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The Society is indebted to Byway and Bridleway [1] for permission
to reproduce this article on the Kent Carriage Gap, and to Ann Rillie
for supplying the photographs. This
is an effective way of preventing four-wheel drive use of routes
for carriage drivers. The forthcoming 'restricted byway' definition [2]
allows use by horse drawn vehicles, horses, cycles and walkers.
The Kent Carriage Gap consists of one pair of smooth concrete
bollards, 0.33 to 0.38m high (13 to 15 inches), 1.52m (60 inches)
apart, with a clear space of at least 0.6m (24 inches) wide outside
one or both of the bollards. This pair may be backed up with two
further pairs if forced access by large vehicles is likely.
Any remaining space outboard of the bollards, up to banks or
fences, can be restricted with taller bollards. The bollards
must be very solidly planted, and the surface hard and level
right up to and through the pattern.
The Kent Carriage Gap can legally be used to enforce a no-car TRO.
It might also be used on a bridleway of the landowner has given
permission for carriages, but was concerned that the path might
be used by unauthorised motor vehicles. Obviously, this layout
does not stop motor cycles, and very small cars may be able to squeeze through,
but these tend not to be used for 'off-roading' anyway. There are
some
horse carriages that might find the system obstructive too: those
based on car wheels and axles; very wide vehicles with a low fixed backstep;
those with a pair or team of horses to a big carriage.
Any carriage driver thinking about promoting the use of such devices to their local
authority may - in my experience - first have to explain just what a modern carriage is. I find that highway authority officers either think that carriage drivers became extinct
long ago, or that they drive something out of Wells Fargo: a team of
huge, fierce, galloping horses, and a danger to everyone. In truth,
the vast majority of turn-outs today consist of one rather small pony jogging along with a lightweight
gig, carrying two people. It is also useful to point out that many
drivers are of 'mature' age, and driving is increasingly popular
with disabled people.
In use, any horse-drawn carriage less than 1.5m wide can
pass between the pairs of bollards (shown left). This requires care,
but it is not too difficult provided a straight approach
is possible. Larger carriages can pass with one wheel between
the pairs of bollards, the other outside (shown right).
A trial Kent Carriage Gap was built by Kent County Council at
Boarley Hill, near Maidstone, in January 1995; it seems to be
effective. The old stone bridge at
Aylesford, Kent, has recently been closed to motorised traffic,
and Kent Carriage Gaps built at
both ends, allowing a short, but very welcome, non-motorised
section for carriage drivers using busy roads in the area.
1. Byway and Bridleway, 1998/8, published by the Byways and Bridleways Trust.
2. Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
© 2000 The British Horse Society, Byways and Bridleways Trust; photos: Ann Rillie.
Updated: 30 May 05.