Rights of way
Under British Standard 5709:2001 Gaps, gates and stiles. Specification, the type of structure which appears higher on the following list should always be chosen, unless other reasons prevail. This gives greater recognition of the fact that where a fence, hedge or other boundary crosses a right of way, passage along the right of way should be as convenient as possible. The needs of those with disabilities should be taken into account, and possible liabilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) should be considered.
- Gap
- Gate
- Kissing gate
- Stile
The first choice should be no barrier, or in other words, a gap. This is possible where boundaries are no longer being used to contain stock. If a barrier is needed, a gate should be the next choice. A kissing gate may be appropriate where the gate is adjacent to a road, as it gives extra security against stock escaping. Stiles should only be used for new structures in exceptional circumstances. The information in the standard on stiles relates to the repair and refurbishment of existing stiles. For further details of the general requirements, and of the structures described below, consult British Standard 5709:2001.
Gates and stiles on public rights of way are the responsibility of the landowner, and must be maintained by the landowner in a safe condition. The Highway Authority is obliged to contribute not less than 25% towards the cost of the repair or replacement of the structure. All new barriers on rights of way need permission from the Highway Authority, who will specify what is acceptable. Structures which have not been approved by the Highway Authority may be regarded as an obstruction, with legal action taken as necessary to have them removed. In National Parks, Heritage Coasts and other areas of high recreational use, the authority concerned may provide, install and maintain gates or stiles, with the agreement of the landowner. In other areas, local amenity groups may do likewise.
Gaps
A gap in a wall, fence, hedge or other boundary should be of the minimum dimension shown, possibly defined by short lengths of post and rail fence to either side. The minimum width of gap for footpaths is 900mm (3′), and for bridleways is 1525mm (5′).
Pedestrian and bridle gates
BS 5709:2001 specifies the minimum clear width between posts as follows:
- Pedestrian gates: 1m (3′ 3 1/2″).
- Bridle gates: 1.525m (5′).
Note that the clear width is as shown, and where the gate is hung between the posts, allowance must be made for the gate and fittings.
Latches, if fitted, should be accessible and easy to operate from both sides of the gate. Where not adjoining roads, self-closing pedestrian gates should be two-way, so they can be pushed open from either side. The recommended method of self closing is by the use of offset hinges. There should be a manoeuvring space either side of the gate, sufficient to allow operation of the latch, as well as to give room to open the gate easily.
A notice indicating either a public footpath or bridleway should be clearly visible to users approaching from either side of the gate, and should be attached either to the structure or within 2m (7′) of it.
Pedestrian gates, in wood or steel and in a variety of designs are widely available.
The design shown below is suitable for a bridle gate, and includes a latch that can be operated from horseback.
For gates which only open one way, if possible position the gate so that there is room for the horse to stand to the side while the rider leans over and opens the gate.
British Gates and Timber Ltd supply a bridle gate with a fixed sill, which allows the passage of horses but discourages motorbikes. See also here.
Kissing gate
This is a gate designed to swing between two shutting posts, to give access to people but not to stock. Traditional kissing gates only had a small area between the guard rails, so that stock could not get around the gate even when in its half way position. However, this gap may be too small for walkers with rucksacks, and will block the way for mobility vehicle users. Recent designs have increased the area enclosed by the guard rails, which allows easy passage for all pedestrians, and access for smaller mobility vehicles. BS 5701:2001 specifies that there should be an internal manoeuvring space which would allow a 1m diameter cylinder to pass through the kissing gate with its flat end on the ground.
For security against sheep, it’s advisable that the gate is self-closing onto a latch. If it is not, a sheep can turn around within the guard rails, and ‘nose’ the gate open. Self-latching systems are neater and easier to fit on all-steel kissing gates and guards.
The following designs allow access for most mobility vehicles, including pushchairs and wheelchairs, but exclude motorbikes. The gate should have offset hinges to self-close onto a latch.
The use of metal allows curving guard rails to be used, which gives a more efficient shape for allowing access for people while excluding stock. The gate, posts and rails can also be made as a single unit incorporating an H frame. The unit is simple to install, and ensures that the posts and gate stay properly aligned over a long working life. A variety of designs are available, with Centrewire a specialist in the design and manufacture of kissing gates, pedestrian gates, stiles and other rights of way furniture.
Deer gates
Vehicle gates through deer fences should be 1.8m (6′) high, and normally 1.8m (6′) wide, hung in pairs. They must be strong, but of lightweight construction because of their height. Pressure treated softwood fencing rails, available in 3.6m (12′) lengths are suitable material. Two designs suitable for use on fences to exclose deer are shown above.
Galvanised, fully meshed deer gates 1.8m (6′) high and 3m (10′) or 3.6m (12′) long are available from Tornado.
Personnel gates
These allow access for a person through a high strained wire fence, and may be suitable for access points into woodland enclosures, but are not suitable for rights of way. On Forestry Commission design fences, with netting hung on three strained wires, the gate can be fitted between the strained wires.
A useful material for personnel gates is Weldmesh roll-top panel (Sentinel Fencing). This is lightweight but rigid, and can be used without further strengthening. It can be hung on wire loops, or on a piece of metal or timber threaded through the ‘roll’.
Weldmesh roll-top panel
Slip gates
As their name implies, these are slipped open and closed. They are suitable for infrequently used gateways for vehicles and stock, and having no fittings, are easy and cheap to make.
The simplest are slip rails, often used in horse paddocks.
A slip gate can be made out of fencing rails as shown below. Dimension (a) must be sufficient to span the gateway safely, while (b) allows the gate to be slipped to one side. It can then be lifted clear of the other posts, and removed as necessary.
Improvised gates
Improvised gates, also known as ‘Hampshire’, ‘Irish’ or ‘New Zealand’ gates, are not ideal, but are a useful way of spanning a little used but wide gateway, that is too wide for a slip gate. These types of gates are not permissible on rights of way. They are best made of stock netting, so that they are reasonably stock proof even if not taut. Do not use barbed wire. The normal method is simply to tension the ‘shutting stile’ with a loop of wire at the top, but this is often either too slack, or impossible to close. One method of closing and tensioning the gate is shown above. This uses a metal crank, either home made or from a metalworker, which is bolted to the post top. Adjust the wire loop on the shutting stile until the gate closes neatly.
Improvised gates should be left closed when the entrance is not in use, as they can become a hazard to stock, especially when tangled in long grass. If the gateway needs to be left open for stock, roll the gate up neatly and tie it out of the way against the fence.
