STREETSCAPE GUIDANCE

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INTRODUCTION
PART A
A vision for London’s streets
PART B
From strategy to delivery
PART C
New measures for new challenges
PART D
Balancing priorities
PART F
Appendix
PART E
Physical design and materials
SECTION 6
Introduction
SECTION 7
High quality footways
SECTION 8
Carriageways
SECTION 9
Crossings
SECTION 10
Kerbside activity
SECTION 11
Footway amenities
SECTION 12
Safety and functionality
SECTION 13
Street environment
SECTION 14
Transport interchanges
Streetscape Guidance
[Part E – Physical design and materials] High quality footways 94
7.7 Kerbs
Kerbs provide an important visual and physical
delineation between footway and carriageway.
We advise using a limited material palette for
kerbs, providing a clear and consistent aesthetic
for all street types.
Kerb unit sizes, profiles and options vary
significantly between different suppliers, so
the Streetscape Guidance focuses on the key
aspects of performance which are required on
the TLRN. The core criteria are:
• To use a consistent material palette
• To enhance safety and legibility by providing an
appropriate degree of carriageway delineation
• To provide long-term durability and ease of
maintenance
Figure 95: Granite kerb
• To offer inclusive facilities for all users
• To enable good drainage and surface water
removal
Kerb materials
Kerbs can be provided in both granite and
concrete. Both materials have benefits and
drawbacks.
Granite kerbs are preferred for environments
that:
• Have regular pedestrian movement
• Have low to moderate speeds
• Are in conservation areas or
• Have historic or civic significance
• Require a high quality finish, especially when
combined with other natural stones or asphalt
footways
• Where footways need to be emphasised or
high pedestrian flows exist
• Where enhanced longevity of a scheme is
required as granite has a longer life than
concrete and can be reused
Concrete kerbs are preferred:
• In high speed environments where pedestrians
are less likely to linger or spend time
• Where a kerb must be cast in place to suit the
circumstance
The initial installation and material cost of
concrete kerbs is relatively inexpensive, however,
it does not tend to wear well over time.
Standard kerb dimensions
The kerb face or upstand height is important
for delineating the boundary of the carriageway,
providing a visible edge and drainage channel.
Kerb heights can have a profound impact on
physical visibility and protection, as well as a
perceptual impact on user behaviour. Lower
kerbs are more conducive to informal pedestrian
crossing but offer less physical protection from
vehicles and can prove difficult for those with
visual impairments to navigate.
Dropped kerbs offer convenient, step-free access
and are especially beneficial for users with
impaired mobility, however, some users may
experience discomfort if the gradient is too
severe. Dropped kerbs should be provided with
transition kerbs on the approach to provide a
gentle gradient to a flush edge at carriageway level.
Figure 96: Southwark Street