Temporary Hoardings and Fencing

Temporary hoardings and fencing define the site boundary, protect the public from construction hazards, and prevent unauthorised access.
Hoardings adjacent to public footpaths and roads must be structurally stable, maintained in good condition, and adequately lit.
The minimum height for hoardings on public highways is typically 2.4 metres — local authority requirements may specify taller barriers.
Hoarding foundations must be designed to resist wind loading — a toppled hoarding injures pedestrians and blocks traffic.
Pedestrian walkways diverted around hoardings must be adequately wide, lit, surfaced, and protected from overhead hazards.
Information boards on hoardings display project details, contact numbers, and safety warnings for the public.
Gates within hoardings must be secured when not in use and supervised when open to control access and protect pedestrians.
Hoardings near live carriageways require Chapter 8 signing and may need temporary traffic signals or pedestrian diversions.
Regular inspection maintains hoarding structural integrity — wind damage, vehicle impact, and vandalism degrade condition quickly.
Advertising or artwork on hoardings can benefit community relations but must not obscure safety signs or exit routes.

Public protection	Hoardings are the barrier between the public and construction hazards — a failure exposes pedestrians to falls, debris, and plant.
Wind collapse	A hoarding without adequate foundations topples in strong winds, striking and crushing pedestrians on the adjacent footpath.
Pedestrian safety	Diverted footpaths around hoardings must be safe — poor lighting, uneven surfaces, and narrow walkways cause pedestrian injuries.

Do

Don't

Install hoardings to the required height with foundations designed for wind loading.
Provide adequately wide, lit, and surfaced pedestrian walkways around hoardings.
Secure all gates when not in active use to prevent unauthorised access.
Install Chapter 8 signing where hoardings are adjacent to live carriageways.
Inspect hoardings regularly for wind damage, vehicle impact, and structural defects.
Display project information, contact details, and safety warnings for the public.
Provide overhead protection where the risk of falling debris exists above the walkway.
Supervise hoarding gates when open to manage access and protect pedestrians.
Maintain hoarding appearance — graffiti and damage create a poor community impression.
Ensure safety signs and emergency exits remain visible and unobstructed by artwork.

DON'T install hoardings without foundations designed to resist wind loading.
DON'T create narrow, unlit, or poorly surfaced pedestrian diversions around hoardings.
DON'T leave hoarding gates open and unattended where the public can enter the site.
DON'T position hoardings on highways without Chapter 8 signing and traffic management.
DON'T neglect hoarding inspections — structural failures injure the public.
DON'T omit project information and safety warnings from the hoarding display.
DON'T direct pedestrians past overhead hazards without installing protective fans.
DON'T allow uncontrolled access through hoarding gates during deliveries.
DON'T let damaged or vandalised hoardings remain unrepaired — they look unsafe.
DON'T cover safety signs or emergency exits with hoarding advertising.

See also: Temporary Works Awareness | Community Liaison & Complaints Handling

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