Plastic spikes for garden fences: are they illegal and can I be fined for using them?

ANTI-CLIMB spikes on your garden fence can help add security to your home – but you could be breaking the law.

Fences often cause a stir among neighbors and there are certain legal considerations you need to consider before safely reinforcing your fence.

Are plastic garden fence spikes illegal?

In the UK, plastic spikes on your garden fence are legal as long as they meet legal requirements.

While it is acceptable to prevent trespassers, the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984 states that home owners still have a duty of care to others.

If someone is injured due to a lack of warning signs, the property owner could face legal consequences.

Therefore, by law, homeowners can be held liable for damages caused even to those who are not authorized to be on their premises and can potentially be sued by the trespasser if their fence does not meet legal requirements.

What are the specific restrictions on using plastic fence posts in your garden?

To legally deter intruders without causing injury to people or animals, the following requirements for your fence must be met:

The maximum height for a garden fence in the UK is two metres. Therefore, anti-climb spikes cannot be installed on any fence less than this height.

If you need to build your fence higher, you will need to obtain planning permission from your local council before doing so – failing to do so could result in a £20,000 fine.

If you discover that the fence you want to add plastic spikes to belongs to your neighbor, you will need to ask permission before making any changes to it.

If you have any type of garden thorns, appropriate warning signs should be clearly displayed to alert intruders.

The thorns must not cause harm to people or animals. For example, spikes may not be appropriate in schools, youth centers, psychiatric hospitals, or public buildings.

Spikes should not be installed with the intention of harming animals and any changes made to your fence should take wildlife into account.

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What signage is needed for plastic garden fence posts?

Clearly communicating the presence of security measures through warning signs can help deter intruders.

Warning signs should be placed at regular intervals along the fence so that they are easily visible to anyone approaching.

Depending on the length of the fence, signs should be placed and repeated every 2–3 meters.

Warning trespassers about the dangers of climbing with a sign that says: ‘Caution: danger of injury from fence spikes’ would be in line with legal requirements.

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