Safer Solutions for Filtered Permeability Schemes

The implementation of a Filtered Permeability Scheme can prove to be a vital aspect in creating liveable Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs). Neighbourhoods where a group of residential streets are closed off to through-traffic, which can then allow the safe and interchangeable passage of pedestrians and bikes. LTNs aim to provide an overall reduction in motor traffic, and in doing so, reduce air pollution, noise pollution and road accidents. Meanwhile, they can turn residential streets into more pleasant, inclusive, attractive, and safer places for people to walk, cycle, socialise, and children to play. They can especially be valuable in new-build locations where schemes can be implemented to tailor the design of the urban layout.* What is the Urban Planning Concept of Filtered Permeability? An urban planning concept that “filters out” motor vehicle access on selected streets to create a safer more attractive environment for walking and cycling, all whilst maintaining accessibility for all local inhabitants, deliveries or emergency services. The term ‘filtered permeability’ was first coined by Dr Steve Melia (2008) of the University of West England, and subsequently defined in guidance prepared for the Department of Communities and Local Government in the UK. The terminology varies, but in multiple European cities where examples of filtered permeability are seen such as the German cities of Freiburg and Münster, the key elements remain the same – to restrict motor vehicle traffic and promote alternative means of transport.* The Modal Solution Sometimes referred to as a point closure, Modal Filters are a highly effective road design that can be used to achieve filtered permeability, whereby a single point in the road restricts access to certain modes of transport but not others using a certain form of barrier. Utilising strategically placed modal filters like gates, signs and plants are all effective methods to prevent motor vehicle access, but the most effective form comes with using Road & Traffic Bollards. Bollards can create a distance in between to prevent a car from passing, whilst providing access for pedestrians or cyclists to pass with ease*. Glasdon bollards offer advantageous levels of safety, strength, and information not found in other forms of filtration. Meanwhile, their ability to be removed by authorised personnel means they can be effortlessly changed when maintenance or emergency access is required. These traits mean that Glasdon bollards are an ideal modal filter candidate to use in a filtered permeability scheme. Solutions for Filtered Permeability Schemes Our extensive range of Road & Traffic Bollards can be adapted to create an effective filtered permeability scheme. Below are some exceptional examples that can be used to prevent motor vehicle traffic whilst encouraging walking or cycling. Advanced Neopolitan™ 150 Available in either Rebound Impactapol® or rigid Durapol® material, with the option for LockFast™ socket fixing system. Durapol is the strong, lightweight material that is corrosion-free so it will not chip or rust, meanwhile, Rebound Impactapol is a self-righting flexible material that offers all the additional benefits of Durapol, but will return to its original shape following a collision, meaning that the product will continue to be in service after sustaining an impact. With the LockFast socket available for both materials as a ground fixing method, the Advanced Neopolitan 150 can be removed with ease when needed, making them ideal for permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary applications. Advanced Neopolitan 170 Combining the LockFast socket system and Rebound Impactapol material can make the Advanced Neopolitan™ 150 an ideal candidate in filtration schemes due to its exceptional ability to assist emergency services in case they need to quickly access the point of entry. The socket system means it can be simply removed through straightforward unlocking, or driven over by an ambulance or fire engine, collapsing as intended and causing little to no damage to both vehicle and bollard. lockfast visual The LockFast Socket System is designed to absorb the impact of most collisions whilst leaving the socket itself and surrounding surfaces undamaged. Replacement bollards can then be purchased and fitted, quicky and easily without the need for costly reinstatement or groundwork. See our informative Guide to Fixing Options for Glasdon Bollards. Mini-Ensign™ Bollard The Mini-Ensign Bollard is a slimline, sign carrying bollard with a wide range of sign face options such as cycle routes or directional arrows. Available in either a self-righting Rebound Impactapol material or rigid Durapol® material. This bollard is the ideal accompaniment to cycle infrastructure and signifying bicycle access for filtration schemes. Its ability to display clear and concise information through its multiple sign faces means it can effectively be placed in multiple types of filtration schemes. Below ground socket system only available for rigid Durapol version. Mini-ensign Cyclemaster™ Bollard A highly visible double-sided marking bollard for cycle routes to display information signs for cycle lane users, available too in rigid Durapol or Rebound Impactapol material with the option of socket or bolt-down ground fixing. A benefit of its slim design, the Cyclemaster Bollard can be situated in narrow spaces, pavements, and alleyways, perfect to place in filtration schemes with limited space to benefit cyclists. Meanwhile, the sign area features large fluorescent aura retroreflective panels to provide high visibility in daylight conditions and under lights at night. With its wide range of vandal-resistant sign faces, the bollard can be used in multiple filtration scenarios where both bicycles and walkers use the same route. Cyclemaster Sign FacesCyclemaster Bollard Glenwood™ 170 Post A strong and robust timber-effect post that is the low maintenance alternative to traditional wooden posts. It is the ideal addition to guide through rural pathways for both cyclists and walkers. Manufactured from Everwood™, the highly realistic timber grain that mimics the nature that surrounds it, all whilst offering the same durability and strength of Durapol alternatives. Everwood is also a remarkably resistant material against vandals and weather, and unlike wood, it will not split or rot. Available with its own Glenwood socket, a fixing option that allows the post to be removed to facilitate access for maintenance vehicles on cycle routes. Glenwood Bollards Installation and Things to Consider Before designing and implementing a filtered permeability scheme, there are vital aspects to consider in order to ensure access for all types of people. Not only will cyclists and walkers have to be taken into account, but visible and adequate space must be made for people using mobility scooters and wheelchairs, utility services and refuse collection, and most notably emergency services. Good schemes that allow accessibility for all will take the following into account before installing a filtration scheme: At least 1.5m clear space between bollards Easily identifiable to all members of the public Retroreflective to ensure visibility at night Neopolitan Installation Neopolitan Installation Neopolitan Installation Emergency Services In general terms, emergency services will access a site through unfiltered streets because it is more straight-forward than stopping to unlock a gate or remove a bollard. However, if access to the emergency is blocked or additional resources are required, then the ability to open a filter is very useful. In common with many traffic management schemes, early engagement is vital. Self-righting bollards that use our Rebound Impactable material are the ideal solution to provide the services with the means to access in the event of an emergency. With an emergency vehicle (generally fire engines but also ambulances) the bollards can be driven over slowly with care, providing little to no damage to the vehicle. Once the vehicle has passed, it self-rights and regains its shape, continuing to be used until future servicing. Ranty Highwayman Blog Image The Ranty Highwayman Blog Additionally, it is helpful to use road markings in combination with lockable and flexible bollards. With clear, bright, and concise markings, both walkers and cyclists will be informed as to where they are supposed to safely travel. 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