Chapter 8 Barriers

Chapter 8 barriers are temporary barrier systems specifically designed to comply with the “Chapter 8 guidelines” issued by the government. When talking about Chapter 8 barrier systems, most people will be referring to barrier systems designed to keep pedestrians out of work sites. These are available in a range of styles and often feature a red and white reflective strip to warn vehicles of their presence. They are deployed along the roadside by utility workers, construction workers or maintenance teams when carrying out essential repairs on the UK’s road network.

About Chapter 8 Barriers

Start Safety UK offers a comprehensive range of Chapter 8 compliant barriers designed to protect both pedestrians and workers by creating a clear, physical separation between construction zones and live traffic. Available in various formats, including Pedestrian Barriers, Manhole Barriers, and Water-Filled Barriers, our solutions are durable, lightweight, and can even be colour-matched to align with your company branding.

Whether you're purchasing by the pallet or as individual units, these barriers are easy to transport, store, and deploy. Making your safety operations more efficient and cost-effective. With options from trusted brands like JSP, Melba, and Firmus, each barrier features reflective banding for enhanced visibility, robust construction for long-term durability, and interlocking capability for added stability on-site.

Chapter 8 Barrier FAQ's

Why are they called Chapter 8 Barriers?

The name comes from the government guidelines that allow contractors to safely and consistently place roadworks on the UK's road network. The guidelines cover many points, but mostly outline that the barriers should be visible day and night, and their four key use cases: for pedestrian control, traffic barriers for lane delineation, barriers for zoning off areas and vehicle restraint barriers.

What size are Chapter 8 Barriers?

Chapter 8 barriers come in a range of sizes that allow them to fulfill their different roles. The most common types are the 2-metre-long pedestrian-style barriers. These can be flat-packed onto a pallet and stand at 1 metre tall. Other common chapter 8 barriers include water-filled options that tend to be 1 metre long and stand anywhere between 500mm and 1.5 metres tall.

What are Chapter 8 Barrier regulations?

The Chapter 8 regulations are government guidelines that set out how street works and signage should be deployed. You can find a link to them on this page: Chapter 8 Traffic Management.

What Makes A Good Chapter 8 Safety Barrier?

There are several things that you should look for and consider when picking a pedestrian safety barrier, depending on the application your requirements may differ a little, but these are some of the things that you should think about.

Strong & Sturdy

If being used around excavations or to keep larger numbers of pedestrians from entering an area the barricade should be able to stand up to people leaning and falling against it.

Durable

All barriers should be able to stand up to multiple uses otherwise you are wasting your money, and if a unit were to break you could potentially put someone at risk of injury. All of our barriers are durable and we stand by their build quality.

Lightweight

A lighter weight barrier is easy to move to and from a site, and far easier to set out than heavier barriers such as metal or concrete. This will not only save you cost in transportation but in wages for staff deploying them.

Interlocking

If using barriers to control a crowd, or prevent access to road works they should ideally interlock, preventing people sneaking between units and getting into restricted areas.

Visible

If the barrier is being used outside it should include high visibility markings to ensure that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians can see that there is an obstacle ahead.

Need help finding the right product?

Give our trained sales team a call on +44 (0)1905 794875, they will help you in choosing a suitable system for your needs and will also be happy to discuss discounts for bulk quantity requirements and special delivery need.

Why buy from Start Safety?

We have the full range shown above in stock on the shelf ready to ship out next day, we offer special delivery services and can even arrange same day delivery on many products.

Chapter 8 Barriers

Firmus Professional Barrier - Chapter 8 Pedestrian Barrier - Standard Feet - Orange

Melba Gate Barrier - Pedestrian Barrier - Chapter 8 Barrier

JSP Navigator PLUS Barrier

JSP Titan Safety Barrier - Red

JSP Titan Safety Barrier - Blue

Safegate Barrier - Red or Yellow, 3 or 4 Gates

Utility Barrier - For Manholes 750mm or 1 metre width

Portagate Barrier- Folding Manhole Barrier - JSP - Red

WonderWall Barrier - Pedestrian Separation System

Buddha Barrier System - Stacking Water Filled Pedestrian Fence

StrongWall Barrier - Construction Barrier - Oxford Plastics

Avalon Barriers - Pedestrian Barrier - Orange

Utility Barrier - For Manholes 750mm or 1 metre width - Blue

Portagate Barrier- Folding Manhole Barrier - JSP - Blue | KBU023-000-500

Avalon Barriers - Pedestrian Barrier - Blue

Frontier Barrier - Pedestrian Barrier - JSP

Firmus Professional Barrier - Chapter 8 Pedestrian Barrier - Standard Feet - Blue

Firmus Professional Barrier - Chapter 8 Pedestrian Barrier - Standard Feet - Yellow

Firmus Professional Barrier - Chapter 8 Pedestrian Barrier - Standard Feet - Green

Firmus Professional Barrier - Chapter 8 Pedestrian Barrier - Standard Feet - Red