Security bollards are an important part of modern vehicle security systems. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, specifications and price points depending on their intended purpose.
Basic bollard models are designed primarily for traffic management, while others are built to withstand heavy impacts. Some security bollards are fixed, while others can be raised and lowered as required.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what bollards are and the various bollard security options available. We’ll also provide some examples on when and where each type of bollard might be used.
What Is a Bollard?
Bollards are short vertical posts designed to prevent vehicles from accessing restricted areas. A security bollard has many potential uses, such as:
- To block roads, pedestrian areas, driveways and parking spaces
- To prevent cars from mounting or parking on pavements
- To prevent or provide protection against vehicle-borne attacks
Placed close together, vehicle security bollards provide both a visual deterrent and physical barrier for cars and vans. They may be used in a variety of settings by homeowners, businesses or local councils.
What Types of Security Bollards Are There?
There are many types of bollards available, suitable for a range of applications. They can differ significantly in terms of height, diameter and design features. Bollards can also be made from a variety of materials, offering varying levels of strength and impact resistance. Let’s look into some of the most popular types of bollard.
Traffic Calming Bollards
Traffic calming bollards are used to control the speed of vehicles entering a certain area. They can be installed at entry points to encourage drivers to slow down, or strategically placed to enforce one-way systems or no parking zones. They can also be used to restrict access to authorised users only.
With a minimalistic, aesthetically pleasing design, traffic calming bollards are often seen as part of town traffic management schemes. They may be fixed or retractable, and also work well as residential driveway security bollards. However, they are not usually crash-rated and may not withstand high-impact collisions.
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) Bollards
HVM bollards are designed specifically for mitigating hostile vehicle-borne attacks, such as terrorism and vandalism. They are often used outside of airports, government buildings and other locations that may be prone to criminal activity.
Also known as anti-ram bollards, these high-impact bollards are usually made out of reinforced steel, concrete or other heavy-duty materials. They are typically crash tested and certified according to strict industry standards. At Macs Bollards, we supply a wide range of HVM bollards such as IWA 14-1 certified and PAS 68 bollards.
Automatic Bollards
Automatic bollards are designed to rise and lower automatically when activated by a method of access control. They are often used as commercial security bollards, allowing site access only to authorised personnel. Automatic retractable bollards may also be used in private driveways or to block access to public roads at specific times of day.
Our automatic rising bollards can integrate with the latest in PLC control panel technology for complete control of your security system. They come in a choice of sizes, colours and features including flashing LED lights for additional visibility.
Manual Telescopic Bollards
Manual telescopic bollards serve the same purpose as automatic rising models, but are non-electric. This means they must be raised and lowered manually. Some models, called semi-automatic bollards, come with built-in pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms to make them easier to operate.
These retractable security bollards do not require a power supply, and can be used in both public and private spaces. They are best suited to locations which do not require frequent access.
Fixed and Removable Static Bollards
Fixed bollards, or static bollards, cannot retract into the ground when not in use. This makes them the ideal permanent security barrier solution in areas that are completely off-limits to vehicles. They are typically installed deep in the ground.
Removable bollards cannot be raised and lowered, but are not designed to be permanent fixtures. They can be removed and replaced without damaging the bollard or the surrounding area. They typically feature advanced locking mechanisms to prevent tampering.
Shallow Mount Bollards
Traditional bollards require deep foundations for proper installation. Shallow mount bollards, on the other hand, were designed for use in areas with limited space for below the ground. This includes busy urban areas or any other site where deep excavation may cause damage to underground structures.
Shallow mount bollards may be fixed or removable. They feature innovative designs that provide maximum security with an excavation depth of less than 500mm.
Why Choose Macs for Security Bollards?
We are Macs Bollards: Manchester-based suppliers of high-quality bollards and barrier systems. With many years’ experience in security bollards and access control, we pride ourselves on our dedication to customer service and technical excellence.
Our vast range includes a variety of fixed, manual telescopic and automatic bollards, from P Series traffic calming models to robust HVM crash tested models. We also offer a competitive bollard repair and maintenance service to keep your security system in the best possible working condition.
Our dedicated team of experts are ready and waiting to discuss your next project. Contact Macs Bollards today to request a free, no-obligation callback.
Macs Automated Bollard Systems Ltd specialise in the nationwide supply of automatic rising bollards. Our experts keep the Macs Bollards blog updated with all the latest bollard news!