Posted By G Weatherwax
Afternoon all,
I know variations on this have come up recently but have done a search and cant find an answer so please bear with me...

I've been asked to look at our car parks (4 of) at work with a view to re-designing them. We have had quite a lot of reports of drivers exceeding the speed limit, driving whilst on the phone, not obeying the one-way system etc. While this may seem trivial to some, in comparison to the hazards of our work (engineering), I'm worried that it is a matter of time before someone gets hurt. Everyone starts and finishes at the same time and I fear the combination of people desperate to get home, not obeying the one-way system and the lack of designated pedestrian walkways, is a recipe for disaster.

So far I'm recommending speed indicator devices on the approach roads, "Dragons Teeth" or similar installed to enforce the one way system amongst other things. My problem is with the pedestrian walkways. We have existing parking bays and I want to re-paint the bays, putting a protected pedestrian walkway behind the cars. However the quickest and easiest option is just to paint a walkway in front of the cars. I cant find anything on this. Can anyone help?

Apologies for the long-windedness, but I've been looking at this so long I think I'm doing my own head in. All constructive advice and or criticism accepted

Many thanks

Posted By Jimmy R
Hi,

I think your problem may lie with poor driving rather than poor site layout. Before you start on an expensive programme of change I would try and police the driving a little better to make staff aware of the issues.
We had a similar issue on our site a few months back and with the aid of some high vis policing, by FM staff, and an awareness campaign we were able to make an effective change to drivers habits on site.

Posted By steven n
I agree with Jimmy R, before you embark on expensive measures send out a memo to your staff informing them of their duty to follow the rules and outline the consequences if they don't and, importantly, follow through with the discipline.

Posted By garyh
Suggest you look at some of the HSE guidance such as "Workplace transport safety An employers' guide HSG 136". There is a chunk of the HSE's website covering this area. http://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/index.htm

In a nutshell, do a RA, then implement the control measures you have arrived at.

Posted By mike morland
Certainly not an uncommon problem I suspect judging from my own experience, especially when it's home time and suddenly it's Wacky Races.

We started with the usual white lines, speed notices etc. then we policed it as the 'mass exodus' started and this had an immediate effect but only when you are present. So the answer for us was a 'sleeping policeman'. Must add though that this is not on a forklift truck route.

If you catch someone speeding on site it is more effective if you actually stop the individual and ask them to keep the speed down. I did this today and the person in question was quite embarrassed because they had been caught.

It doesn't necessarily mean they won't speed on site again but they won't know when they are being watched and most ertainly wouldn't want to be caught a second time.

For persistant offenders we wouldn't necessarily discipline, we would ban their car from entering the site.

Regards

Posted By G Weatherwax
Again, many thanks for the responses. I probably didn't explain myself very well in my initial post so here goes...
I've been on the hse website regarding workplace transport and have used what I can that is of relevance from that. Also been on to the Association of town centre management for their view on private car park layout etc. Unfortunately, there is not much concrete guidance for this and this is why I have been struggling, particularly. I've already asked our security presance to help with patrolling the areas at peak time, however due to staffing and union issues they are reluctant. I have managed to implement a programme to tackle driver's behaviours ie "3 strikes you're out" and a name and shame policy involving drivers registrations numbers and car make and model. I dont want to ban people from site, but am hoping that the longer walk to and from the farthest flung car park in the wind and rain (and thats summer!) would concentrate peoples minds.WE do have speed bumps and "Dragons Teeth" to enforce the speed limit and one way systems respectively. Additionally, because this issue involves Facility management, security, employees, unions and health and safety , its difficult to co-ordinate and get agreement. I was just wondering if anyone else had dealth with anything similar.

Thanks again
G