To make sure bollard spacing meets accessibility standards, you need to balance vehicle prevention with safe, inclusive pedestrian access. UK guidance focuses on ensuring wheelchair users, pushchairs, and mobility aids can pass through comfortably.
Recommended accessible spacing
- Minimum 1.0 metre clear gap between bollards for wheelchair access
- 1.2 metres preferred where space allows, for easier manoeuvring
- Measure the clear opening between bollards, not centre-to-centre spacing
- Keep spacing consistent and aligned to avoid confusion or pinch points
Relevant UK guidance
BS 8300-1 & BS 8300-2
- Provide best practice for inclusive design and accessible environments
Equality Act 2010
- Requires “reasonable adjustments” to ensure access for disabled users
These apply to areas such as public car parks, footpaths, retail sites, and building approaches.
Design best practice
- Maintain a clear, unobstructed route through bollards
- Avoid creating trip hazards with bases or uneven surfaces
- Ensure bollards are highly visible (contrast colours or reflective bands)
- On busy routes, allow at least 1.5 metres total path width where possible
- Position bollards to prevent vehicles bypassing them without restricting pedestrians
Practical takeaway
If a wheelchair or mobility aid can’t pass through easily, the spacing isn’t compliant. Always design around the user first, then set spacing to stop vehicles.
At Aremco Barriers, we can help plan bollard layouts that meet accessibility guidance while still delivering effective vehicle control — ensuring your site is both safe and inclusive.
