The height barrier at the entrance to Car Haven Car Park, Peterborough is a hazard to road users and in breach of legislation.

All height restrictions on a public road should be clearly identified and marked.

The standard minimum clearance over every part of the carriageway of a public road is 16 feet 6 inches (5.03 metres). When the clearance over any part is less than this, standard warning signs both on and prior to the structure should be provided. The stated clearance should be at least 75mm less than the measured height.

Heights of vehicle likely to be encountered are 4.2 metres high (i.e. A standard container on a suitable flatbed vehicle). Minimum headroom provided should be 4.65 metres exclusive of any additional space required for lighting units. Where emergency vehicle access is required, the height of such vehicles should be confirmed with the relevant emergency service. Additional clearance will be required if there is a requirement for an overlay in the future. Changes in gradient may also reduce the effective headroom for long vehicles.

Fundamental Flaws

Peterborough City Council (PCC) has failed to:

1. Introduce a Traffic Regulation Order for the height barrier
2. Install standard warning signs both on and prior to the height barrier.
3. Comply with Highways Act 1980 Section 137 which states: “If a person, without lawful authority or excuse, in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along a highway he is guilty of an offence”.

Due to these failures by PCC the height barrier is currently a hazard to road users and must be removed immediately.

Referred To Gillian Beasley

Given the seriousness of the situation, I have referred the case to Gillian Beasley, Chief Executive Peterborough City Council to address as a matter of urgency.