To enable the access and operation of a fire appliance, a clear width of 3.7m is required that allows a pump appliance to get within 45m of all points in a home [Reference 11]. An access route can be reduced to an absolute minimum 2.75 m for short distances points, such as at modal filters and traffic calming features, provided that the vehicle can still meet the 45m requirement.
The local fire authority must be consulted where carriageway widths are to be reduced below 3.7m.
In all cases, consideration should be given to parking restrictions to ensure clear access to fire vehicles.
Blocks of flats over 4 storeys have additional access requirements, further information is provided within Building Regulations Approved Document B and the local Building Control Authority.
References
- Reference 11: HMG (2020) Building Regulations Approved Document B, Volume 1 - Dwellings (Return to content for reference 11).
In this section
- 4.1 Street vision and strategy
- 4.2 Street typologies
- 4.3 Creating a street network
- 4.4 Connectivity and thinking ‘beyond the red line’
- 4.5 Permeability and walkability
- 4.6 Streets and block patterns
- 4.7 Cul-de-sacs
- 4.8 20-minute neighbourhoods
- 4.9 Street adoption
- 4.10 Utilities and services
- 4.11 Emergency vehicles
- 4.12 Refuse collection and servicing
- 4.13 Character and Local Context
- 4.14 Street types overview table