BS 5709 pdf free download

BS 5709-2001 pdf free download.Gaps, gates and stiles — Specification.
3 Selection of gap, gate or stile — order of preference
3.1 General The selection of a gap, gate or stile, which permits people to use a path crossing a field boundary such as a hedge, fence or stone wall, shall result in as little restriction as possible for potential users, while meeting the actual agricultural needs of the landowners (principle of least restrictive option). The following are legitimate path users with respect to categories of rights of way (see Highways Act 1980 [1] and Countryside Act 1968 [5]):
a) footpaths:
1) walkers (pedestrians);
2) wheelchair users;
3) walkers with dogs under control;
4) walkers with prams/pushchairs;
b) bridleways:
1) all footpath users;
2) horse riders;
3) cyclists;
4) persons leading horses.
NOTE 1 Where a landowner grants access by concession there is scope to define the range of users differently from those in right of way legislation for public paths. For example, a permissive path could allow walkers and horse riders but preclude cyclists. NOTE 2 Care is required in planning and installing gaps, gates and stiles on all routes where restrictions to mobility vehicle users, including invalid carriage users and other disabled persons, may be created (see Foreword). If a gate, kissing gate or stile is to be provided on a path an assessment shall be made of whether such action is reasonable. The following points shall be considered in the assessment: a) the likelihood of the structure, taken in the context of its environment, causing some restriction to users (e.g. a gate will be difficult for some people with reach or dexterity difficulties); b) the extent of any restriction which will be created (e.g. a stile will create an absolute barrier to wheelchair users and many walkers with pushchairs); c) the effort or cost that would be required to take other measures to remove the need for a restriction.
In general terms the principle of applying the least restrictive option means that a path crossing a field boundary shall in the first instance be through a gap (see 4.1 and 4.2). If a gap is inappropriate, for example because of the need to control livestock, the second choice shall be a gate (see 4.1 and 4.3), which is easy to operate in both directions of travel by all people entitled to use the path. If a gate is inappropriate, a kissing gate (see 4.1 and 4.4) shall be chosen. Stiles shall only be used for new structures when exceptional circumstances require them. With the exception of horse stiles (see 4.5.4), this standard is aimed at the repair and refurbishment of existing stiles. NOTE 3 As no single structure provides access across field boundaries that is satisfactory in all situations, this standard provides a hierarchy of performance requirements to enable choices to be made as to which structure is most appropriate. 3.2 Choice of structure Where there are no explicitly identified counter reasons, the type of structure chosen shall be the least restrictive option in accordance with the following list (displayed in least restrictive option order): a) gap; b) gate; c) kissing gate; d) stile. Table 1 shows the performance normally to be expected from the structures listed in their order of preference.BS 5709 pdf download.