Boorowa Council's General Manager Anthony McMahon explained the background to the decision to install the rails.

"Some time ago, concerns from within the community were raised over the safety of stepped sections within the median strip on Pudman Street. Similar concerns were again raised during community consultation when Council developed a Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan in 2012," he said.

The matter was initially investigated by the local traffic committee which consists of representatives from Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), NSW Police, a community representative nominated by the local state member and representatives from Council.

Most of the concerns raised related to the pavers being slippery and the narrow step which conflicted with cars reversing out of nose in car parking. It was the recommendation of the local traffic committee that Council take action to improve pedestrian safety in the area.

The decision was made by Council to block those sections with the safety improvements outweighing the minor inconvenience of walking slightly further to cross the road.

"We are hopeful that people will be able to make minor changes to their habits and walk slightly further, rather than walking through garden beds," Mr McMahon said.