Designing Pedestrian-Friendly External Areas
A Practical Guide to Safe, Accessible and Durable Surface Water Management
Why Pedestrian-Friendly Spaces Matter
Our cities are evolving. As more Australians choose to walk, cycle or use public transport, the demand for safer, more accessible public spaces is growing. Walkable environments don’t just improve mobility—they support mental wellbeing, local business, and community connection.
But as usage of these shared spaces increases, so too does the responsibility to make them safer. Surface hazards, including ponding water and uneven paving, are a leading cause of slips, trips and falls—resulting in injuries, costly claims, and liability that can extend from property owners to designers and local governments.
According to industry data, injury claims in Australia amount to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. This makes it more critical than ever to design external areas with people—not just traffic—in mind.
Beyond Functionality – Designing for Everyday Use
Drainage systems need to work in all weather conditions and withstand wear from foot traffic, shopping trolleys, bicycles and occasional vehicle access. Just as importantly, they must integrate seamlessly into the streetscape—visually and functionally.
Slip resistance is a key consideration. All Mascot Engineering pedestrian-oriented grates undergo independent Nata Certified Wet Pendulum Testing to specification in AS 4586, resulting in a ‘P Rating’ for our clients to ensure they can choose the appropriate grate with slip resistance for wet and dry conditions. However, slip resistance is about balance—too much grip can cause stumbles, while too little increases the risk of slipping. Our range is carefully selected for consistency and surface compatibility.
The change in climate is also reshaping how we manage stormwater. With more intense rainfall events becoming the norm in Australia, fast and effective drainage has become critical in urban planning.
Poor drainage isn’t just an inconvenience anymore—it’s a safety risk.
Mascot Engineering’s GRC & HDPE channel systems are designed with flow efficiency in mind, reducing water ponding and helping keep footpaths, plazas and walkways dry and usable.
Heel-Safe Design: Practical, Durable and Inclusive
One of the most overlooked risks in urban drainage is slot width. Poorly specified grates with wide openings can trap high heels, mobility aids, wheelchair wheels or bike tyres—leading to serious injury.
Mascot Engineering believe a 10mm wide drainage slot is a reasonable compromise between creating pedestrian-friendly environments (protecting heels, bicycles, wheelchairs, walking canes etc) and collecting adequate surface water. This specification strikes a balance between function and safety, offering enough intake area to manage runoff without compromising accessibility.
Our Technodrain range of drainage channels are engineered for heavy infrastructure however have grating specifically designed for mixed pedestrian and vehicle zones, offering a modular and durable surface water solution for public spaces.
The Technodrain HP10 heelproof grating, which features 10mm wide grating slots to meet pedestrian safety needs while providing excellent water intake and debris resistance.
Technodrain combines performance with aesthetic flexibility and is suitable for use in urban areas, schools, hospitality precincts and other spaces where safety and presentation go hand in hand. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and fully compatible with a wide range of paving materials.
While Australian Standard AS 3996 outlines grate performance and load ratings, it does not fully address modern pedestrian safety. Mascot Engineering’s heelproof solutions go beyond compliance to meet the expectations of today’s users.
Our grates are designed and manufactured from materials including ductile iron, GMS (Galvanised Mild Steel), and stainless steel—ensuring long-term durability in Australia’s harsh climate. For playgrounds, outdoor retail areas, or anywhere small fingers might be nearby, our 10mm product also aligns with AS 4685 for finger entrapment safety.
Why Choose Mascot Engineering?
Mascot Engineering is an Australian manufacturer with over 100 years of experience in drainage and access solutions. Our trench drain systems, access covers, drainage pits and grates are designed to meet the highest performance, safety, and durability standards.
We work closely with installers alongside architects, engineers, contractors and councils to deliver solutions that are compliant, cost-effective and fit for purpose. With local manufacturing and nationwide support, we offer quick lead times, custom fabrication, and technical advice at every stage.
Whether you’re planning a shared zone, laneway, pedestrian mall or urban forecourt, Mascot Engineering has the products and experience to support your vision.
Let’s Build Better Public Spaces
Surface water management is about more than drainage—it’s about creating environments people can move through comfortably, confidently and safely.
Specify Mascot. Learn more about our product solutions or discuss your next project with the Mascot Technical Team today by calling 1300 885 295.