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

Cabinet Member
Transportation, Street services
And Sustainability

David Pywell
Director of Transportation

SF1

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

Bollards

SPECIFICATION

0.15m
min. width

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)

top of bollard
painted
white or yellow
0.14 - 0.16m wide

Material: steel, iron,

concrete or plastic;
smooth finish.

1.5m
min. distance
to next obstruction

1.1m
min. height

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS

additional band(s)
(white/yellow)
0.14 - 0.16m wide

Visibility: size, shape, height,

location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.

0.45 to 0.60m
min. distance
to kerb

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.

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

SF2

Traffic Signs General

min. distance
edge of sign
to kerb face

SPECIFICATION

0.45 to
0.60m

Pole colour: grey or black

with colour band of white
or yellow if required
depending on pole site.
Material: steel pole,
aluminium sign.
0.14 - 0.16m wide
yellow or white
coloured band

2.3m
min. clearance
above footway

1.5 - 1.7m

1.5m
min. distance
to next obstruction
(if not available, move
post to rear of footway
or fix sign to structure)

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.

SF3

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

Traffic Signs Two Poles

A45
SPECIFICATION
Pole colour: grey or black
with colour band to contrast
with pole colour if in
pedestrian footway.

min. distance
edge of sign
to kerb face

0.45 to
0.60m

Kidderminster
A456

Material: steel poles,

aluminium sign.
distance between poles
greater than 1.0m
or less than 0.25m

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
2.3m
min. clearance
above footway

Visibility: location, colour.

Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.

0.14 - 0.16m wide

yellow or white
coloured band

1.5 1.7m

MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS

1.5m
min. distance
to next obstruction

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.

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

SF4

Traffic Signs Shopping Areas

min. distance
edge of sign
to kerb face

0.45 to
0.60m

Short
Stay

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
3.5m
min. clearance
above footway

0.14 - 0.16m wide

yellow or white
coloured band

1.5 - 1.7m

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.

SF5

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

Temporary Traffic Signs

SPECIFICATION
As for permanent signs.
Material: steel

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
As for permanent signs.

MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
As for permanent signs.

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.

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

SF6

Pedestrian Finger Sign Poles

Railway Station

SPECIFICATION
Law Courts

0.14 0.16m wide

yellow or white
coloured band

1.5 1.7m

1.5m
min. distance to
nearest obstruction
or kerb face

max. height to suit project requirements

0.45 to
0.60m

2.3m min. height

min. distance
edge of sign
to kerb face

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.

SF7

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

Lighting Columns

SPECIFICATION
Colour: dependent on
scheme. Consider colour
band to contrast with main
colour of base.
Style: dependent on
scheme. (see maintenance
implications)
Material: steel

5.5m
min. clearance when
above carriageway

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS

0.14 - 0.16m
yellow or white
coloured band

Visibility: location, colour.

Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.

Lighting column
positioned at rear of footway
with min. distance of
1.5m to kerb face

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.

1.5 - 1.7m

*Note: Refer to lighting standard detail drawings for positioning of columns on 40mph and higher
speed roads.

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.

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

SF8

Traffic Signal Poles

SPECIFICATION

0.45 to 0.60m
min. distance
edge of sign
to kerb face

Pole colour: grey with

colour band to contrast
with pole grey.
Material: steel

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
0.14 - 0.16m wide
yellow or white
coloured band
2.1m
min. clearance
above footway
1.5 - 1.7m

1.2m
height to
push button

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.

SF9

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

Parking Pay and Display
Ticket Machine

SPECIFICATION
Pole colour: silver
Material: steel,
aluminium.

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS

optimum height of
coin insertion and
ticket collection
1.1 to 1.5m
1.9m
max. height
of display

Visibility: location, colour.

Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.
Reach from wheelchair.
Legibility of text.
0.45 to 0.60m
min. distance
to kerb face

MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS

0.9m
min. height
of display

2.3m
min.
clearance
above
footway

1.5m
min. distance
to next
obstruction

Specification:
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage, theft.

NOTE:
1. Minimum clearances may increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

SF10

Control Boxes Signal, Lighting,

Telecom Etc.
back of footway
doors open
against back
of footway

SPECIFICATION
Colour: various, contrast with
background.
Material: steel

allow for door opening

clearances and working space

PLAN

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous
alignment, protrusions.

Cabinets to
be sited at
rear
of footway.
0.75m
min. height

1.5m
min. distance
to kerb face
(from opened doors)

MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: quality paint
system, vandal resistant.
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage.

SIDE ELEVATION

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.

SF11

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

Litter Bins

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.

1.5m
min. distance
from kerb face
and nearest/all
obstructions

optimum
access height
0.8m

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.

min.
height
0.9m

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

SF12

Trees & Shrubs

SPECIFICATION
Tree roots must not disturb
surface of footway. Remedial
action to be taken if roots
affect footway.

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS

2.3m
min. height
for hanging
branches

Visibility: location.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous
alignment, protrusions.
Tree grilles: guards to
be considered for
pedestrian areas.
1.5m
min. distance
to next obstruction

1.5m
min. distance
to next obstruction

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.

SF13

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

Street Name Plates

SPECIFICATION
Colour: white, blue, black.
Material: steel, cast
iron, aluminium.

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS
Visibility: location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.

MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS

HIGH STREET
min. height
0.6m

Specification:

street name plate to be

mounted at back of footway or
attached to wall or railings

Location: accidental damage,

vandal damage, access to
plate and wall at rear.

FRONT ELEVATION

END ELEVATION

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

SF14

Illuminated Road Traffic Bollards

SPECIFICATION
Colour: yellow/white.
Material: plastic
2.4m
min. distance
between kerbs
or bollards

SIDE ELEVATION

2.4m
min. distance
between kerbs
or bollards

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.

PLAN

SF15

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

Pedestrian Guard Rail

SPECIFICATION
Colour: dependent on
scheme.
1.05m
min. height

Material: galvanised
steel painted to required
colour

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS

0.25m
max. gap

FRONT ELEVATION

Visibility: location, colour.

Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair
routes, continuous alignment.

MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS

0.45 to 0.60m*
min. distance
from edge of kerb

*dependent on speed restrictions

for roadway and road crossfall

Specification: galvanised,
or special.
Location: accidental damage.

SIDE ELEVATION

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

SF16

Continuous Alignment

CARRIAGEWAY

FOOTWAY / PAVEMENT

BUILDING

SPECIFICATION

bollard

See individual item drawings.

Material: steel,
reinforced plastic.

bollard

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS

REAR OF FOOTWAY

KERB LINE

lighting column

Continuous alignment
1.5m minimum access
width to be maintained.
Yellow or White coloured
bands on street furniture.

MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
bollard

traffic sign

See individual item drawings.

PLAN

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.

SF17

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

Continuous Spacing
CARRIAGEWAY

FOOTWAY / PAVEMENT

BUILDING

SPECIFICATION
See individual item drawings.

greater than 1.5m

or
less than 0.25m
KERB LINE

Continuous spacing:
clear access 1.5m wide
around seating.

distance
between
obstructions

MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS

REAR OF FOOTWAY

bollard

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS

seat

See individual item drawings.

PLAN

NOTE:
1. Clear spaces to front or rear edges of footway will increase if footway
use is shared e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

SF18

Bike Stand and Information Board

FRONT ELEVATION

SIDE ELEVATION

SPECIFICATION

0.93m

Colour: natural.

INFORMATION

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS

SPONSOR

0.07m

Material: stainless
steel. Tapping rail to
be provided

0.79m

0.75m

Visibility: location, colour.

Obstruction: minimum
clearances, wheelchair routes.

0.25m
max.

1.0m
spacing

TAPPING RAIL

MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification:
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage.

0.59m

SF19

SITING OF STREET FURNITURE

Temporary Hoardings

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).

Note: if mesh fencing proposed for

hoarding, bright coloured (red/white)
boards to be fixed 1.5 to 2.0m height
at regular intervals.
hoarding to be painted
white or light yellow
above 1.0m level

Material: plywood,
poly-carbonate, timber.

DISABILITY
IMPLICATIONS

1.0m

Visibility: size, shape, height,

location, colour.
Obstruction: minimum
clearance, wheel chair routes,
continuous alignment.

1.5m
clear width to obstruction
or edge of footway

MAINTENANCE
IMPLICATIONS
Specification: standard
types to be used, quality
paint system.
Location: accidental damage,
vandal damage.

0.14 to 0.16m wide

yellow or white colour band

NOTE:
1. Minimum clearances will increase if footway use is shared
e.g. pedestrian/cycle use.

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