Turning heads

Locating turning heads

A turning head should be provided at the end of all cul-de-sacs or wherever vehicles would otherwise have to reverse over 20m or more. Turning heads should also be provided where turning vehicles might damage adjacent verges or footways. Figures 11-14 show the minimum turning dimensions and areas. Tracking details are required for turning heads to ensure that a 11.2m long waste/recycling vehicle can satisfactorily negotiate a turning area. 

Careful consideration must be given to the design of the development surrounding the turning head to ensure that its use is not reduced by on–street parking. Where on-street parking is likely to cause problems, measures must be taken to control it (see “Parking Provision”).

The use of a residential square or similar as an alternative to a turning head may be acceptable where it can be shown that it is unlikely to be impacted by on-street parking. Clear details will be required of who is responsible for maintenance. Where it is intended that the council adopts any extra areas, a commuted sum for future maintenance will be required.

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Diagram showing an example of a turning head within a square

Figure 11: Example turning head with square

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diagram showing 3 different designs of residential and minor industrial turning heads, including the expected radii

Figure 12: Turning heads residential and minor industrial

W = 4.8m up to 50 dwellings

W = 5.5m from 50 - 400 dwellings

W = 6m for E use class office developments

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diagram showing 3 different designs of turning heads for use on industrial and commercial estate roads, including their radii

Figure 13: Turning heads for use on industrial and commercial estate roads

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