BS 5709:2018

This British Standard specifies field-measurable performance requirements for new gaps, gates and stiles for footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and other routes used by the public. It can also be used for structures to be installed on permissive paths, wholly private ways and on commons. It includes a hierarchy of accessibility performance requirements to raise awareness of the characteristics of different structures. It does not attempt to provide performance requirements in relation to land management need, to be individually assessed according to the circumstances. It can be used to establish and maintain a quality in all new structures that represents good practice. This British Standard does not automatically apply retrospectively to most existing structures. It can be used as guidance for those who wish to repair or improve existing structures. This British Standard does not allocate decision making, installation, maintenance or record keeping to any particular organization or person. This British Standard is intended to be used by: those planning, specifying or authorizing new structures on paths (e.g. highway authorities, highways agencies, district councils, landowners, tenants, user groups and others handling diversions, creations or dedications of paths subject to gaps, gates and stiles); those making and buying path structures or kits; those installing path structures; and those replacing, maintaining and inspecting path structures. Most of the functional performance criteria are field measurable but this British Standard also gives guidance on design where field measurement is physically difficult or subjective.