Pedestrian and Vehicle Segregation

Pedestrian and vehicle segregation means physically separating the routes used by people on foot from those used by vehicles and plant.
Struck-by incidents between vehicles and pedestrians are one of the top causes of fatal injury on UK construction sites.
Physical barriers such as armco, jersey blocks, kerbed walkways, and Heras fencing provide the most effective separation.
Painted lines, cones, and signs help but are not substitutes for solid physical barriers between traffic and pedestrians.
Designated crossing points with clear sightlines allow pedestrians to cross vehicle routes safely under controlled conditions.
The traffic management plan must show all pedestrian routes, vehicle routes, crossing points, and one-way systems on the site plan.
Segregation must be reviewed and adapted as the site layout changes throughout each phase of the construction project.
Delivery areas, loading bays, and plant working zones must be physically separated from pedestrian access routes.
All site personnel must be inducted on the traffic management plan and the designated pedestrian routes before starting.
Segregation is a shared responsibility — both pedestrians and plant operators must follow the designated routes at all times.

Prevent fatal strikes	A pedestrian struck by a moving excavator or HGV has almost no chance of survival — physical barriers prevent contact.
Physical barriers work	Paint and cones are easily ignored or displaced — physical barriers force separation that cannot be casually breached.
Constant adaptation	As the site layout changes, pedestrian and vehicle routes must be redesigned — yesterday's safe route may cross today's haul road.

Do

Don't

Install physical barriers between pedestrian walkways and vehicle routes on site.
Provide designated crossing points with clear sightlines at controlled locations.
Mark pedestrian routes clearly with signs visible from all approach directions.
Include all pedestrian routes, vehicle routes, and crossings on the traffic management plan.
Review and update segregation arrangements as the site layout changes with each phase.
Separate delivery areas and loading bays from pedestrian access routes.
Induct all workers on the traffic plan and pedestrian routes before they start work.
Use banksmen at crossing points where vehicles and pedestrians must share space temporarily.
Maintain segregation barriers in good condition — repair damage and displacement immediately.
Walk the pedestrian routes regularly to check they remain safe and clearly defined.

DON'T rely on painted lines alone — use physical barriers for effective segregation.
DON'T allow pedestrians to walk along or across vehicle haul routes.
DON'T create crossing points without adequate sightlines for both pedestrians and drivers.
DON'T ignore the traffic management plan — follow the designated pedestrian routes.
DON'T leave segregation unchanged when the site layout changes between phases.
DON'T mix pedestrian access with delivery unloading and plant operating zones.
DON'T allow workers on site without inducting them on the traffic management plan.
DON'T remove banksmen from crossing points where temporary shared use is required.
DON'T leave damaged barriers in place — repair or replace them immediately.
DON'T take shortcuts through vehicle areas — use the designated pedestrian route always.

See also: Plant and Pedestrian Segregation | Site Speed Limits and Route Planning

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