GUIDE

TO
SITING
AND
SPECIFICATION
OF
STREET FURNITURE
2001
Introduction
The purpose of this Guide is to provide advice to those responsible for the erection
of street furniture in Birmingham.
The advice relates to the basic specification of the furniture and its positioning
on the highway.
A prime objective of the advice given is to ensure that the needs of those people with
disabilities are recognised and that any potential disadvantage or inconvenience is
eliminated or reduced.
In addition the Guide addresses the need to minimise those maintenance costs which
arise from vehicle collisions with street furniture.
The Guide does not repeat detailed technical information available elsewhere in both
national and City Council documents. It is essential that reference be made to the
relevant documents when considering the provision of street furniture on the highway.
The fact that planning and other legislation may affect the proposed installation must
also be addressed.
If you have any comments on the guide please contact Alan Morris of the
Transportation Department on 0121 303 7357 or email:
alan.morris@birmingham.gov.uk
The following organisations have been consulted during the preparation of this guide:
Access Committee for Birmingham
Joint Mobility Unit, Access Partnership
Age Concern
Birmingham focus
Guide to Siting and Specification
of Street Furniture
Foreword
The roads and footways of Birmingham necessarily contain a large number of many
different types of street furniture. Each has a function to perform but sometimes the siting
and specification of an item can mean that it presents an unnecessary obstruction or other
danger to people. The quality of the street furniture can also add to the ambience of an
area.
This Guide addresses many of these issues and particularly focuses on the needs of people
with disabilities and the need to minimise traffic damage to street furniture. Compliance
with this Guide will therefore greatly assist in providing safer, well maintained highways
and a high quality environment.
You are to comply with the practices set out in the Guide and to recognise, in whatever
design work you do, the needs of those with disabilities.
Councillor Stewart Stacey David Pywell
Cabinet Member Director of Transportation
Transportation, Street services
And Sustainability
SPECIFICATION
Colour: to contrast with
surroundings. Colour band(s)
of white or yellow to contrast
with main body colour. Style:
dependent upon scheme.
(See maintenance
implications)
Material: steel, iron,
concrete or plastic;
smooth finish.
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: size, shape, height,
location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: standard types to
be used, quality paint system.
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage.
NOTE:
1. Minimum clearances may increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.
2. There are situations where illuminated bollards should be considered.
1.5m
min. distance
to next obstruction 1.1m
min. height
0.45 to 0.60m
min. distance
to kerb
additional band(s)
(white/yellow)
0.14 - 0.16m wide
top of bollard
painted
white or yellow
0.14 - 0.16m wide
0.15m
min. width
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Bollards
SF1
SPECIFICATION
Pole colour: grey or black
with colour band of white
or yellow if required
depending on pole site.
Material: steel pole,
aluminium sign.
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: galvanised pole,
special paint system.
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage, use as
means of access.
NOTE:
1. Minimum clearances may increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.
2. Also applies to all single pole signs e.g. area signs, information signs,
boundary signs.
1.5m
min. distance
to next obstruction
(if not available, move
post to rear of footway
or fix sign to structure)
1.5 - 1.7m
2.3m
min. clearance
above footway
min. distance
edge of sign
to kerb face
0.45 to
0.60m
0.14 - 0.16m wide
yellow or white
coloured band
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Traffic Signs General
SF2
SPECIFICATION
Pole colour: grey or black
with colour band to contrast
with pole colour if in
pedestrian footway.
Material: steel poles,
aluminium sign.
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: galvanised poles,
special paint system.
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage, use as
means of access.
NOTE:
1. Minimum clearances may increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.
1.5m
min. distance
to next obstruction 1.5 -
1.7m
2.3m
min. clearance
above footway
min. distance
edge of sign
to kerb face
0.45 to
0.60m
0.14 - 0.16m wide
yellow or white
coloured band
distance between poles
greater than 1.0m
or less than 0.25m
Kidderminster
A456
A45
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Traffic Signs Two Poles
SF3
SPECIFICATION
Pole colour: grey or black
with colour band to contrast
with pole colour if located
within pedestrian footway.
Material: steel pole,
aluminium sign.
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: galvanised posts,
special paint system.
Location: accidental damage,
vertical clearance for medium
vans, vandal damage.
1.5 - 1.7m
3.5m
min. clearance
above footway
min. distance
edge of sign
to kerb face
0.45 to
0.60m
0.14 - 0.16m wide
yellow or white
coloured band
Short
Stay
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Traffic Signs Shopping Areas
SF4
SPECIFICATION
As for permanent signs.
Material: steel
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
As for permanent signs.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
As for permanent signs.
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Temporary Traffic Signs
SF5
Temporary traffic signs should be sited and
specified as for permanent signs. Only the sign
face may be reduced in specification due to the
limited life required.
Temporary sign to be positioned to provide minimum clearance widths
as given for permanent signs. Yellow or White colour bands to be
provided of width 0.14 to 0.16m at 1.5 to 1.7m above ground level
where the temporary sign is positioned in a pedestrian footway.
Minimum clearances may increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.
SPECIFICATION
Colour: dark blue or black
with colour band to contrast
with pole colour, where sign
located within footway.
Material: steel
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Legibility: colour/contrast
of lettering.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: standard system.
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage, fingers
vulnerable, delivery vehicles,
protection by planters.
NOTE:
1. Minimum clearances may increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.
1.5m
min. distance to
nearest obstruction
or kerb face
min. distance
edge of sign
to kerb face
0.45 to
0.60m
0.14 -
0.16m wide
yellow or white
coloured band
1.5 -
1.7m
2
.
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Law Courts
Railway Station
SF6
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Pedestrian Finger Sign Poles
SPECIFICATION
Colour: dependent on
scheme. Consider colour
band to contrast with main
colour of base.
Style: dependent on
scheme. (see maintenance
implications)
Material: steel
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: standard types
to be used, quality paint
system, galvanised. Pivoted
columns in certain locations.
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage, use as
means of access.
SF7
NOTE:
1. Column to kerb face to be a minimum of 0.45 to 0.60m where
front of footway positioning is unavoidable*
2. Column/other obstruction distance to be greater than 1.5m or
less than 0.25m.
3. Minimum clearances may increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.
0.14 - 0.16m
yellow or white
coloured band
1.5 - 1.7m
Lighting column
positioned at rear of footway
with min. distance of
1.5m to kerb face
5.5m
min. clearance when
above carriageway
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Lighting Columns
*Note: Refer to lighting standard detail drawings for positioning of columns on 40mph and higher
speed roads.
SPECIFICATION
Pole colour: grey with
colour band to contrast
with pole grey.
Material: steel
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
WAIT, red/green man.
Tactile approach.
Audible indicator.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment,
dropped crossing position.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification:
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage.
1.5 - 1.7m
2.1m
min. clearance
above footway
0.45 to 0.60m
min. distance
edge of sign
to kerb face
0.14 - 0.16m wide
yellow or white
coloured band
1.2m
height to
push button
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Traffic Signal Poles
SF8
SPECIFICATION
Pole colour: silver
Material: steel,
aluminium.
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.
Reach from wheelchair.
Legibility of text.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification:
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage, theft.
NOTE:
1. Minimum clearances may increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.
0.45 to 0.60m
min. distance
to kerb face
1.9m
max. height
of display
0.9m
min. height
of display
2.3m
min.
clearance
above
footway
optimum height of
coin insertion and
ticket collection
1.1 to 1.5m
1.5m
min. distance
to next
obstruction
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Parking Pay and Display
Ticket Machine
SF9
SPECIFICATION
Colour: various, contrast with
background.
Material: steel
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous
alignment, protrusions.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: quality paint
system, vandal resistant.
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage.
1.5m
min. distance
to kerb face
(from opened doors)
0.75m
min. height
Cabinets to
be sited at
rear
of footway.
SIDE ELEVATION
PLAN
doors open
against back
of footway
allow for door opening
clearances and working space
back of footway
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Control Boxes Signal, Lighting,
Telecom Etc.
SF10
NOTE:
1. Minimum clearances will increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use, or the footway is in a busy shopping area.
2. Cabinets should be placed off the footway if possible.
SPECIFICATION
Various.
Colour: contrast with
background, consider
contrast band.
Material: steel & concrete
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous
alignment, protrusions.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: vandal
resistant.
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage.
NOTE:
1. Minimum clearances may increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use, and in busy shopping areas.
1.5m
min. distance
from kerb face
and nearest/all
obstructions
min.
height
0.9m optimum
access height
0.8m
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Litter Bins
SF11
SPECIFICATION
Tree roots must not disturb
surface of footway. Remedial
action to be taken if roots
affect footway.
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous
alignment, protrusions.
Tree grilles: guards to
be considered for
pedestrian areas.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Pruning, trimming.
Accident damages,
vandal damage.
Clearance from traffic
signs and street lights.
NOTE:
1. Minimum clearances may increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.
2.3m
min. height
for hanging
branches 1.5m
min. distance
to next obstruction
1.5m
min. distance
to next obstruction
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Trees & Shrubs
SF12
SPECIFICATION
Colour: white, blue, black.
Material: steel, cast
iron, aluminium.
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification:
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage, access to
plate and wall at rear.
min. height
0.6m
FRONT ELEVATION END ELEVATION
street name plate to be
mounted at back of footway or
attached to wall or railings
HIGH STREET
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Street Name Plates
SF13
SPECIFICATION
Colour: yellow/white.
Material: plastic
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment
across road. Consider use
of tactile paving.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: standard
base lit.
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage.
2.4m
min. distance
between kerbs
or bollards
2.4m
min. distance
between kerbs
or bollards
SIDE ELEVATION
PLAN
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Illuminated Road Traffic Bollards
SF14
SPECIFICATION
Colour: dependent on
scheme.
Material: galvanised
steel painted to required
colour
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: galvanised,
or special.
Location: accidental damage.
0.45 to 0.60m*
min. distance
from edge of kerb
0.25m
max. gap
SIDE ELEVATION
1.05m
min. height
FRONT ELEVATION
*dependent on speed restrictions
for roadway and road crossfall
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Pedestrian Guard Rail
SF15
SPECIFICATION
See individual item drawings.
Material: steel,
reinforced plastic.
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Continuous alignment
1.5m minimum access
width to be maintained.
Yellow or White coloured
bands on street furniture.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
See individual item drawings.
NOTE:
1. Minimum access dimension will increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use, and if footway is in a busy city centre
or shopping district.
bollard
PLAN
K
E
R
B

L
I
N
E
R
E
A
R

O
F

F
O
O
T
W
A
Y
FOOTWAY / PAVEMENT CARRIAGEWAY BUILDING
bollard
bollard
traffic sign
lighting column
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Continuous Alignment
SF16
SPECIFICATION
See individual item drawings.
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Continuous spacing:
clear access 1.5m wide
around seating.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
See individual item drawings.
NOTE:
1. Clear spaces to front or rear edges of footway will increase if footway
use is shared e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.
PLAN
K
E
R
B

L
I
N
E
R
E
A
R

O
F

F
O
O
T
W
A
Y
FOOTWAY / PAVEMENT CARRIAGEWAY BUILDING
bollard
seat
distance
between
obstructions
greater than 1.5m
or
less than 0.25m
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Continuous Spacing
SF17
SPECIFICATION
Colour: natural.
Material: stainless
steel. Tapping rail to
be provided
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair routes.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification:
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage.
0
.
7
5
m
SIDE ELEVATION FRONT ELEVATION
0
.
7
9
m
0
.
9
3
m
1.0m
spacing
0.07m
0.59m
0.25m
max.
TAPPING RAIL
SPONSOR
INFORMATION
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Bike Stand and Information Board
SF18
SPECIFICATION
Colour: to contrast with
surroundings. Colour
band of white or light yellow
to contrast with body colour
up to 1.0m height.
Style: Dependent upon
scheme. (see maintenance
implications).
Material: plywood,
poly-carbonate, timber.
DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: size, shape, height,
location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearance, wheel chair routes,
continuous alignment.
MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: standard
types to be used, quality
paint system.
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage.
NOTE:
1. Minimum clearances will increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.
1.5m
clear width to obstruction
or edge of footway
1.0m
hoarding to be painted
white or light yellow
above 1.0m level
0.14 to 0.16m wide
yellow or white colour band
Note: if mesh fencing proposed for
hoarding, bright coloured (red/white)
boards to be fixed 1.5 to 2.0m height
at regular intervals.
SITING OF STREET FURNITURE
Temporary Hoardings
SF19
Birmingham City Council
Transportation Department
1 Lancaster Circus
Birmingham B4 7DQ
Telephone: 0121 303 7357
Facsimile: 0121 359 0931
Email:
alan.morris@birmingham.gov.uk