Purchasing guide: Traffic & Pedestrian solutions by Manutan EXPERT

The exterior design of a company is just as important as its indoor furnishings. The layout of the car park and the traffic lanes must protect the safety of users and ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Equipment for roads, signs, street furniture and speed bumps can complete your company’s exterior design. It is therefore essential to be familiar with your needs and the features of each product category. 

What is the purpose of road equipment for a company? 

A company’s outdoor space can serve several purposes. It may be a car park for staff and visitors, or a place of traffic between different buildings. It may also include access to a warehouse for deliveries and shipments. Road equipment fulfils several functions in order to organise traffic in road spaces in the best possible way.  

A company’s outdoor areas, like its buildings, have to be safe areas for professionals. They should be regularly maintained as their neatness contributes to the safety of users (e.g., visible signs or markings on the ground). As well as cold weather equipment, appropriate, heavy duty road equipment is essential for the well-being of employees who work or travel outdoors.   

Facilitate the mixing of different users 

The road spaces of a company can be a meeting point for trucks, cars, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians. Road equipment controls the organisation and distribution of spaces dedicated to different users. It makes it possible to delineate specific lanes and to indicate their presence to each category of user. The aim is to ensure the safety and protection of all, while making the use of these spaces enjoyable.  

Specific road signs and displays also play a role in the event of an emergency situation. They designate assembly points, assist in the evacuation of people, and facilitate access for the fire brigade. 

If construction works are being carried out outside of your company’s premises, road signs are a sure way to warn drivers and encourage them to reduce their speed accordingly. 

Limit road traffic disturbance in outdoor areas 

Road equipment such as speed bumps encourage car and lorry drivers to reduce their speed in order to minimise the risk of incidents on the company’s premises. By limiting the speed and density of road traffic, you also help to reduce noise pollution and smells from exhaust emissions. 

Road equipment makes it possible to manage the rights of way and direction of traffic. Many companies choose to organise the traffic in their outdoor area as a one-way system. This system limits crossings and manoeuvres, which are a source of collisions, while improving the flow of traffic. 

Delineate your company’s outdoor areas  

Properly placed road signs and displays, road markings and street furniture provide visual guidance to help users find their way around. Any person entering the company premises can then rely on the road equipment to direct them to the location they are looking for: delivery area, company reception, etc. 

Signs delineate and identify parking areas for employees and visitors. They indicate and secure bike garages, encouraging employees to use their bicycle to commute from their home to their workplace. Signs also help to make pedestrian crossing areas safe. 

Which road equipment is essential for companies? 

The wide variety of products and accessories available in each category of road equipment makes it possible to meet specific needs. Like in town, this equipment improves the flow of traffic while ensuring the safety of all users. 

Speed bumps to regulate traffic flows 

Speed bumps make the area around your business safer by directing drivers’ attention to their surroundings. Where pedestrians and drivers are required to share the same space, it is advisable to impose a speed limit of 20 mph. 

The size of the speed bumps depends on the desired maximum traffic speed. The height of a speed bump is usually between 50 mm and 75 mm. In many countries, regulations limit the size of speed bumps. Find out what the current regulations are before choosing from the various sizes available. 

There are certain rules for the proper placement of speed bumps. When installing speed bumps, consider making provisions for cyclists. On a two-way road, speed bumps should be placed next to each other to prevent bypassing. If forklifts regularly drive between buildings, provide a passageway for them to avoid speed bumps.  

There are several types of speed bumps to suit the specific needs of each company: 

• Depending on the weight of the vehicles, several materials are used; 
• Fixed and portable speed bumps are available; 

• Some speed bumps allow pipes or cables to be run across a road without risk of damage; 
• Conventional speed bumps are elongated, while cushions have a square or ‘hump’ shape; 
• Some speed bumps are equipped with one way spike strips. 

Barriers to control access 

Barriers and gates give a strong visual sign to motorists that they must stop or be vigilant. Combined with signs, barriers prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering certain areas, ensuring the safety of all users. They restrict access to areas intended for specific users, private car parks or dangerous areas. When choosing your barriers, consider the type of floor on which your road equipment will be installed. 

The wide variety of products and accessories available in the barriers range makes it possible to respond to road issues in the best possible way: 

• Parking barriers make it possible to reserve parking spaces; 
• Pivoting, lifting, or tilting barriers protect access to certain areas; 
• Galvanised safety barriers should be placed near hazardous areas; 
• Lane dividers are used to mark cycle paths or footpaths; 
• Metal or wooden height restriction barriers control the height of vehicles; 
• Steel protection guards are also available; 
• Removable safety barriers delineate protection zones; 
• ‘Vigiblocs’ prevent the intrusion of vehicles into pedestrian areas; 
• Stylish ‘Province’ barriers delineate and protect pedestrian areas; 
• Smooth wooden barriers, also stylish, delineate areas. 

Posts and bollards to mark out areas 

This road equipment can be intended for cars as well as pedestrians, motorbikes, or bikes. Posts and bollards serve a practical purpose, as they secure spaces.  

Posts and bollards can also play a role in the decoration of the site. Wooden posts, for example, can give a ‘natural’ effect to a company’s outdoor space. They must be high enough to be seen by drivers at the wheel. Posts and bollards with reflective strips should also be considered for better visibility at night. 

The following are some of the main categories of posts and bollards available for the road spaces of companies: 

• Flexible and durable shape memory posts; 
• One-piece concrete bollards and kerbs; 
• Delineator posts with reflective stripes; 
• Bollards visible at night thanks to red, reflective stripes; 
• Removable bollards; 
• Posts that prevent vehicle access to pedestrian areas; 
• Wooden signposts; 
• Marker posts that encourage users to be vigilant. 

Choose a brand that is an expert in road equipment 

The choice of road equipment should also be based on the company’s CSR commitments and a desire to purchase long-lasting, quality products. 

Choose products that comply with the REACH regulation 

The European REACH standard, which came into force in 2007, limits the presence of harmful chemicals in manufactured products by regulating their use. This standard makes it possible to monitor manufactured or imported products in the country in terms of their harmfulness to humans, in relation to chemicals. 

All Manutan brand products comply with this regulation, with no impact on their price. By purchasing equipment that complies with this standard, you are contributing to a CSR approach. 

Prioritise quality and sustainability  

By choosing your road equipment from the Manutan range, you are opting for a brand committed to CSR. Furthermore, all Manutan products offer good value for money. They are developed and tested by Manutan teams in order to guarantee top performances and durability. 

The Manutan website also offers a wide range of complementary products. If you need guidance when making your purchases, contact us! Our advisors will be happy to help you. View all the products in our ‘Roads’ category, dedicated to the outdoor spaces of companies.