5 key ways that speed ramps boost safety and security

With more than 15 years of experience to our name here at Bollard Security, today we’re proud to provide you with a diverse array of solutions for maximising the safety and security of your site. As well as our stellar range of automatic bollards and telescopic bollards, we also provide an array of supporting solutions, including speed ramps.

These are a familiar sight in private car parks, loading bays, logistics yards, retail forecourts, and around secure facilities. They play a direct role in managing driving behaviour and reducing the risk of harm in environments where pedestrians, staff, and structures are exposed to moving traffic. Unlike decorative street furniture or signage, speed ramps deliver a clear physical message: slow down, drive carefully, and proceed with caution. That makes them a simple but effective way to reinforce wider safety and security protocols around your commercial or industrial site.

So, we thought we’d take a moment this week to examine some of their key advantages in a little more detail.

Speed ramps slow drivers near high risk areas

Close control is required for any area where cars or vans interact with people or valuable assets. Speed ramps are often installed near entry and exit points, sharp corners, loading areas, crossing routes, or security zones. These are all places where visibility may be limited, or reactions need to be fast. Ramps reduce the speed at which drivers approach and navigate these zones, cutting the risk of collision and lowering the impact if one occurs.

Crucially, they introduce what’s called “vertical deflection”, which creates a natural reason for drivers to ease off the throttle and pay more attention to their surroundings. This becomes especially important during peak hours when multiple cars are arriving or leaving at once, increasing the risk of misjudged movements or sudden turns. A well-positioned ramp slows all cars without the need for a staffed presence or electronic signal.

They control how cars and vans move through controlled areas

On a related note, speed ramps influence the route that cars and vans take and how drivers handle turns, junctions, and lane changes. Strategic placement of ramps along a route makes drivers more likely to stick to designated lanes, respect directional flow, and maintain spacing. This helps maintain order and prevents erratic manoeuvres, particularly in settings like large commercial car parks or shared access roads. Ramps can also serve to reinforce one-way systems, car waiting zones, and safe turning points where road markings alone may be overlooked. The end result is improved discipline across the site and supports a more consistent and predictable flow of traffic throughout the premises.

They can help to reduce damage from unauthorised access

In areas where access is restricted to specific cars or staff, speed ramps increase the physical barrier to forceful entry. They do not stop cars outright, but they limit the speed at which anyone can approach a security gate, perimeter bollard, or checkpoint barrier. This delay creates time to activate automatic locking, notify security teams, or trigger defensive systems like automatic bollards.

In cases of unauthorised entry, slower approach speeds reduce the risk of structural impact and damage to fencing, buildings, or equipment. On properties exposed to ramming or joyriding, ramps make it harder to build momentum or reach secured assets quickly. They also signal strong security intent – offering a visible indication that access protocols are enforced through physical control.

Speed ramps help protect pedestrians and staff

Commercial premises often require people to cross driving routes on foot. Whether they’re warehouse staff walking between loading bays, retail staff crossing between buildings, or security teams patrolling the site, foot traffic is a common feature of high-risk zones. Speed ramps reduce the likelihood of injury by keeping cars slow where people are likely to be present. They also make it easier for drivers to notice someone early and respond safely.

In areas where marked pedestrian crossings are installed, combining them with ramps increases safety by encouraging caution before the crossing is even reached. Some sites also use painted warnings, lighting, or bollard outlines around ramps to maintain visibility in low-light conditions or poor weather – giving both drivers and pedestrians a clearer view of their shared space. That can make all the difference to avoiding accidents.

They can help boost the effectiveness of other security measures

As we’ve already briefly touched on above, speed ramps work in conjunction with static bollards, automatic barriers, CCTV surveillance, or access control points. Slower cars give these systems more time to perform their roles accurately. Cameras can capture clearer footage, number plate recognition software can operate more reliably, and security teams have additional time to observe or respond. Regulating how quickly a car or van approaches a protected area increases the reliability of both active and passive security equipment.

They also support a well-managed environment – sending a message to every driver that movement on site is being carefully controlled. On sites where multiple security systems operate in sequence – such as rising arm barriers followed by bollards and ID scanning – the ramp contributes to safe spacing between cars and reduces the risk of congestion that could disrupt key procedures.

This is just a selection of the ways that speed ramps can help you bring greater control and peace of mind around the comings and goings of your site – you may well be able to think of more of your own! If you need any advice on how to apply them to your site, you may well want to check out our recent post on how to form a solid traffic calming strategy. Our stock also encompasses additional traffic calming measures like sunken flow plates and surface mounted flow plates, so you’ll always have plenty of options.

At Bollard Security, we pride ourselves on delivering industry-leading car park barriers, precision-engineered traffic control solutions, and certified hostile vehicle mitigation systems that protect people, property, and public spaces. From commercial premises to high-security environments, our tailored installations ensure maximum safety without compromising on style. Don’t forget, if you ever have any questions about any of our products, or you ever need any help or advice, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01535 509001, and we’ll be happy to help!