5 of the most important points to know about automatic bollards

Automatic bollards are a versatile option, and it’s easy to see why they’re so popular with so many homeowners or business owners, especially when considering security, access control, or traffic management solutions. But if you’re considering them yourself, your biggest question is probably going to be something like: are automatic bollards right for your specific site? With decades of experience behind us here at Bollard Security, we like to make the entire process as easy as we can for you. From assessing the demands of your location to asking the right questions before selecting, here are five essential points to guide you through the decision-making process.

How to determine if your site needs automatic bollards

As you might expect, the very first step when it comes to automatic bollards is to assess whether your site truly requires them. If your location experiences varying levels of traffic, such as a car park that’s occasionally used for deliveries or a pedestrian zone where vehicle access is sometimes needed, then automatic bollards can be useful in offering the flexibility to control who enters and when.

At this stage, it’s also a good idea to mull over the types of security risks that you may have to deal with. For instance, if there’s a possibility you may need to prevent unauthorised vehicle access while maintaining ease of movement for legitimate users, automatic bollards are a strong option. Sites with high-security needs, like government buildings, airports, or private estates, will also benefit from the enhanced protection that these bollards provide, deterring vehicle-based threats and unauthorised intrusions. (And indeed, we’ve supplied many such customers here at Bollard Security!)

What features to prioritise based on your site’s needs

Automatic bollards tend to differ from each other in subtle but vital ways, so it’s a good idea to look at the relevant characteristics of each. A good place to start is with the strength of the bollard. For areas that need high security, like entrances to restricted zones, look for bollards designed to withstand significant impacts, such as those with a high crash rating. These bollards are built to stop even large vehicles and are often tested to meet specific safety standards.

Next, you’ll want to think about automation features. Look for systems that can be integrated with remote access control, such as card readers or automated entry systems. This will ensure smooth operations and minimal maintenance. Depending on your site, you may also need bollards with adjustable height to allow for flexibility in access, or those that are solar-powered for eco-friendliness and energy efficiency.

Common pitfalls when choosing an automatic bollard system

Here’s an important one! As well as the strengths of automatic bollards, it can help to know about the most common mistakes that people sometimes make during the general buying process. Speaking of which, a common pitfall is selecting bollards based on appearance or price alone, rather than ensuring they’re a suitable match for your location’s needs. For example, if you underestimate the traffic flow and pick a bollard system not designed to handle frequent use, you could face expensive repairs or replacements in the future.

Another mistake is failing to account for environmental factors. Sites exposed to harsh weather conditions will need bollards made from highly durable materials that can withstand corrosion, like stainless steel. In some cases, choosing the wrong bollard can even reduce the lifespan of your bollard system, and increase maintenance costs accordingly.

Questions to ask your bollard supplier

When selecting the right automatic bollards for your site, asking the right questions ensures you get a solution that meets your needs. Here are our recommendations for the top three questions to ask your supplier before moving forward:

What is the bollard’s impact resistance rating?

One good thing to start off with is take an overview of the bollard’s ability to withstand vehicle collisions, particularly if security is a key concern. Ask about the bollard’s impact resistance or crash rating, especially if your site is in a high-risk area. This rating determines how well the bollard can handle significant force and whether it will effectively prevent unauthorised vehicle access.

What maintenance and support options are available?

Ongoing maintenance is vital to ensure the bollard system remains functional, so you may want to enquire about maintenance services, including warranty options, repair support, and the recommended frequency of maintenance checks. Knowing the cost and availability of these services can help you plan for long-term upkeep.

What are the bollard’s power requirements and installation time?

Understanding the bollard’s power needs and installation timeline is crucial for planning. Ask about the electrical requirements, such as whether the system needs a dedicated power source or if it can integrate with existing infrastructure. Additionally, inquire about the typical installation time to ensure it fits with your schedule and any potential disruptions to your site’s operations.

These three questions will help you choose a bollard system that is durable, well-supported, and easy to integrate with your site’s infrastructure.

That’s all the essential information covered! And if you’re looking at buying or installing some bollards for your own premises, you’re in exactly the right place. Why not check out our most popular bollards for 2024?

For over 15 years at Bollard Security we’ve been installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, and we take pride in providing quality products that give our customers peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 01535 509001 for advice and recommendations on the best driveway bollards or Telescopic Bollards for you!