Architect: Wolverhampton City Council
Sector: Infrastructure
Client: Wolverhampton City Council
Contractor: Paul Whitting Ltd

Expansion of Wolverhampton City Centre bus routes to facilitate the provision of an increasing number of Easy Access Bus Stops.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995, (DDA), requires measures to be taken to improve access to public transport for the visually impaired and disabled. As a result, many local authorities have redesigned their bus stops to give a seamless gap free join between the bus and the kerb. However the exact position of the bus also needs to be assisted by guides or markers on the kerb as the driver is unable to see. Also important is a kerb profile that will guide the bus and not damage it. Wolverhampton Council required a solution for that would provide all of the above, and in this case provide an aesthetic solution as well in an historic town centre.

Aggregate Industries Access kerb was the natural choice in that it’s integral marker bump assists the driver in positioning the vehicle immediately adjacent to the bus stop for optimum access and passenger safety. Access kerb is available in both concrete and granite to provide an outstanding aesthetic solution in all instances. The kerb can also withstand bus wheel impact. An option has also been developed without the marker bump for guided buses.

Arthur Lewis, Section Leader, Wolverhampton City Council said: “ - Aggregate Industries Access kerb has clear advantages over competitor products and normal heightened kerbs. It has a good shape with a marker bump designed into the kerb which sits just above road surface and acts as a tactile guide. Both enable drivers to position the bus wheels as close to the kerb edge as possible. We needed a kerb which had a minimum vertical and horizontal gap between the bus platform and its kerb edge - and this was achieved by Aggregate Industries. The 160 mm is a universal kerb which suits the majority of the bus vehicle models used by Wolverhampton's bus operators.”

Product features:

Available in a wide range of profiles to suit access requirements. The comprehensive range of transition units and accessories enables progressive construction from British Standard kerbs.
Access kerb is available in either concrete, utilising granite aggregates or in can be ordered in Natural Granite for use in conservation areas. Both materials are designed for maximum longevity , with the strength to withstand occasional impact from bus wheels.
The integral marker bump assists in positioning the vehicle close to the kerb for seamless transfer. A version without the bump is available for guided buses.
Access kerb has been used by a great many local authorities seeking to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).