Pedestrian Management – Flexibility or uncertainty?

Footpath Closed. Please wait for an escort.

This simple sign asks pedestrians to wait when their footpath is closed, primarily to keep them safe from significant hazards. However, there are times when no one is available to escort people from this closure point, leading to poor outcomes.

We review many sites and often find the “Footpath Closed please wait to be escorted” notice serves only as a partial solution. While it keeps people away from work areas, it frequently fails to meet the actual needs of pedestrians and other path users.

Ask yourself: If you were standing at that sign with no escort in sight –

• how long would you wait?
• Would you stay if someone was present to help, or might you take your chances by going around or crossing the road?
• Do you think about where people naturally want to go (demand lines)?
• What choices might a student, jogger, or someone with vision or mobility challenges make?
• Would you feel comfortable walking through an active worksite filled with various hazards?

What does good pedestrian management look like?

• Prompt assistance: A pedestrian marshal should be available quickly—ideally within seconds, not minutes—to help anyone waiting at the closure.
• Safe, planned routes: There should be a clearly considered and communicated route for escorting pedestrians, planned ahead of time and shared with everyone involved.
• Hazard-free passage: The escort route must be checked and kept free of hazards, making sure it’s suitable for all users, including those with mobility needs.
• Clear documentation: All plans for escorting pedestrians should be well documented in the approved Temporary Traffic Management Plan.

Why does this matter?
If no one is available to escort, or if the route isn’t safe, pedestrians might try to find their own way—sometimes putting themselves at risk. It’s important to think about what different people might do in these situations.

Reference -

Protecting Vulnerable Road Users in Temporary Traffic Management environments, Practice Note.

Let’s all help friends and family get home safely by making sure pedestrian management is practical, prompt, and truly protective.