In recent years, we have seen a tremendous shift in the importance of safety, not just inside commercial spaces but outside as well. Security is on everyone’s minds now-a-days. Meaning that many retailers, schools and private businesses are constantly looking for a new way to increase their premises security. Protecting both your building and employees, plus pedestrians around your property, is an important factor to consider. Due to this, many facilities have opted to install bollards to increase both their security and site safety.
Automatic bollards are a type of security barrier that are used to control access to a given area. They are often seen in parking lots, driveways, and even on sidewalks. Bollards can be made from various materials, such as concrete, steel, or plastic. Automatic bollards are operated by an electronic control system that raises and lowers the bollards according to a set schedule. When the bollards are lowered, vehicles are able to pass through. However, when the bollards are raised, vehicles are prevented from passing.
This makes automatic bollards an ideal security measure for property owners who want to restrict access to their property. In addition to controlling access, automatic bollards can also help to deter crime. The sight of a row of bollards can be enough to deter would-be criminals from attempting to break into a property. As a result, automatic bollards can give property owners an extra layer of protection against crime.
In this blog post we will be discussing how automatic bollards can increase your property security. Read on to find out more.
The History Of Automatic Bollards
Though they are now a common sight, automatic bollards have only been around for a relatively short time. The first bollards were installed in London in the early 1800s as a way to control horse-drawn traffic. The name “bollard” comes from the Old English word for tree trunk, which is fitting given their original purpose. The earliest bollards were made from timber, but they are now primarily made of steel. Automatic bollards were invented in the early 1900s, but they did not gain widespread use until the 1970s. Today, automatic bollards are used around the world to control vehicle access and improve security. Thanks to their many benefits, it is likely that automatic bollards will continue to be a staple of modern infrastructure for years to come.
What Is An Automatic Bollard?
They are typically round in shape and are embedded into the ground. When lowered, they become flush with the ground to all traffic to pass over the top of them. When raised, they are extremely durable and will cause significant damage to any vehicle that tries to pass them.
Bollards are posts that are typically installed in high-traffic areas to control vehicle access and prevent accidents. Automatic bollards are a type of bollard that can be raised or lowered using electro-hydraulic systems. This makes them ideal for use in locations where vehicular access needs to be controlled but where manual operation of bollards would be impractical. For example, busy intersections or on multi-lane roads. Another aspect of the automatic bollard is the inbuilt control panel, which alerts the manual operator to any issues with the system itself. The movement of these bollards is operated with a computer set-up, which the operator will also have access to. When the bollard detects a vehicle, it will lower. Once the vehicle has passed over the bollards, they will automatically close.
Automatic bollards can also be equipped with sensors and linked to traffic signals, making them even more effective at managing traffic flow and keeping pedestrians safe. Whether used to control access to a parking garage or to direct traffic around a construction site, automatic bollards are a versatile tool for controlling vehicular traffic.
Types Of Bollards
- Stainless Steel Bollards
- Manual Ram Security Posts
- Automatic Posts
- Removable Bollards
Stainless Steel Bollards
Stainless steel bollards are one of the most popular bollard options. They are suited to a wide range of applications, such as shopping centres, fuel stations, town centres and other high traffic areas.
This type of bollard is typically a permanent fixture. They do not raise or lower. And are placed in an area to protect sidewalks or car parks, and make pedestrians safer. They come in a wide range of styles, heights and thicknesses. Most stainless steel bollards are anti-ram, making them very durable and exceedingly safe.
Due to the material they are made from, stainless steel bollards are especially long-lasting and resistant to rusting and corrosion. In addition to their strength, stainless steel bollards also have a sleek, modern appearance that can complement any landscape. Whether you’re looking to protect your property or create a more inviting public space, stainless steel bollards are an excellent option.
Manual Ram Security Posts
Manual ram security posts are a type of physical security barrier. These security posts are used to create a physical barrier between an area that needs to be secured, and the outside world. They are usually seen in car parks, shopping centres or even some restaurant premises.
They are typically made from steel or another metal and can be either stationary or portable. Posts can be placed in a line, creating a blockade, or at strategic points around a perimeter. Manual ram security posts are an effective way to deter intruders and make it more difficult to breach a perimeter.
Due to the fact that they can be easily retracted or raised into the ground. The posts can also be used to direct traffic flow and to control access to an area. They are lockable with a manual key, reducing the risk of trespassers gaining access to the restricted area. They are overall a perfect solution for both preventing access and exit.
Automatic Bollard Posts
Automated bollard posts are designed to control access to a restricted area whilst allowing vehicular and pedestrian traffic to flow freely. Bollard posts are often used in public areas such as parking lots and pedestrian walkways, as well as private buildings and homes.
Made from either steel or concrete, these posts can be operated manually or automatically, and can be raised or lowered as needed. When in the raised position, the bollards create a physical barrier that vehicles cannot pass through. Though still allowing pedestrians to easily walk around them. When in the lowered position, both pedestrians and vehicles can pass through with no trouble at all.
Due to the fact that they can be operated automatically, operators can customise when they would like their bollard to be raised or lowered. For example, a shopping centre could have their bollards lowered between 9:00am and 5:00pm, and then raised overnight.
In addition to providing security, they can also help to direct traffic and discourage unauthorised vehicle entry. As a result, automatic bollards are a versatile and effective way to control access to any number of spaces.
Removable Bollards
Removable bollards are ideal for locations where vehicle impact protection is only needed temporarily. This type of post is different to others, as they can be completely removed from an area. They are a temporary structure. They can be taken away, leaving only a covered ground sleeve that is nearly undetectable.
When in place, they slot into the ground sleeve preventing vehicles from accessing an area and potentially harming pedestrians. Due to their removability, they are often found at street events and in parking lots that are not in use.
Commonly manufactured with steel, they are solid and secure, and are especially hard-wearing and resistant to rusting and corrosion. Meaning that they are excellent at providing an effective security solution to a wide range of applications.
Benefits Of Automatic Bollards
Automatic bollards can provide your premises with an added layer of security, whilst also being aesthetic in appearance. Continue reading to find out how automatic bollards can benefit you and your business or home.
Convenient
Automised bollards are the most convenient choice as they can can be operated automatically without the need for constant supervision. To save energy, they can also either remain lowered or raised, as needed. When lowered they are virtually undetectable and can allow both vehicles and pedestrians and bikes to pass through. However, when raised, they are immensely strong, and can easily protect both pedestrians and properties.
Further considering their convenience, they can be linked up to sensors to allow the bollards to raise and lower when a vehicle is detected. Yet they can also be operated manually with keys that cannot be replicated.
For home use, bollards can be controlled with remotes. This automised feature ensures that drivers can remain in their car, and not have to get out to open manual gates or other entry systems. Once they have parked their car, they can simply press a button and watch the bollard rise by itself.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Aesthetics are important to many home owners and business owners. Automatic bollards are designed to control traffic and provide security for pedestrians. But in addition to their functional benefits, automatic bollards can also enhance the aesthetics of a space. For example, they can be used to create a visual barrier between a busy street and a park or residential area. Or they can be used to line a path or driveway, providing a clean and elegant look. Automatic bollards are available in a variety of styles and finishes, so it’s easy to find ones that complement the existing design of a space.
As they can be lowered, they can easily be hidden if need be. Furthermore, buyers will also have the option to powder-coat their bollards, to make them either blend in, or become part of the aesthetic of the area. Even without powder-coating, the materials that they are usually made of: steel and concrete, often provide a sleek and modern appearance when bare too. In short, automatic bollards are not only functional but also visually appealing, making them an ideal solution for any security or traffic control need.
Increased Safety & Security
Safety bollards are essential structures for preventing accidents and controlling access to designated areas. They are often used to prevent access to a particular area, or act as a deterrent to trespassers. The prevention of access to a site could be for a multitude of reasons, one being that the site is unsafe. If there are automatic bollards in place, they can be raised to show that that area is off limits. This will in turn prevent any accidents from occurring in that restricted area, removing the hefty costs that could come with an injury claim.
Bollards are effective at protecting areas and people, which is why they’re so common in public spaces. Automatic bollards that are placed along sidewalks are extremely important. They can prevent uncontrolled vehicles from driving up onto the pavement and thus injuring pedestrians. It will also limit the risk of a pedestrian walking into the road unknowingly, further reducing accidents. Unfortunately, there have been cases, right here in the UK, where people have purposely driven onto the pavement. They have done this in order to injure innocent bystanders. Automatic bollards will virtually eliminate this risk altogether.
As previously mentioned, they can also deter crime. If a trespasser or vandal sees automatic bollards in place, they may think twice about entering your premises. Bollards give the appearance that your business is serious about safety and security, which is a positive stance when it comes to both vandals and customers. Customers who know that you are cautious when it comes to safety and security, are more likely to enter your premises and use you services.
Cost-Effective
The return on investment for automatic bollards is high. They overall prevent unwanted damage to your property, premises and employees. Preventing this damage will not only save you time and energy, but also costly repair bills.
By fending off dangerous vehicles, you can ensure that your employees are safe and sound. This will effectively make them feel more comfortable in their work environment, encouraging them to stay.
Usually, companies will have deals depending on how many bollards you are looking to install. You may be able to negotiate a per bollard discount or better total cost for the job. Companies also typically offer maintenance packages which will cover regular site visits to check over your bollards. They may even cover a full yearly service, which will be included in the contract price.
However, automatic bollards actually require very little maintenance, other than regular cleaning and/or oiling. Routine cleaning eliminates road dust, dirt, insect remains, bird excrement, pollen, and other grime that creates dull-looking bollards, which can all harm the integral functions of the system. They can be oiled with hydraulic oil, which can be administered by the operator, without the need for a callout.
Why Do We Need Automatic Bollards?
Overall, automatic bollards are an extremely effective way of protecting both people and areas. This is why they are so common in so many different public spaces. As there are so many types of bollards that can be purchased, they’re ideal for many different users and applications. No matter if you’re trying to permanently secure a shopfront, or protect pedestrians from oncoming vehicles, automatic barriers are the perfect solution.
Here at J Manny we offer a wide range of automatic bollards. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you and you security needs.