existing PAS 68 certifications remain valid and are widely specified. New products are typically certified to IWA 14-1.
Where to Get the Standard
Available from BSI (www.bsigroup.com). NaCTSO guidance (www.gov.uk) provides supplementary guidance on HVM specification.
IWA 14-1:2013: Vehicle Security Barriers
What It Covers
IWA 14-1:2013 is an International Workshop Agreement (ISO) that replaced PAS 68 as the international standard for vehicle security barrier impact testing. It uses similar notation to PAS 68 but with refinements to vehicle categories and test conditions. IWA 14-1 is the current preferred standard for new product certification globally.
Who Needs to Comply
Same HVM applications as PAS 68. IWA 14-1 is increasingly specified over PAS 68 for new procurements.
Where to Get the Standard
Available from BSI (www.bsigroup.com) or ISO (www.iso.org).
BS EN ISO 1461: Hot-Dip Galvanising
What It Covers
BS EN ISO 1461:2009+A1:2022 specifies the properties and test methods for hot-dip galvanised coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles. It defines minimum coating thickness requirements based on the steel thickness — typically 45–85 microns for structural steel sections used in barriers and bollards.
Who Needs to Comply
Any manufacturer supplying hot-dip galvanised steel products for outdoor use. Specifiers should require compliance with BS EN ISO 1461 for all galvanised barrier and bollard products.
How It Affects Product Selection
Hot-dip galvanising to BS EN ISO 1461 provides the primary long-term corrosion protection for steel barriers and bollards — the foundation on which powder coat or paint finishes are applied. Products galvanised to this standard typically provide 20–40+ years protection in UK environments. Request the galvanising certificate when purchasing for compliance-critical applications.
Where to Get the Standard
Available from BSI (www.bsigroup.com).
Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8: Temporary Traffic Management
What It Covers
Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual (published by the Department for Transport) provides guidance on temporary traffic management (TM) on roads in England. It covers the design, planning, signing, and operation of temporary TM schemes, including the specification of barriers, cones, and signs used in roadworks and temporary traffic management.
Who Needs to Comply
Mandatory for any works affecting traffic on adopted public highways in England. Highway authorities, contractors, and utility companies undertaking highway works must comply. Operatives placing traffic management must hold appropriate LANTRA-accredited Chapter 8 training.
How It Affects Product Selection
Chapter 8 specifies approved equipment types including barrier specifications and retroreflective requirements. All temporary traffic management barriers placed on public highways must comply with Chapter 8 specifications and carry appropriate UKCA/CE marking.
Where to Get the Standard
Available free from the Department for Transport: www.gov.uk/guidance/traffic-signs-manual
The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999
What It Covers
SI 1999/1025 — regulations made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (sections 90A–90F) governing the design, construction, and signing of road humps (speed bumps) on public roads in England and Wales. Prescribes maximum height (100mm), minimum length (based on speed), width requirements, and mandatory signing.
Who Needs to Comply
Highway authorities installing road humps on adopted public roads in England and Wales. Does not apply to private land (car parks, private roads, industrial estates).
Where to Get the Regulations
Available free from legislation.gov.uk: www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1025
The Highways Act 1980
What It Covers
The primary Act governing the adoption, maintenance, and use of public highways in England and Wales. Relevant sections for barriers and bollards include: Section 80 (power to erect barriers), Section 90A–90F (road humps enabling powers), Section 38 (adoption of roads by agreement), Section 278 (works by developers on highway).
How It Affects Barrier Specification
Any physical infrastructure installed on an adopted public highway (including bollards, barriers, and traffic management equipment) requires consent from the relevant highway authority under the Highways Act. The Act also provides the legal basis for Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) that may accompany pedestrianisation and traffic calming schemes.
Where to Get the Act
Available free from legislation.gov.uk: www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/66
BS 8300: Design of an Accessible and Inclusive Built Environment
What It Covers
BS 8300:2018 (two parts — buildings, and streets/outdoor environment) provides guidance on the design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. Relevant to barriers and bollards in specifying: minimum clear gaps between bollards (1,000mm for wheelchair access), colour contrast requirements (bollards must contrast with their background), and requirements for cane-detectable hazards.
Who Needs to Comply
Anyone designing public buildings, their approaches, or public spaces with a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. This includes public authorities, retailers, transport operators, and any service provider.
Where to Get the Standard
Available from BSI (www.bsigroup.com).
Equality Act 2010 and the Disability Discrimination Act
What It Covers
The Equality Act 2010 (which superseded the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people are not put at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled people. In the context of barriers and bollards, this means: not placing bollards in a way that prevents wheelchair access; ensuring minimum clear gaps; using high-contrast colours and surface materials to assist visually impaired users.
Who Needs to Comply
All service providers (shops, restaurants, transport operators, public authorities) when installing barriers and bollards that could affect disabled access. Failure to comply can result in discrimination claims in the County Court or Employment Tribunal.
BS EN 13374: Temporary Edge Protection Systems
What It Covers
BS EN 13374:2018 specifies performance requirements and test methods for temporary edge protection systems used during construction — on flat and inclined surfaces including roofs, floors, and ramps. Defines three classes: Class A (for flat or slightly inclined surfaces ≤10°), Class B (for more inclined surfaces), and Class C (for steep surfaces).
Who Needs to Comply
Principal contractors and contractors on construction sites where temporary edge protection is required under CDM 2015. Temporary works coordinators should specify the appropriate class.
Where to Get the Standard
Available from BSI (www.bsigroup.com).
CIRIA Report C737: Guidance on Flood Barriers
What It Covers
CIRIA C737 (Temporary and Demountable Flood Protection) provides guidance on the specification and use of flood barriers — including temporary, demountable, and fixed barriers — for protecting buildings and infrastructure from flooding. Relevant for commercial premises in flood-risk areas and for flood risk management schemes.
Who Needs to Comply
Flood risk managers, local authorities, property owners, and developers in flood-risk areas. Not a mandatory standard but widely adopted as best practice in flood barrier specification.
BS 7818: Pedestrian Restraint Systems
What It Covers
BS 7818:1995 (Specification for Welded Steel Pedestrian Guardrails) specifies requirements for the material, construction, and performance of welded steel pedestrian guardrails used to guide and restrain pedestrians — particularly in areas where there is risk of pedestrians falling into traffic or other hazards. It covers minimum height (typically 1,000mm), material requirements, and finish.
Who Needs to Comply
Designers and suppliers of pedestrian guardrail for use alongside roads, in car parks, on bridges, and in public spaces. Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual references BS 7818 for Chapter 8 guardrail on highways.
Where to Get the Standard
Available from BSI (www.bsigroup.com).
Summary Reference Table
| Standard/Regulation | Topic | Mandatory? | Who Publishes? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS EN 1317 | Vehicle Restraint Systems | Yes (highway VRS) | BSI |
| PAS 68:2013 | HVM — Vehicle Security Barriers | No (industry standard) | BSI |
| IWA 14-1:2013 | HVM — Vehicle Security Barriers | No (international standard) | ISO/BSI |
| BS EN ISO 1461 | Hot-Dip Galvanising | No (specification standard) | BSI/ISO |
| Chapter 8 (Traffic Signs Manual) | Temporary Traffic Management | Yes (public highways) | DfT |
| Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 | Speed Bumps on Public Roads | Yes (public roads) | HMSO |
| Highways Act 1980 | Highway Law Framework | Yes (adopted highways) | HMSO |
| BS 8300:2018 | Accessible Design | No (Equality Act compliance) | BSI |
| Equality Act 2010 | Disability Discrimination | Yes | HMSO |
| BS EN 13374 | Temporary Edge Protection | No (CDM 2015 compliance) | BSI |
| CIRIA C737 | Flood Barriers | No (best practice) | CIRIA |
| BS 7818 | Pedestrian Restraint Systems (Guardrail) | No (specification standard) | BSI |
Barriers Co can supply products complying with all the above standards. Contact us for compliance documentation, Declaration of Performance documents, and product data sheets for any of our barrier and bollard products. Browse our product range.