B5.10.2 Emergency access

Adequate access for emergency vehicles must be provided, and consultation with the emergency services is recommended for all schemes. Developments are expected to be designed so that there is no requirement for “emergency vehicle only” links, as these are difficult to enforce.

Fire tenders must be able to reach within 45 metres of all dwelling entrances. For cul-de-sacs longer than 20 metres, turning facilities must be provided. A minimum carriageway width (kerb to kerb) of 3.7 metres is required for fire operations at the scene, though access widths can be reduced to 2.75 metres over short distances if the vehicle can still get within 45 metres of entrances. The minimum headroom clearance for fire appliances is 4 metres, and the route must support a minimum load of 12.5 tonnes.