GB2392192A

GB2392192A - Restricted access device

Info

Publication number: GB2392192A
Application number: GB0219454A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Barraclough
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-21
Filing date: 2002-08-21
Publication date: 2004-02-25
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-21
Also published as: GB2392192B; WO2004018776A1; AU2003260726A1; GB0219454D0

Abstract

The restricted access device 101, particularly for use on footpaths, bridle ways, towpaths and other pedestrian routes to allow access to pedestrians, wheel chair users, bicycles etc. while preventing access to motorised vehicles such as motorcycles etc., comprises first and second barriers 102,103 with upper and lower parts that are positioned so that the upper part of each barrier is closer to one another than the lower part of each barrier with the barrier with means for adjustment enabling the distance between the two barriers to be adjusted so as to selectively restrict access to vehicles of predetermined dimensions. Each barrier is preferably adjustably fixed to at least one upright post 109,111 which is/are in turn fixed to crossbeams 104 positioned below the barriers so that the distance between the barriers and the vertical height of the posts can be varied. Each barrier preferably comprises first and second arms connected by an element at their upper ends and a first section 113, in the form of a squeeze plate, which extends between the arms at a height suitable to impede motorcycle handlebars, and a second section 114 may extend between the arms at a height suitable to impede motorcycle wheels. The means for adjustment may comprise sets of holes in the poles and crossbeam which are selectively lined up and then secured in the desired position with bolts. Each barrier is preferably secured to two posts, with one of each posts being secured in turn to first and second crossbeams, The device may also include tactile flooring 115, a guide rail and vivid visual warnings 116 to aid visually impaired users as well as a movable obstruction to prevent livestock passing through the device. Also claimed is a method for installing a device to selectively restrict access of vehicles of predetermined dimensions.

Description

2392 1 92

RESTRICTED ACCESS BARRIER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to restrictive access barriers, and in particular 5 to restricted access barriers that allow pedestrian access, but restrict access for motorised vehicles such as cars, motorcycles and quad bikes.

Background to the Invention

Restricted access barriers are commonly used on public rights of way and 10 private land, in particular on footpaths, bridle ways, towpaths, and other pedestrian routes.

The purpose of a restricted access barrier is to allow the passage of pedestrians and vehicles such as bicycles and wheelchairs, but prevent the 15 passage of motorised vehicles such as motorcycles, which may represent a hazard to pedestrians, and may also damage or pollute the path.

Traditionally, "kissing gates" are used to allow access to pedestrians whilst preventing livestock from passing. However, many designs of kissing gate not 20 only give access to unauthorized vehicles such as motorcycles, but also restrict access to authorised vehicles such as wheelchairs and prams.

US 4,047,330 discloses a barrier for mopeds and bicycles which allowed the passage of pedestrians, wheelchairs and prams. However, this invention 25 comprises moving parts, including a pivot, which would require a certain amount of maintenance during the lifetime of the barrier.

GB 2322149 discloses a restricted access barrier wherein two inverted U shapes are installed such that the gaps between the U shapes at ground level is 3 0 wider than the gap between the U shapes at their apex. However, this invention does not allow the passage of certain authorised vehicles, such as wheelchairs

-2 - with all-weather canopies, double prams and some cycle trailers. Some unauthorized vehicles, such as motorcycles with modified short handlebars, can be manoeuvered through the barrier by hooking the front motorcycle wheel in the gap at the base of one of the U shapes, and forcing the handlebars below the 5 squeeze plates.

Furthermore, it is not apparent to a visually impaired user that the gap at the top of the barrier is narrower than the gap at ground level of the barrier. There is therefore a potential risk of injury to a visually impaired user.

Summarv of the Invention The inventor has realised that there is a need to provide a restricted access barrier which allows the passage of large vehicles, such as wheelchairs with all weather canopies, and yet still restricts passage of motorcycles and other 15 unauthorized vehicles. The inventor has therefore devised a restricted access barrier wherein the width of the gap in the barrier can easily be altered at ground level, and can easily be altered at the top of the barrier.

The inventor has also realised that by substantially increasing the length of 2 o the barrier and inserting a further plate close to ground level to impede motorcycle wheels, it will be much more difficult to manoeuver a motorcycle through the barrier.

Furthermore, the inventor has realised that the safety and comfort of the 25 users of the barrier is of great importance and has accordingly provided both tactile and visual guides for visually impaired people.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device to selectively restrict access of vehicles of pre-determined dimensions 3 0 comprising: a first barrier comprising an upper part and a lower part;

-3 a second barrier comprising an upper part and a lower part, the second barrier being positioned adjacent to the first barrier whereby a distance between the upper part of the second barrier and the upper part of the first barrier is less 5 than a distance between the lower part of the second barrier and the lower part of the first barrier; means for adjustment to allow the distance between the first barrier and the second barrier to be altered; wherein the distance between the first barrier and the second barrier is adjustable to selectively restrict the access of vehicles of pre-determined dimensions. 15 According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for installing a device to selectively restrict the access of vehicles of predetermined dimensions comprising: locating a first crossbeam and a second crossbeam; removably securing a first post and a second post to the first crossbeam and removably securing a third post and a fourth post to the second crossbeam, the posts being aligned in a substantially upright position relative to the crossbeams. affixing a first barrier to the first post and the third post, and a second barrier to the second post and the fourth post, wherein a distance between an upper part of the second barrier and an upper part of the first barrier is less than a distance between a lower part of the second barrier and a lower part of the first barrier.

-4 According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for a device to restrict access to vehicles of pre-determined dimensions comprising: 5 a first barrier comprising an upper part and a lower part; a second barrier comprising an upper part and a lower part, the second barrier being configurable to be positioned adjacent to the first barrier whereby a distance between the upper part of the second barrier and the upper part of the 10 first barrier is the than a distance between the lower part of the second barrier and the lower part of the first barrier; means for adjustment to allow the distance between the first barrier and the second barrier to be altered; wherein the distance between the first barrier and the second barrier is configurable to be adjustable to selectively restrict the access of vehicles of pre-

determined dimensions.

2 0 Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates schematically a front elevation view of the restricted access barrier from the point of view of a user going through the barrier.

Fig. 2 illustrates schematically a side elevation view of the restricted access 3 0 barrier along the length of the barrier.

-5 Fig. 3 illustrates schematically two plan views of the restricted access barrier showing the different squeeze plates used.

Fig. 4 illustrates schematically the mechanism by which the width of the 5 restricted access barrier can be altered, the height of the restricted access barrier can be altered, and the incline through the restricted access barrier can be altered. Fig. 5 illustrates schematically a restricted access barrier incorporated into a 1 0 gate.

Detailed Description of the Best Mode for Carrvina Out the Invention

There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. In the following 15 description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough

understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 1 herein, there is illustrated schematically a front elevation view of the restricted access barrier 101 from the point of view of a user going through the barrier along the path on which the restricted access barrier 101 is installed. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the restricted access barrier 101 comprises a first barrier 102 and a second barrier 103. The distance between the upper part of the barriers 102, 103 is less than the distance between the lower part of the barriers. This configuration allows the access of 3 0 pedestrians, wheelchairs and prams whilst restricting the access of motorcycles.

-6 A first crossbeam 104 is provided, which is located below ground level in a transverse direction to the direction of the path. The first crossbeam 104 is fixed in place using fish-tailed anchoring posts 105, 106, which are set in dry-mix concrete foundations 107, 108.

At least one upright post 109 is affixed to the first crossbeam 104 such that it is positioned in a transverse direction the first crossbeam 104 and extends upwards in a substantially vertical direction. The first barrier 102 is affixed to the first upright post 109 via a supporting plate 1 10 at the top of the upright post 109 10 and directly to a lower part of the upright post 109.

A second upright post 111 is provided, which is also affixed to the first crossbeam 104. The second barrier 103 is affixed to affixed to the second upright post 111.

On installation, the installer may adjust the position of the upright posts 109, 111 relative to a lateral direction of the first crossbeam 104. Means for adjustment are provided to alter the distance between the first upright post 109 and the second upright post 111, thereby altering the distance between the first 2 0 barrier 102 and the second barrier 103.

Furthermore the installer may adjust the position of the upright posts 109, 111 relative to a vertical direction of the first crossbeam 104. Means for adjustment are provided to alter the vertical position of the first upright post 109 25 and the second upright post 111, thereby altering the height of the first barrier 102 and the second barrier 103.

Referring to Fig. 2 herein, there is illustrated schematically a side elevation view of the restricted access barrier 101 along the length of the barrier.

Each barrier 102, 103 comprises a first arm 201, a second arm 202 positioned substantially parallel to the first arm 201, and a connecting member 203 connecting the upper portions of the two arms 201, 202.

5 A section 113 extends between the two parallel arms 201, 202 at a height chosen to impede motorcycle handlebars. This section is known as a "squeeze plate". The gap between each barrier 106 can be further narrowed by choosing a squeeze plate 109 that extends into the gap between the barriers 106.

10 A further section 114 extends between the two parallel arms 201, 202 at a height chosen to impede motorcycle wheels. This section is known as a "kick plate". Whilst the kick plate 114 should be as close to the ground as possible, some ground clearance is provided to account for any incline in the restricted access barrier 101 or any installed flooring.

In a second specific embodiment of the invention, a second crossbeam 204 is provided, which is positioned below ground level parallel to the first crossbeam 104. The second crossbeam 204 is affixed by a pair of anchoring posts 205, which are set in dry-mix concrete foundations 206.

A third upright post 207 and a fourth upright post (not shown) is provided, which are affixed to the second crossbeam 204 such that they are positioned in a transverse direction to the second crossbeam 204 and extend upwards in a substantially vertical direction.

The first barrier 102 is affixed to the first upright post 109 and the third upright post 207, and the second barrier is affixed to the second upright post 111 and the fourth upright post (not shown).

30 By altering the heights of the first upright post 109 and the third upright post 207 relative to the first crossbeam 104, the incline of the first barrier 102 can be altered. Similarly, by altering the heights of the second upright post 111 and

-8 the fourth upright post relative to the second crossbeam 204, the incline of the second barrier 103 can be altered.

Referring to Fig. 3 herein, there are illustrated schematically two plan 5 views of one side of a restricted access barrier 101 showing two different squeeze plates.

In a third specific embodiment of the invention, the squeeze plate 301 has a radius of curvature as shown in Fig. 3a. The gap between the two barriers 106 10 is therefore narrowed. However, the narrowest point between two such squeeze plates 301 is only for a short distance.

In a fourth specific embodiment of the invention, the squeeze plate 302 is substantially planar with a curvature at each end. Such a squeeze plate 302 is 15 shown in Fig. 3b. The advantage of this configuration is that it maximises the length along the restricted access barrier 101 at which the gap between the two barriers is at its narrowest. However, this type of squeeze plate requires further support to enhance its mechanical rigidity.

20 The dimensions of the gap between the barriers 102, 103 are selected to give access to pedestrians and certain vehicles such as prams and wheelchairs, whilst restricting access to vehicles such as motorcycles and quad bikes. By adding a kick plate and lengthening the restricted access barrier 101 compared to prior art designs, it is much more difficult for a motorcycle to be manoeuvred or

2 5 manhandled through the restricted access barrier 101.

Referring to Fig. 4 herein, there is illustrated schematically the mechanism by which the height of the restricted access barrier 101 can be altered, and the width of the restricted access barrier 101 can be altered.

An end of a crossbeam 104 is shown, which comprises pairs of holes 401, 402 arranged along its length. An end of a vertical post 109 is also shown, with

-9- the lower portion of a barrier 102 and a kick plate 113. The vertical post 109 further comprises pairs of holes 403, 404, arranged vertically along the length of the vertical post 105.

5 The horizontal position of the upright post 109 relative to the crossbeam 104 can be selected during installation by lining up the holes 403, 404 on the upright posts 105 with the holes 401, 402 on the crossbeam 102. Bolts or similar fixing arrangements can be inserted into the aligned holes to secure the upright post 109 to the crossbeam 104 in the desired position.

The horizontal position of the upright post 109 relative to the crossbeam 104 affects the distance between the two barriers 102, 103. This means for adjustment of the distance between the first barrier 102 and the second barrier 103 allows for a wider or narrower restricted access barrier 101, as required 15 during installation. If a path has a particular problem with unauthorized vehicles, a narrower gap can be selected to further restrict access to unauthorized vehicles. If the problem of unauthorized access subsequently lessens, the gap between the barriers 102, 103 may be widened by digging out a top layer of soil over the crossbeam, and repositioning the upright posts 109, 111, 207 relative to 2 0 the crossbeams 104, 204.

If the problem with unauthorized vehicles is sufficiently reduced, the restricted access barrier 101 may be removed altogether. By disconnecting the upright posts 109, 111, 207 from the crossbeams 104, 204, the restricted access 2 5 barrier 101 may be removed whilst leaving the crossbeams 104, 204, the anchoring posts 105, 106, 205, and the dry-mix concrete 107, 108, 206 below the ground level of the path. The rest of the restricted access barrier 101 can then be re-used at another spot. As the foundations remain in place it is a trivial matter to reinstall the restricted access barrier 101 if the problem of unauthorized 3 0 access recurs.

-10 ln a fifth specific embodiment of the invention, the gap between the top of the barriers 102, 103 may be varied between 250 mm and 650 mm, in 50 mm increments. The gap between each upright post 105, 207 on a crossbeam 104 may be varied between 800 mm and 1200 mm, also in 50 mm increments.

Each barrier 102, 103 is greater than 500 mm in length, and preferably 900 mm in length. This serves to deter a motorcycle user from attempting to manoeuvre a motorcycle through the barrier. The longer the restricted access barrier 101, the more difficult it is to manoeuvre motorcycle handlebars through o the squeeze plates 113.

Each crossbeam 104, 204 comprises a galvanized steel bent cross bearer, which is strong, durable and resists corrosion.

15 Each anchoring post 105, 106, 205 comprises a galvanized steel angle section, 50 mm x50 mm. The anchoring posts are secured in dry-mix concrete 107, 108, 206, and the foundations are then back-filled using soil or hardcore.

This obviates the need to mass-fill the foundations of the restricted access barrier 101. Each upright post 109, 111, 207 comprises galvanized mild steel rectangular hollow section for durability, strength and low maintenance. The rectangular section is 100 mm x 50 mm, and the steel walls are 3 mm thick. In a fifth specific embodiment of the invention, each upright post 109, 111, 207 25 comprises a channel section of bent steel with dimensions of 100 mm x 50 mm.

Each upright post 109, 111, 207 further comprises holes through which the upright post 105 can be affixed to an adjacent frame or fence, to add further rigidity to the restricted access barrier 101.

Each barrier 102, 103 is affixed to a pair of upright posts 109, 207 such that the barrier is angled between S and 30 from the substantially vertical

-11 upright posts. 10 gives the optimum angle to allow the passage of pedestrians, wheelchairs and prams whilst restricting the passage of motorcycles.

The first barrier 102 is affixed to the first and third upright posts 109, 207, 5 and the second barrier is affixed to the second 111 and fourth upright posts by stitch welding.

The substantially parallel arms 201, 202 and the cross member 203 connecting upper portions of the substantially parallel arms 201, 202 are 10 manufactured from one section of galvanized tubular mild steel. This gives a combination of durability, strength and low maintenance.

The cross member 203 is positioned at substantially 60 to each arm 201, 202. The cross member 203 has a bend halfway along its length forming an 15 angle of around 120 to ensure that the two arms 201, 202 remain parallel.

Each arm 201, 202 is at least 1200 mm in length to prevent the squeeze plate 113 from catching on the inside of the 60 bend between the arms 201, 202 and the cross member 203.

It will be appreciated that the barriers 102, 103 may have a large distance between them, but comprise squeeze plates that extend a long way into the gap between the two barriers 102, 103, thereby creating a narrow gap between upper portions of the two barriers 102, 103.

Conversely, the barriers 102, 103 may be positioned in close proximity to one another, but each may comprise squeeze plates that extend a short distance into the gap between the two barriers 102, 103, thereby creating a wide gap between upper portions of the two barriers 102, 103.

By lining up the holes 403, 404 on the upright posts 109, 111, 207 with the holes 401, 402 on the crossbeams 104, 204, the vertical positions of the upright

-12 posts 109, 111, 207 relative to the crossbeam 104, 204 are fixed during installation. If the path is on a slope, this allows the incline through the restricted access barrier 101 to be set to match the slope.

5 In a sixth specific embodiment of the invention, the holes 403, 404 on the vertical posts 109, 111, 207 are spaced such that the maximum allowable incline cannot exceed a predetermined incline.

In the UK, the maximum allowable incline for wheelchair access is 1 in 20.

10 Therefore, in a seventh specific embodiment of the invention, the holes 403, 404 on the vertical posts 109, 111, 207 are spaced such that the maximum allowable incline cannot exceed a predetermined incline of 1 in 20.

It is not be apparent to some visually impaired users that the gap between 15 the upper portions of the two barriers 106 is less than the gap between the lower portions of the two barriers 106. Therefore, in an eighth specific embodiment of the invention, brightly coloured markers 112 are placed on the vertical arms 201, 202 of each barrier 102, 103, to indicate to a visually impaired use the width of the gap between the barriers 102, 103.

In a ninth specific embodiment of the invention, flooring 115 is provided to give a tactile signal to a visually impaired user that he is passing through a restricted access barrier 101. This type of flooring typically comprises a mesh, ridges, bumps or some other coarse texture that a user can feel underfoot when 25 walking, and alerts the user to the fact that the path contains a restricted access barrier 101 to negotiate.

A further section of tactile flooring 208 may extend from at least one side of the restricted access barrier 101, to provide a "lead-in" to the barrier for a 30 visually impaired user. The tactile signal from the flooring alerts the user to the fact that they are approaching a restricted access barrier 101.

-13 The flooring 115 is affixed to at least one crossbeam 104 to ensure that it remains in position relative to the restricted access barrier 101.

It is not be apparent to some visually impaired users that the gap between 5 the upper portions of the two barriers 102, 103 is less than the gap between the lower portions of the two barriers 102, 103. Therefore, in a seventh specific embodiment of the invention, brightly coloured markers 116 are placed on the vertical arms 201, 202 of each barrier 102, 103, to indicate to a visually impaired use the width of the gap between the barriers 102, 103.

In an tenth specific embodiment of the invention, at least one guide rail is provided extending from at least one barrier 102, to guide a visually impaired user into the barrier.

15 The guide rail 209 is affixed to the barrier 102, and affixed to the ground via a fish-tail anchor post 210 set in dry-mix concrete 211. The guide rail also comprises brightly coloured markings 212 to further aid a visually impaired user.

According to an eleventh specific embodiment of the invention, a restricted 20 access barrier is incorporated into a standard gate. Referring to Fig. 5 herein, there is illustrated schematically the restricted access barrier incorporated into a gate. A barrier 501 comprising a squeeze plate 113 and a kick plate 114 is 25 incorporated onto the end of a gate 502, which in turn is affixed to a post 503.

The gate 502 can be opened, or locked in a closed position.

A further barrier 504 is placed in opposition to the first barrier 501, such that the distance between an upper portion of the barriers 504, 501 is less than 30 the distance between a lower portion of the barriers 504, 501. The further barrier 504 is affixed to a pair of upright posts 505. The upright posts 505 are affixed to a crossbeam such that the horizontal and vertical position of the upright posts

-14 505 relative to the crossbeam can be altered during installation. This allows the gap between the barriers 505, 501 to be altered during installation.

Each barrier comprises two substantially parallel arms 201, 202, a 5 connecting member 203, a squeeze plate 113 and a kick plate 114. The gap between an upper portion of the two barriers 501, 505 can be further altered by altering the dimensions of the squeeze plates 1 13.

When the gate is closed, the restricted access barrier prevents access for 10 vehicles such as motorbikes, quad bikes and cars. However, under some circumstances, such access desirable. Under these circumstances the gate 502 is opened to allow access to vehicles that would normally be restricted.

According to a twelfth specific embodiment of the invention, a further 15 obstruction is positioned between the first barrier 102 and the second barrier 103 to prevent the passage of livestock. The obstruction comprises a bar affixed to the first barrier 103 in such a way that it is hinged and can be raised or lowered as required.

20 The obstruction is normally in a lowered position to prevent the access of livestock. When a user wishes to pass through the restricted access barrier tot, the obstruction is lifted to allow access through the restricted access barrier 101.

Claims

-15- Claims:

1. A device to selectively restrict access of vehicles of pre-determined dimensions comprising: 5 a first barrier comprising an upper part and a lower part; a second barrier comprising an upper part and a lower part, said second barrier being positioned adjacent to said first barrier whereby a distance between said upper part of said second barrier and said upper part of said first barrier is lo less than a distance between said lower part of said second barrier and said lower part of said first barrier; means for adjustment to allow the distance between said first barrier and said second barrier to be altered; wherein the distance between said first barrier and said second barrier is adjustable to selectively restrict said access of vehicles of pre-determined dimensions. 20

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each said barrier is affixed to at least one substantially vertical upright post to impart rigidity.

3. The device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said upright post is affixed to a first crossbeam, said first crossbeam being positioned below said first 2 5 and said second barriers, wherein an installer can adjust a position of said upright post relative to a lateral direction of said first crossbeam, thereby altering the distance between said first and said second barriers.

4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said installer can adjust a 30 position of said upright post relative to a transverse direction of said first crossbeam, thereby altering a height of said first and said second barriers.

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5. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each said barrier comprises: a support comprising a first arm and a second arm, each comprising and 5 upper end and a lower end, said second arm being located substantially parallel to said first arm; a connecting member, connecting said upper ends of each said arm; 10 a first section extending between said arms at a height suitable to impede motorcycle handle bars.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein each said barrier further comprises a second section extending between said arms at a height suitable to 15 impede motorcycle wheels.

7. The device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein said means for adjustment comprises: 2 o a first series of holes in said first crossbeam, spaced apart at a predetermined distance, comprising at least one hole; a second series of holes in said upright post, spaced apart at a predetermined distance, comprising at least one hole; wherein said at least one hole in said first series of holes is Delectably aligned with said at least one hole in said second series of holes, and a bolt is inserted through the aligned holes to removably affix said upright post to said first crossbeam.

8. The device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 comprising:

-17 a second crossbeam, configurable to be located in position; wherein said at least one upright post comprises a first upright post and a second upright post, configurable to be secured to said first crossbeam in a substantially 5 vertical alignment, at a vertical and horizontal position relative to said first crossbeam selected by an installer; and a third upright post and a fourth upright post, configurable to be secured to said second crossbeam in a substantially vertical alignment, at a vertical and 10 horizontal position relative to said second crossbeam selected by an installer; wherein said first barrier is configurable to be secured to said first upright posts and said third upright post, and said second first barrier is configurable to be secured 15 to said second upright post and said fourth upright post, such that said lower part of said first barrier is closer to said first pair of upright posts than said upper part of said first barrier, and said lower part of said second barrier is closer to said second pair of upright posts than said upper part of said second barrier.

2 0

9. The device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein said first section comprises a squeeze plate that extends into a gap between said first barrier and said second barrier.

10. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each said 2 5 first barrier is at least 500 mm in length.

11. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said means for adjustment are configured to restrict a minimum distance between an upper part of said first barrier and an upper part of said second barrier to not less than 3 o 250 mm, and not more than 650 mm.

-18

12. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said means for adjustment are configured to restrict a maximum distance between an upper part of said first barrier and an upper part of said second barrier to no less than 800 mm, and no more than 1,200 mm.

13. The device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said device further comprises flooring configured to provide a tactile signal to a visually impaired user, said flooring being positioned between each said barrier to guide said visually impaired user.

14. The device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said flooring positioned between each said barrier is positioned at an incline not exceeding a pre-

determined incline.

15 15. The device as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein said pre determined incline is no greater than one in twenty.

16. The device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said flooring is a tactile flooring and extends beyond each said barrier to guide said visually impaired user 2 o between each said barrier.

17. The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one said barrier further comprises at least one vivid visual warning to indicate the position of said barrier to a visually impaired user.

18. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising at least one guide rail being configured to extend out from at least one said barrier to guide a visually impaired user between each said barrier.; 3 0

19. The device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an obstruction positioned between said first barrier and said second barrier, wherein

-19 said obstruction prevents the passage of livestock when in a closed position, but allows the passage of authorised users when in an open position.

20. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said device is 5 incorporated into a gate, such that said access of vehicles of pre- determined dimensions is restricted when said gate is closed, but said access of vehicles of predetermined dimensions is not restricted when said gate is open.

21. A method for installing a device to selectively restrict the access of I 10 vehicles of predetermined dimensions comprising: locating a first crossbeam and a second crossbeam; removably securing a first post and a second post to said first crossbeam 15 and removably securing a third post and a fourth post to said second crossbeam, I said posts being aligned in a substantially upright position relative to said crossbeams.! affixing a first barrier to said first post and said third post, and a second 20 barrier to said second post and said fourth post, wherein a distance between an upper part of said second barrier and an upper part of said first barrier is less I than a distance between a lower part of said second barrier and a lower part of said first barrier.

2 5

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein said barrier comprises: a support comprising a first arm and a second arm, each comprising and upper end and a lower end, said second arm being located substantially parallel to said first arm; a connecting member, connecting said upper ends of each said arm;

-20 a first section extending between said arms at a height suitable to impede motorcycle handle bars; and a second section extending between said arms at a height suitable to 5 impede motorcycle wheels.

23. The method as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, said method further comprising securing said first post and said second post to said first crossbeam and securing said third post and said fourth of post to said second crossbeam 10 using bolts.

24. The method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, said method further comprising positioning a flooring configured to provide a tactile signal to a visually impaired user between each said barrier to guide said visually impaired 1 5 user

25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said flooring positioned between each said barrier is not positioned at an incline exceeding a predetermined incline.

26. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein said predetermined incline is no greater than 1 in 20.

27. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said flooring extends 25 beyond at least one said barrier to guide said visually impaired user between each said barrier.

28. The method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 26, said method further comprising positioning at least one vivid visual warning on at least one 3 0 barrier to indicate the position of said barrier to a visually impaired user.

-21

29. The method as claimed in any one of claims 21 - 28 said method further comprising affixing at least one guide rail to at least one said barrier to guide a visually impaired user between each said barrier.

5

30. A kit of parts for a device to restrict access to vehicles of pre determined dimensions comprising: a first barrier comprising an upper part and a lower part; lo a second barrier comprising an upper part and a lower part, said second barrier being configurable to be positioned adjacent to said first barrier whereby a distance between said upper part of said second barrier and said upper part of said first barrier is less than a distance between said lower part of said second barrier and said lower part of said first barrier; means for adjustment to allow the distance between said first barrier and said second barrier to be altered; wherein the distance between said first barrier and said second barrier is 2 o configurable to be adjustable to selectively restrict said access of vehicles of pre determined dimensions.

31. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 28, wherein each said barrier comprises: a support comprising a first arm and a second arm, each comprising an upper end and a lower end, said second arm being located substantially parallel to said first arm; 3 0 a connecting member, connecting said upper ends of each said arm;

-22 a first section extending between said arms at a height suitable to impede motorcycle handle bars; and a second section extending between said arms at a height suitable to 5 impede motorcycle wheels.

32. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 30 or claim 31 comprising: a first crossbeam and a second crossbeam, each configurable to be located 10 in position; a first post and a second post, configurable to be secured to said first crossbeam in a substantially vertical alignment, at a vertical and horizontal position relative to said first crossbeam selected by an installer; a third post and a fourth post, configurable to be secured to said second crossbeam in a substantially vertical alignment, at a vertical and horizontal position relative to said second crossbeam selected by an installer; wherein 2 o said first barrier is configurable to be secured to said first post and said third post, and said second first barrier is configurable to be secured to said second post and said fourth post, such that said lower part of said first barrier is closer to said first post and said third post than said upper part of said first barrier, and said lower part of said second barrier is closer to said second post and said fourth 2 5 post than said upper part of said second barrier.