Vehicle crossovers to loading bays and car parks arise in various locations. The conflict here is to preserve the rights of the building owner to access their property (over the footpath) but protect the needs of pedestrians.

In the context of accessibility key issues are the width of the crossover cross falls visibility and luminance contrast hazard warning.

Vehicle users may also have reduced visibility creating hazard for driver and pedestrian alike.

Key Design Features

• Gradient shallower than 1:33
• Cross fall shallower than 1:40min (or 1:33 asphalt)
• Hazard warning TGSIs for path of travel crossing ‘carriageway’
• Width - min 1000mm; 1200mm preferred
• Surface abutments
• +/-3mm square edged
• +/- 5mm bevel/round edge
• Paving joints 1-12mm
• Paving texture <2mm

Summary of Recommendations

• Wide crossovers at grade represent a significant hazard to pedestrians and adequate warning should be provided.
• Definition of carriageway usually considered to be public road between kerbs. Planning guidance to consider width of vehicle crossovers and the width at which they are deemed ‘carriageways’ to provide guidance on when TGSIs should be applied.
• Heritage - heritage and accessibility requirements are often in conflict. If a heritage feature such as a cobbled driveway cannot be suitably mitigated then alternative accessible route will need to be provided.
• It is harder to provide ‘accessible’ crossovers across narrow footpaths.
• Planning policy to provide building owners guidance on acceptable outcomes.

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