The challenge

In March 2024, Oxfordshire County Council approved a significant project to improve pedestrian accessibility and enhance the overall visitor experience on Oxford’s  Market Street. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a more welcoming and safer environment for pedestrians in the heart of the city, with a particular focus on boosting footfall to the city’s famous Covered Market.

As part of an 18-month trial, this project seeks to transform Market Street into a more pedestrian-friendly zone, promoting walking and cycling while reducing vehicle congestion. And HMS, a specialist surfacing contractor was appointed by Oxford Direct Services (ODS) to carry out vital surface improvements as a key part of this initiative.

The result

BBA HAPAS Type 1

BBA-approved installer laying 700m² Type 1 cold-applied high friction surfacing to the pedestrian zone in Market Street, Oxford.

Pedestrian safety

By installing high friction surfacing in the new pedestrian-friendly zone in Oxford City Centre reduces slip hazards for the public.

Trial success

Providing a safer and more visually appealing environment, the project aims to encourage more people to explore Market Street and its surrounding areas, particularly the Covered Market, one of Oxford’s most cherished landmarks.

“HMS has been instrumental in this project. They expertly installed 700m² of high friction surfacing in just three days, causing minimal disruption to the public.” Sam Bowler, Contracts Manager, Oxford District Services

Enhancing Market Street with High Friction Surfacing

To meet the goals of the pedestrian-friendly project, HMS was tasked with installing high friction or anti-skid surfacing along Market Street. This cutting-edge surfacing solution not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area but also improves pedestrian safety by providing slip-resistant surfacing, especially during wet conditions.

Additionally, high friction surfacing is known for its durability and effectiveness in high-traffic areas, making it an ideal choice for Oxford’s bustling city centre. And the surfacing improvements led by HMS are critical to ensuring the success of the pedestrianisation trial.

HMS installed approximately 700m² of high friction surfacing in buff bauxite to complement the natural aesthetic of the Headington stone, a traditional material commonly found in Oxfordshire’s historic buildings. This careful choice of material ensures that the modern improvements blend seamlessly with the city’s architectural heritage.

Why HMS Decorative Surfacing?

HMS have more than 30 years of experience laying high friction hot and cold-applied surfacing. What’s more, we are a BBA-approved installer and use HAPAS BBA Type 1-approved surfacing system for all anti-skid installations.

“The new layout is already proving popular with residents and visitors and we’re hoping that more people will start using the new space. HMS has been instrumental in this project.”

“The expertly installed 700m² of high friction surfacing in just three days, causing minimal disruption to the public.”

“The trial began in May and is expected to be reviewed around November next year, but we feel the results speak for themselves.”

Sam Bowler, Contracts Manager, Oxford District Council