It is important to make the best use of available hard standing and paths throughout the event site. Siting stages, viewing platforms, food stalls and other activities within easy reach of existing hard standing and paths can benefit the greatest range of people.

Where hard standing or paths are not available, temporary surfaces are a useful tool to ensure that routes around an event are maintained during wet weather. The following characteristics can be incorporated into the temporary surface to ensure that it meets the requirements of those attending.

a) Some temporary surfaces have raised bolts within the routes as part of its fixings. These are not to be used on pedestrian routes.

a) Transition pieces are important to allow individuals to move easily between different surfaces or on and off the temporary surface at key points. These need to be located where an individual might wish to leave or access the temporary surface.

b) The temporary surface needs to contrast visually against the ground or have highlighted edges.

c) If temporary surface is laid over uneven ground then it is likely to distort and can create a trip hazard at joints or edges. Ground needs to be prepared, suitable main routes determined and, if required, alterations to the ground finish be made prior to laying. Trackway needs to be checked regularly for the duration of the event and maintained in a safe condition.

Undulations can be uncomfortable for many users and can prevent them gaining access to the trackway.

On steep inclines, people with an ambulant mobility impairment might require additional assistance to maintain balance. Recommendations for handrails are given in 9.3.

D.6.2 Hard standing, paths and temporary flooring or tracking