Carpark Safety: Why Design and Edge Protection Barriers Matter
Most people do not immediately connect road safety with car park design. Yet the two are closely linked. Edge protection barriers in car parks play a critical role in protecting vehicles and, more importantly, the people inside them. In Australia, strict standards exist to make sure these barriers are designed and installed correctly. This article looks at why car park design matters, how barriers improve safety, and what the Australian Standards require.
Why Car Park Safety Cannot Be Overlooked
Car park accidents are increasing across Australia. Growing populations and higher demand for parking spaces have created crowded facilities. Modern vehicles are also larger, heavier, and more powerful, which increases the damage when accidents occur. At the same time, the open layouts of many car parks invite risky behaviours such as speeding, loitering, or unsafe pedestrian movements. Good design, supported by effective edge protection barriers, is the first line of defence.
The Role of Car Park Barrier Systems
Barriers are not just about stopping cars from rolling over the edge. They deliver a wide range of safety benefits:
Preventing vehicle falls and overhang. Barriers stop cars from projecting into pedestrian spaces or falling from elevated levels.
Managing speeds. Barriers help reduce vehicle speeds within car parks, lowering accident risks.
Protecting pedestrians. By separating vehicle areas from walkways and cycle routes, barriers create safer movement zones.
Deterring unauthorised access. At night or in low-traffic periods, barriers add security for both vehicles and users.
Eliminating unsafe behaviour. Anti-climb barriers discourage dangerous shortcuts such as scaling fences on upper levels.
Protecting infrastructure. Barriers prevent damage to landscaping, services, substations, and lighting.
The Australian Standards You Must Know
Two key standards set the benchmark for safe barrier design in Australian car parks.
- AS2890.1 – Off-Street Parking
This standard covers the design of off-street car parks. Section 2.4.5 specifies requirements for barriers to prevent overhang into pedestrian areas and to stop vehicles from falling from elevated structures. It sets minimum heights and performance criteria. - AS1170.1 – Structural Design Actions
This standard addresses design loads for structures, including car park barriers. Section 3.8 specifies the forces barriers must withstand, including dynamic loads from vehicles colliding at speed. Passenger vehicles in light traffic areas, for example, require barriers designed to resist up to 30 kN.
Key Design Considerations
For barriers to perform in real-world conditions, design and construction choices are critical.
Materials and durability. Steel and reinforced concrete are most common, but all materials must withstand corrosion and long-term exposure.
Secure anchoring. Barriers must be fixed into the car park structure with reliable methods that deliver stability.
Height and strength. AS2890.1 requires a minimum height of 600 mm, while AS1170.1 sets strict load resistance values.
Integration with design. Barriers should not block sightlines or create traffic bottlenecks. Strategic placement on ramps, corners, and perimeters ensures they function without disrupting flow.
Legal and Safety Responsibilities
Car park owners and operators are legally responsible for barrier compliance. Failure to meet AS2890.1 and AS1170.1 exposes owners to fines, legal action, and reputational damage under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Compliance rules are clear:
Drops of 600 mm or more require barriers.
Where pedestrians face a fall of one metre or more, barriers must be provided.
Heights of four metres or more require additional anti-climb measures.
Annual inspections are strongly recommended to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.
The Bottom Line
Edge protection barriers are not an optional extra in car park design. They are essential safety systems that protect lives, vehicles, and infrastructure. Meeting the minimum requirements of AS2890.1 and AS1170.1 is only the starting point. The true test is whether barriers are designed and installed to perform under real conditions and for the long term.
At Carpark Barrier Systems, we believe barriers should never be treated as an afterthought. They must be considered early in the design process, integrated with architectural intent, and built for durability. By taking this approach, project teams avoid costly retrofits, protect their legal position, and create safer environments for every car park user.