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External environments fact sheet

5.1 Footways and footpaths

Design criteria

Footways and footpaths to be firm, edges to be defined and
overhanging objects should not encroach
Minimum unobstructed footway width 1800mm
Minimum preferred footway width 2000mm
Preferred width at bus stops without shelter 3000mm
Preferred width at bus stops with shelter 3500mm
Width fronting shops 3500mm-4500mm
Minimum footway width at localised restrictions 1350mm
Absolute minimum footway width at obstacles 900mm
Width of dropped kerbs normally 1800mm
Width of dropped kerbs with high pedestrian flow 3000mm
Width of dropped kerbs adjacent to parking spaces for disabled
people 1000mm
Height of kerb 100mm

Footways and urban footpaths should be well lit with an even, firm, welldrained surface and non-slip in both wet and dry weather. Joints should be closed and flush to prevent small wheels, walking sticks and canes
becoming trapped.

Covers and gratings in particular should be flush with the surface, nonslip, and have no openings of greater than 13mm wide. It is preferable to avoid the use of gratings or 'slot' type drainage within pedestrian areas
and at pedestrian crossing points because they can trap small wheels and canes. However, if this is not possible, then gully covers and drainage slots should be positioned as far as possible from and at right
angles to the main pedestrian flow lines.

Crossfalls should be no greater than 1 in 40 for the comfort of wheelchair users. Where there is a sufficient endfall, which combined with a reduced crossfall would ensure proper drainage, a shallower crossfall may be
considered acceptable and preferable.

Sudden or irregular gradient changes should be avoided with gradients kept to 1:20 or less wherever possible. Where this is not possible, the maximum should not exceed 1:12 and consideration must be given to the
provision of 1200mm x 1200mm rest platforms (1800mm x 1800mm if possible) at 5000mm intervals on or adjacent to the footway. On long pedestrian routes and those with a continuous gradient, consideration
should be given to the provision of seating at regular intervals.

Footways and footpaths should generally be of a contrasting surface colour to their surroundings. To assist blind and partially sighted people edges should be defined by the use of kerbs (minimum 25mm). Slopes or
drops at the back of a footway must have a pedestrian guard fence or barrier and a kerb with a 100mm upstand to act as a tapping rail for cane users if the lower rail of the fence or barrier is greater than 300mm above
ground level.

Resting places should be provided in pedestrianised areas, shopping areas and along main pedestrian routes at intervals of not more than 100m. Seating should also be provided at bus stops and close to
commonly used public buildings, such as post offices, libraries etc.

Footways and footpaths, Perspective diagram of footpath

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