How to use bollards to protect school grounds and pedestrian entrances

Anyone who has spent a morning outside a school gate knows how busy and unpredictable it can be. Cars pulling in and out, children crossing between vehicles, parents trying to find a space, and deliveries all happening at once. It can get chaotic very quickly.

That’s why more schools are looking for simple, reliable ways to manage traffic and keep people safe. Installing car park barriers, commercial bollards, and hoop barriers can make a huge difference to how your site works. These aren’t just bits of metal in the ground. They are practical tools that help create safer, calmer, and more organised spaces for pupils, parents, and staff.

Why vehicle control matters in schools

Every school faces the same challenge. You have a lot of movement in a small area and a mix of pedestrians and vehicles that need to share the same space. During drop-off and pick-up times, that mix can quickly turn stressful. Cars can edge too close to footpaths or block sightlines, and even a slow-moving vehicle can be dangerous when children are around.

Good traffic control creates order and confidence. It gives drivers clear boundaries, guides pupils safely through the site, and reduces the number of small but costly accidents that can happen in car parks. A well-planned layout also makes life easier for staff and caretakers who have to manage the flow of vehicles each day.

Physical barriers are one of the most effective ways to make this happen. They show people where to go and where not to go, keeping everyone on the right track without constant supervision.

Using bollards and barriers to improve safety

You don’t need to completely redesign your site to make it safer. Sometimes, just adding a few well-placed bollards or barriers can drastically change how people move around. These structures help create clear paths for pedestrians and vehicles, making it safer for everyone. Here’s how we can help with that at Bollard Security:

Car park barriers for controlled access

Car park barriers are an easy way to control who can drive onto your site. Many schools use them to separate staff and visitor parking or to stop parents from driving up to the main building during school hours. They can also be locked after hours, keeping the grounds secure overnight.

Automatic versions work well for busy schools that receive regular deliveries, while manual barriers can be used on smaller sites. Having a controlled entry point stops congestion and keeps pedestrians safe from unnecessary vehicle movement.

Parking bollards for drop-off zones and walkways

Parking posts are small but mighty. They act as visual and physical markers that tell drivers where to stop. When placed around drop-off zones, entrances, or footpaths, they make it clear which areas are for cars and which are for people.

Telescopic or hydraulic bollards are handy for gates or access points that need to open occasionally. Once locked in place, they create a solid barrier that protects everyone on foot and completely changes how safe an area feels by keeping vehicles at a safe distance.

Hoop barriers for entrances and play areas

Hoop barriers are another perfect option for guiding parents, children, teachers and anyone else down the right access avenue and protecting open spaces. They’re often used along paths to school entrances, near cycle racks, or around playgrounds. Their shape makes them ideal for creating gentle boundaries that still allow space for prams, wheelchairs, or bikes to get through. They help to guide people naturally, without signs or tape, and keep cars well away from areas where children gather.

Creating safer, calmer entrances

A safe school entrance doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to feel clear and well thought out. Bollards and barriers give you that structure. They show people where to drive, park, and walk without needing staff to direct traffic every morning.

You might install hoop barriers along the main pedestrian routes from the car park to the gates. Parking bollards can protect building corners, glass panels, or gates from knocks. A car park barrier at the entrance can control who drives in during school hours. Combined with traffic calming measures, these small changes create a big improvement in how the whole site flows. When pupils, parents, and staff all know where they should be, the result is a calmer, safer, and more welcoming environment for school drop-offs and pick-ups.

Peace of mind for staff and parents

For parents, knowing their child can walk safely from the car to the school gate matters more than anything. For staff, having a site that runs smoothly makes the day easier and safer for everyone. Bollards and barriers quietly take care of both. And for everyone on site – pupils, teachers, and parents alike – it brings peace of mind knowing they’re as safe as possible throughout the school day.

Once installed, they don’t need much attention. They’re built to last, and they continue working in the background every single day. They also send a clear message that your school takes safety seriously. When visitors arrive and see an organised, well-marked layout, it creates a sense of professionalism and care before they even step inside.

Talk to our expert team about your school site

Every school site is unique. The layout, the parking situation, and the number of pupils all shape what kind of safety measures will work best. That’s where we can help.

At Bollard Security, we’ve spent over 15 years helping schools, councils, and local authorities across the UK – making us the country’s number one bollard installation company. We understand how to balance security with practicality and how to make improvements with as little disruption as possible to the schooltime routine.

If you’re planning to improve safety around your school’s car park, entrances, or pedestrian areas, our expert team is here to help. We can recommend the right mix of car park barriers, commercial bollards, hoop barriers, and traffic calming features to make your site safer and easier to manage.

If you have any questions, just give us a call on 01535 920362 or send us a quick message today. We’ll help you find a straightforward, effective way to protect your school grounds and keep everyone moving safely day in and day out.

How commercial bollards can help against nuisance visitors

If you currently manage a commercial site, you’ll already be aware that access control can play a major part in keeping your business running smoothly. There are a couple of elements that can occasionally impact that stability, and of all those elements, nuisance visitors are perhaps the trickiest to deal with. They can take up a lot of space, create a lot of noise, and often don’t move on quite as quickly as you may like. They may even be actively resistant to the idea – all of which can make them exceptionally tricky to deal with.

Now, there are a number of potential ways to deal with the issue, but one of your top priorities should arguably be to prevent it from happening in the first place (or at least, happening again). That’s where commercial bollards can come in handy – they can play a direct role in controlling entry and exit and in setting clear boundaries for your property. If they’re positioned effectively, they can make it harder for nuisance visitors to occupy land, damage facilities, or leave behind waste. They work best as part of a wider access strategy that might also include barriers, gates, and monitoring systems.

With more than 15 years of experience to our name here at Bollard Security, we provide a comprehensive range of site security solutions – including bollards – which can help you to protect your property, especially against nuisance visitors. So, let’s take a look at the issue in a bit more detail!

Why nuisance visitors can cause problems for commercial sites

Nuisance visitors can have an immediate impact on how your site operates through a variety of potential issues, each of which often needs to be dealt with on its own terms. These include:

• Occupation of land blocking paying customers
• Harm to reputation and customer confidence
• Damage to barriers, surfaces, or facilities
• Cost of eviction through legal action or enforcement
• Cleanup of rubbish and abandoned vehicles left on site

Each of these problems can cause disruption on its own, but it can be especially tricky to deal with two or more at once. If your car park is blocked, you may also have to deal with rubbish being left behind or damage to facilities that then need urgent repair. And while that’s happening, customers can end up forming impressions of your site that may well influence whether or not they come back. In short, what begins as a space issue can quickly spread into wider operational and reputational challenges.

There’s also the fact that nuisance visitors tend not to give any warning, so you can’t plan for the costs or staff time that their presence demands. Even if an incident seems manageable at first, it can get more taxing over time with the cycle of eviction, cleaning, and repairing. That constant diversion of money and energy can ultimately prevent you from focusing fully on the day-to-day running of your business.

How bollards can protect your car park and access points

Essentially, commercial bollards can support you in several ways when it comes to managing access and protecting your site. You can use different types of bollards to create boundaries, adapt your layout, and manage the flow of vehicles in the ways that best match the requirements of your property. Let’s take a look at each one of them in a bit more detail.

Fixed bollards for permanent protection

Fixed bollards can provide a constant line of defence at the edges of your property or around sensitive areas. They can stop vehicles from mounting pavements, entering pedestrian walkways, or driving onto landscaped zones. Their presence makes your site boundaries clear, and prevents misuse of areas that should remain vehicle-free. For car parks, fixed bollards at strategic points can also block off zones that you want to keep under strict control – protecting staff entrances, equipment stores, or payment systems. The visibility of fixed bollards can also discourage nuisance visitors, as the they can serve as a visual reminder that you’re actively focusing on security. In addition, they can shield buildings, signage, and other assets from deliberate or reckless damage that may be potentially caused by nuisance visitors.

Automated bollards for flexible access

Automated bollards can give you the ability to control entry in real time. Rising bollards that respond to remote systems or access cards let you manage who drives into delivery bays or restricted parking areas. This ensures that only authorised vehicles gain entry, while keeping the space secure at other times. Automated systems can also be integrated with gates, barriers, and cameras, creating a wider security setup that helps you to oversee your entire property. Crucially, automated bollards can remove the need for staff to intervene directly with nuisance visitors, which can reduce conflict and free up your team to focus on their normal work.

Removable bollards for adaptable spaces

Removable bollards can often make the most sense if your site has areas that need to be closed off at certain times but opened up at others. You can lock them in place when you want to block access, then remove them to allow vehicles through when it’s appropriate. This flexibility helps you make better use of your site, especially if your layout changes depending on the time of day or the type of activity taking place.

Finally, clear bollard boundaries can reduce disputes with nuisance visitors over where vehicles are or aren’t allowed to go – and also, insurance providers may also look more favourably on sites that demonstrate active measures against nuisance visitors, which can give you stronger compliance and liability protection. And indeed, we focused on this subject in a lot more detail in a recent post, so make sure to check out our article on how bollards can help to reduce insurance premiums.

And of course, if you ever need any help or advice on placing your bollards or traffic security measures, that’s exactly where we can help here at Bollard Security. We have more than 15 years of experience in installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, and 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 hesitate to contact us on 01535 920362 for advice and recommendations on the best Hydraulic Automatic Bollards or Telescopic Bollards for you!

How to manage HGV access with one double leaf height restrictor

If you manage a site that needs to control the entry of large vehicles, one of the most effective ways to do it involves the use of a double leaf height restriction barrier. Essentially, it enables you to admit the right HGVs to your site, while blocking access to any vehicles that don’t meet your site’s requirements. Before you make your decision as to exactly which one you need though, you’ll need to plan for installation, day-to-day use, and any potential problems that could come up. 

That’s where we can help here at Bollard Security. We have over 15 years of experience in supplying double leaf height restrictors alongside a wide range of commercial bollards, and we’re trusted by site managers all over the country to provide durable solutions that maximise the safety, security and convenience of access control. We also make sure you get the very best prices, so you can strengthen your access control without putting extra strain on your budget. So, when it comes to double leaf height restrictors, here’s what you need to know! 

3 key factors you need to assess before installation

Before you install a double leaf height restrictor, there are several considerations that you’ll need to take into account. Some may be specific to your individual site, but broadly speaking, the most universal ones include:

• Site layout and approach routes
• Vehicle types and clearance needs
• Integration with existing security systems

So, to look at those in a bit more detail:

You’ll need to assess how your site is laid out before you install a double leaf height restrictor. For example, think about how much space you have at the entry and whether the vehicles that use it have the clearance to turn, align, and move safely. The restrictor needs to be positioned so that it gives drivers clear visibility of the limit, and avoids any risk of damage to trailers, cabs, or surrounding property. You’ll also need to assess the approach route that HGVs will need to take as they enter your site, so that you can avoid the risk of any difficult manoeuvring, delays or accidents.

You’ll also need to consider the type of vehicles you’ll admit. Some sites deal only with articulated lorries while others also need to accommodate vans, plant machinery, or specialist vehicles. Your restrictor needs to match the range of vehicles you expect, otherwise it’s easy to accidentally create bottlenecks.

Finally, you’ll need to plan how the restrictor integrates with your site’s wider security or access control system. If you already have barriers, bollards, or gates, the double leaf restrictor should work as part of that setup. For example, you might want the restrictor to create a pre-screening point where only approved vehicles are directed towards the main gate. Alternatively, you might need it to provide a secondary level of control alongside bollards that regulate pedestrian access. 

4 vital requirements for safe and effective operation

Once your double leaf height restrictor has been installed, there are a couple of key elements it’s useful to consider in order to maximise the smoothness of its operation, and protection for both people and vehicles. These include:

Regular inspections

This almost goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway – you’ll need to check the restrictor on a routine basis. Hinges, locking points, and support posts can take strain every time a vehicle passes through, and exposure to rain, wind, and temperature changes can inflict their own gradual wear and tear too. Regular inspections can be enormously useful in helping you to spot wear before it turns into a hazard. They also give you a chance to schedule maintenance at a time that won’t disrupt site operations.

Driver communication

You’ll need clear communication so that HGV drivers can approach and pass through without unnecessary risk. Any signs will need to be positioned well in advance of the restrictor, with clear height limits displayed in large print. This gives drivers enough warning to slow down and line up correctly. You’ll also want staff trained to step in and guide unfamiliar drivers if necessary, which can help to reduce the chance of misjudgement and impact. 

Staff training

You’ll also need your (authorised) staff to know exactly how to operate the restrictor. That means training them to open, close, and lock it properly every time. They’ll also need to recognise the early signs of wear or damage, such as unusual resistance in hinges or bolts loosening. All that can help to cut down on the risk of mistakes, and ensure that issues are dealt with before they become serious.

Clear access areas

You’ll need to make sure the ground around the restrictor remains clear. Large HGVs need space to swing into alignment, and clutter in the approach zone can force drivers into awkward or unsafe manoeuvres. Common types of “clutter” in this context by the way includes parked cars, stored pallets, or waste containers, so it’s worth trying to make sure that your premises is as free from these as you reasonably can. 

A quick look at the most common pitfalls to avoid

As we’ve covered above, a double leaf height restrictor can provide a wide range of benefits to your premises, but in order to get the best out of them it’s always a good idea to pay particular attention to the major pitfalls to avoid when installing them. These can often arise when the role of the restrictor within the wider access system hasn’t been fully thought through, or when assumptions are made about how drivers will interact with it in practice. One of the best ways to avoid mistakes is to map how vehicles approach, queue, and exit in detail, all of which can help you avoid disruption later.

One common mistake involves underestimating how much clearance HGVs need when they enter or exit. If a restrictor is installed and the turning circles haven’t been measured properly, that can create a choke point that frustrates drivers and slows your operations. It’s also important not to neglect planning for peak traffic periods. If several HGVs end up arriving at the same time, a restrictor that’s slow or awkward to use will create queues, which can affect the wider operations of your site.

And of course, poor upkeep is something you’ll really want to avoid. Without checks, bolts can loosen, paint can deteriorate, and moving parts can stiffen. As well as creating safety risks, this increases long-term costs when the equipment eventually fails. Finally, you’ll want to ensure that consideration has been given to how the restrictor fits into a site’s traffic management plan. If a restrictor isn’t linked with other access points, signage, or flow systems, the result can be confusion for drivers and unnecessary strain on your staff.

Those are the key points in a nutshell! If you have any more specific questions about our height restriction barriers, feel free to ask our team here at Bollard Security – throughout our 15 years in business, we’ve always taken pride in 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 height restriction barriers or other commercial access control solutions for your site – we’re always happy to help. 

How speed ramp height affects the damage risk for smaller vehicles

With more than 15 years of experience to our name in commercial bollards and traffic control solutions here at Bollard Security, we know that speed ramps can be a highly effective way for your business to manage traffic on your premises, keeping drivers at safe speeds and protecting the integrity of your site and the safety of your visitors. However, you’ll need to choose them carefully – the design of a ramp determines how cars and vans move over it, and height is one of the most important features that you need to consider. If you install ramps that are too high, smaller cars are more likely to suffer damage, which can cause a whole host of related issues. So, to avoid them, let’s take a quick look at how ramp height links to damage risk.

How ramp height influences contact with a car’s underside

The height of a ramp has a direct impact on how vehicles move across your site. A low ramp allows a car’s suspension to absorb the rise and fall, reducing the chance of the underside making contact with the surface. A ramp set too high creates a steeper angle of entry and exit, which increases the risk that the bumper, exhaust, or chassis of a smaller car will strike the ramp.

A higher ramp also places greater strain on suspension. Smaller vehicles with limited suspension travel are particularly vulnerable, making contact with the ramp more likely each time they pass over it. Frequent impacts can lead to visible scrapes, mechanical damage, and growing dissatisfaction among drivers. It’s therefore a smart move to make sure that you’ve always got careful control of the height of your ramps – enabling you to keep speeds in check, lowering the risk of costly damage to smaller cars, and maintaining a safer, more welcoming environment on your premises.

The types of smaller cars most affected by higher ramps

Certain types of cars are at greater risk on taller ramps, so you’ll need to take this into account when you plan your site. Sports cars are one of the clearest examples because they usually have very low ground clearance. If drivers of these cars visit the premises, they can face a strong risk of damage if the ramps are higher than recommended. City cars with compact suspension systems can also struggle because their lighter build means that they absorb the impact of a tall ramp less effectively. If your site regularly receives visitors in either of these types of cars, then you’ll need to take extra care in your ramp design.

While you’re at it, you’ll also need to consider vans and small commercial cars must also be considered. If these vehicles are carrying heavy loads, the added weight lowers the clearance further and increases the risk of damage. That means that even moderate ramp heights can cause the underside of a loaded van to scrape or strike the surface. If your business sees visitors on regular deliveries or collections carried out in light vans, then it’s always a good plan to make sure you’ve installed ramps of a suitable height – protecting the flow of traffic, and of course your relationship with suppliers.

The role of installation standards in reducing damage risk

Just as important as the design of your ramps is the way that your company installs them. National standards specify maximum heights and gradients, so it’s always good to double check you’re following these standards – that ensures that you control speed without exposing smaller cars to unnecessary risk.

Placement is another detail that you’ll need to carefully address. If the ramps are positioned too close together, the cars face repeated jolts that increase the strain on the smaller models. This repeated impact raises the likelihood that someone will experience damage, and they may even hold your business responsible. You can achieve the balance between slowing traffic and protecting every visitor’s car by spacing ramps sensibly and installing them to specification. That attention to installation keeps your site secure and accessible, and helps you to maintain that smooth flow of daily operations.

Those are the key points in a nutshell! If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask our team here at Bollard Security – throughout our 15 years in business, we’ve always taken pride in 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 arm barriers or other commercial access control solutions for your site – we’re always happy to help.

How arm barriers help with controlled access for deliveries

Regular deliveries are vital to countless businesses in a wide variety of sectors, especially those operating in construction or other types of industrial activities. So if you count your own organisation among them, it’s never a bad idea to periodically review the matter of access to your own site. Often, the flow of cars and vans into and out of your premises has a direct (and measurable) impact on how smoothly your site runs. 

That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to have a reliable system in place to manage access, helping to ensure that any delivery drivers arrive and depart in safe and orderly way. That’s exactly where arm barriers like the ones we supply here at Bollard Security can be so useful – giving you a simple, visible, and effective way to manage that access while maintaining order and security at your site. So, let’s take a look in a little more detail! 

How arm barriers manage entry points

Arm barriers installed at entry points can be incredibly useful for creating a clear system for who can enter your site and when they can do so. This means that rather than delivery drivers simply arriving and pulling straight in, they’ll instead wait until your team authorises their entry. Effectively, they help to give your team full control over which cars or vans pass through, and this helps you manage authorised entry and prevent congestion during busy periods. By the same token, it means you’re the one who sets clear rules for traffic flow, with one barrier for entry and another for exit if your site layout enables it.

As well as their practical function, just the visibility of the arm barriers alone can play an important role. Any delivery drivers approaching your site will immediately be able to see that access is controlled and that they’ll need to wait before being enabled through. It’s a great way to essentially formalise the entry and exit from your site, so that you can (for example) confirm driver details before entry. All that creates a safer and more reliable system for receiving deliveries, especially if you deal with valuable tools or materials, or you’re concerned about the possibility of unwanted intrusion.

The role of arm barriers in coordinating delivery schedules

Whatever the nature of your business, as a general rule you’ll want your deliveries arriving on time and in the correct sequence. Arm barriers help you manage this by letting you release cars and vans into your premises according to your schedule. If multiple drivers arrive at once, your team can control which lorry or van enters first, ensuring that the goods that are most urgent are unloaded before less time-sensitive deliveries. That can help to keeps operations aligned with your internal processes, whether that’s stocking shelves, supplying production lines, or preparing goods for onward distribution.

Crucially, arm barriers also give you a physical way to reduce bottlenecks and waiting time within your site. Essentially, they mean you can hold cars or vans at the gate until you’re ready to receive them, so you can avoid a build-up in loading bays or narrow access roads. This keeps your staff free to carry out tasks efficiently and ensures that drivers aren’t waiting in tight spaces where accidents or delays might otherwise occur. In short, you can synchronise deliveries with your operational needs, helping you maintain control of the pace of activity at all times.

Safety and security benefits for businesses and drivers

Arm barriers can provide a variety of direct safety and security advantages for your premises, your staff, and the delivery drivers arriving at your site. Some of them can be specific to your individual circumstances and premises, but generally speaking, the most universal advantages include:

• Lower risk of accidents at entry points
• Stronger protection against unauthorised access
• A clearer and safer working environment for drivers

To explore these in a little more detail, safety is obviously one of the most important factors when managing deliveries, and arm barriers can provide a strong level of protection for both your staff and visiting drivers. Basically, controlling the flow of cars and vans effectively reduces the risk of accidents at busy entry points. They ensure that drivers need to wait for a clear signal before moving forward, which goes a long way to preventing confusion and ensures pedestrians and staff in the area are kept out of harm’s way. As you may have found, this kind of structured system is especially important on sites where large lorries and vans are constantly arriving and leaving.

Another key benefit is security. Your team can use arm barriers to check paperwork and verify drivers before enabling a car or van through, so only approved deliveries get onto your premises. As we’ve touched on above, this reduces the risk of theft, trespassing, or disruption to your site. For drivers, it also means they enter a controlled environment with very clear prodecures, which helps them carry out their work safely and efficiently.

How arm barriers improve site efficiency and traffic flow

The flow of traffic often plays a huge role in overall site efficiency. Arm barriers create a central point of control for traffic, helping to direct cars and vans to the right location at the right time. You can guide lorries to specific loading bays, prevent unnecessary queues from forming, and keep routes clear for emergency access if required. It all works to reduce wasted time and creates a smoother experience for drivers who need to meet strict delivery schedules.

Traffic flow also tends to improve when arm barriers are in place, because once drivers know they must stop at a barrier, they naturally reduce their speed as they approach. In short, it enforces a calmer approach that reduces the risk of collisions. That means fewer delays and a lower chance of costly accidents – protecting your staff and visitors – and ultimately, a more reliable system for handling multiple deliveries in a working day.

Those are the key points in a nutshell! If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask our team here at Bollard Security – throughout our 15 years in business, we’ve always taken pride in 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 arm barriers or other commercial access control solutions for your site – we’re always happy to help.

Can bollards help reduce your business insurance premiums?

If you want a quick, simple answer to the question – yes, commercial bollards can help reduce your business insurance premiums. That’s largely because insurers calculate premiums based on the level of risk linked to your property, and installing bollards actively reduces threats of car collisions, forced entry, and potential damage to your premises. Therefore, lowering the likelihood of costly claims gives your insurer grounds to reward you with lower premiums. And of course, you can enjoy extra peace of mind that your business assets and staff have stronger safeguards against harm.

So, let’s take a look at the details in a little more depth.

How insurers assess business risk

Insurers look at a range of factors when deciding your premiums. At a quick glance, these include:

• Location and local crime rates
• The type of operations carried out on your site
• Security features and preventative measures in place

So, for starters, insurance providers base their assessments on how vulnerable your business is to certain threats. They evaluate the location of your property, the nature of your operations, and the security measures you’ve put in place. If your premises are in a busy urban area or on a site with heavy traffic, your risk rating will probably naturally be higher. Insurers will also look closely at crime statistics for your area, the type of stock you hold, and whether your business is open to the public.

As you might expect, security infrastructure plays a central role in these assessments. Features like CCTV, alarms, reinforced doors, and physical barriers can show your insurer that you’re serious about reducing exposure to loss. The more robust your measures, the more likely you’ll be offered premiums that reflect the lower risk you present. Bollards fit directly into this framework because they serve as a visible, physical deterrent. Crucially, they can significantly reduce the chance of high-value claims caused by cars or forced access.

The role of bollards in protecting your premises

At their core, bollards are pretty straightforward security assets – but they can be surprisingly versatile in terms of the security benefits they provide.

• Preventing car collisions
• Deterring forced entry
• Protecting day-to-day operations

Let’s address the obvious one first; bollards act as a barrier between vehicles and your property. Their design stops unauthorised vehicles from getting close to entrances, glazing, and other vulnerable areas. If a driver loses control, the bollards absorb the impact and prevent the car from reaching your building or harming people nearby. If you have valuable stock, machinery, or sensitive equipment, this line of defence can make the difference between a minor incident outside and a devastating loss inside.

Then there’s the visual deterrence element – bollards also reduce the appeal of your site as a target. Ram-raids tend to rely on speed and force, and obvious bollards tend to sharply reduce the likelihood of a successful break-in. Handily, commercial bollards can also help with day-to-day safety too. For example, if your site welcomes customers, staff, or delivery vans, bollards can help with demarcation, guiding the movement of your visitors and preventing any accidental damage. For example, a delivery van reversing too far could cause thousands of pounds in repairs, but properly positioned bollards eliminate that risk.

Again, each of these protective functions strengthens your case when your insurer weighs up your risk profile.

How bollards can help to influence insurance costs

As we’ve covered, insurers tend to respond directly to how you manage your risks, and bollards provide a useful way for you to prove that you’ve taken practical steps to protect your business from threats that are costly and disruptive. So, to explore some of the most significant considerations in a little bit more detail in turn…

Direct reduction in risk

Basically, bollards reduce the chance of claims linked to both accidental and deliberate car damage. If a car loses control outside your property, the bollards stop it from colliding with the building or anyone inside. We’ve covered ram-raids above; the bollards create an obstacle that blocks entry. These are two of the most expensive types of claims insurers face, and preventing them goes a long way to reducing the exposure your insurer carries.

Meeting insurer requirements

Some insurers set out conditions for cover, particularly if your site stores valuable goods, cash, or specialist equipment. Physical barriers are often part of these conditions, and bollards can provide a straightforward way to meet the standard. Installing bollards before your insurer asks shows foresight and demonstrates that your business takes security seriously. This can potentially help you avoid the future costs of urgent upgrades, as well as making your property easier to underwrite, which can lead to lower premiums from the outset.

Broader policy options

Insurers can sometimes provide more flexibility when they know you’ve got visible, physical protection, which means that your bollards may enable you to access a wider range of cover types that would otherwise be too expensive or unavailable. For example, if you run a retail site in an area known for ram-raids, your insurer may restrict certain types of cover unless barriers are in place. With bollards installed, you can sometimes give yourself access to those policies at more favourable rates, making it easier to secure the level of protection your business needs without inflated costs.

Proving value to your insurer

As you might expect, insurers often need evidence before they’re willing to make adjustments to premiums. Keeping records of your installation, including invoices, certificates, and photographs, lets you present clear proof of the investment. Maintaining the bollards and documenting any inspections or repairs also strengthens your position. This evidence gives your insurer confidence that your security measures are effective, which supports your argument for reduced premiums and places you in a stronger position when negotiating the terms of your policy.

These are all the key elements covered! if you ever need any help or advice – either about our commercial bollards or any of our other commercial solutions – you can always feel free to get in touch with our team. We have more than 15 years of experience in 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 920362 for advice and recommendations on the best Hydraulic Automatic Bollards or Telescopic Bollards for you!

How to get the most out of your flow plates on-site

We supply a great range of flow plates to choose from here at Bollard Security, and you may already be considering them for your own commercial site – especially given the many advantages they provide for safety and efficiency. If so, we’ve got a couple of tips on how to get the most out of yours. We’ve got more than 15 years of experience behind us with supplying commercial bollards and a variety of other traffic control solutions, so you can trust us to know what we’re talking about. Here’s what we’d suggest!

How to position flow plates for maximum control

• Identify key entry and exit points where one-way movement must be enforced
• Select straight sections of road for installation to support correct approach angles
• Use clear road markings and visible signage to warn drivers in advance
• Combine flow plates with other access control measures for greater effectiveness

Positioning is vital to getting the best results from your flow plates. They’ll need to be installed at locations that play a central role in your traffic management plan, such as main exits, loading bay approaches, or service road junctions. Installing them in these high-control areas enables you to influence vehicle behaviour across the whole site. It’s a good idea to place them on straight road sections as it helps both for vehicle alignment and for protecting the integrity of the plates over time. By the same token, incorrect approach angles can cause strain on the hinges and shorten their lifespan, so that’s something to watch out for.

Clear signage is another key element of effective positioning. Approaching drivers will need to be aware of the plates well before they reach them, so ideally you’ll want to position your signs far enough in advance that they have the time they need to slow down and approach correctly. You can also complement these signs with bright paint markings to make the presence of the plates more obvious, even in low-light or bad weather. For maximum impact, flow plates can be paired with bollards, gates, or traffic islands, creating a layered control point that reinforces one-way traffic rules.

Maintenance steps to keep flow plates effective

• Inspect for and remove debris that could block movement
• Check hinges, springs, and bolts regularly for wear
• Lubricate moving parts to prevent stiffness
• Replace damaged plates promptly to maintain performance

As you’ll no doubt know already, regular maintenance is hugely important for keeping flow plates working as intended. Over time, dust, gravel, and litter can accumulate in the hinge mechanism or plate recess, reducing the plate’s ability to move freely. Clearing these obstructions on a routine basis prevents operational issues and avoids the risk of vehicles being damaged by jammed plates. Outdoor installations are particularly prone to debris build-up after storms or high winds, so checks should be scheduled more often in such conditions.

Alongside cleaning, it’s a good idea to regularly carry out mechanical inspections to look for loose bolts, worn springs, or hinge misalignment. These parts work under continuous pressure and can weaken with repeated use, especially in sites that experience heavy vehicle traffic. Lubricating the moving components can help prevent stiffness, extend operational life, and maintain smooth operation. If any plates become bent or cracked, make sure to replace them straight away to avoid creating a safety hazard or reducing their effectiveness..

Those are the key points in a nutshell! If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask our team here at Bollard Security – throughout our 15 years in business, we’ve always taken pride in 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 flow plates and speed ramps for your site – we’re always happy to help.

4 key considerations for installing speed ramps near shop entrances

Speed ramps are hugely important safety solutions in any environment, but particularly so near busy shop entrances. They’re perfect for helping you to control car speeds, protect pedestrians, and create a safer environment for customers and staff. Like any safety solution though, they need careful planning for maximum effectiveness. This planning can help you ensure that your own speed ramps fit well within the overall layout of your site, improve safety without affecting accessibility, and work effectively alongside any other security measures that you have in place.

So, if you need a couple of tips on how to get started with that, here are the top considerations we’d suggest bearing in mind!

Assessing traffic flow near entrances

First off, you’ll need to assess how cars currently move around your shop entrance before installing speed ramps. This includes observing peak times for customer traffic, delivery schedules, and how cars, vans, or lorries use the space. Ideally, it helps to monitor these patterns over several days, as it can give you a clearer picture of where cars tend to speed up, slow down, or queue. This helps you position speed ramps where they’ll have the most impact in reducing risk, without causing congestion or obstructing vital access points.

It’s also important to consider the types of cars using the entrance. A shop located on a busy high street will often experience very different traffic compared to one in a retail park or industrial area. Larger cars like delivery trucks will need a design that accommodates their size and load. You can work with specialists to map out exactly how these cars enter and exit, ensuring ramps are placed in positions that maximise their safety value, while still preserving smooth vehicle movement. It often helps to include clear signage that alerts drivers in advance of the ramps, as this helps to create a safer and more organised flow of traffic around the area.

Identifying the right speed ramp dimensions

This is one that’s sometimes easy to overlook – you’ll need to carefully choose the dimensions of your speed ramps to suit your site. The height, width, and slope of a ramp determine how effectively it slows cars, and this needs to match the type of traffic approaching your shop. Taller ramps can significantly slow incoming vehicles, but they may not be suitable for areas that require regular access for delivery vans or emergency services. Shorter, more gradual ramps can strike a useful balance between slowing cars and maintaining a workable flow for heavier traffic. If you need any help with this, feel free to ask one of our team at Bollard Security – consulting with an expert can give you peace of mind that the chosen design meets safety standards, while still being a practical solution for your location.

Another key consideration is the width of your ramps. Wider ramps cover more of the entrance, making them effective in preventing cars from bypassing them, while narrower ramps may work for locations with defined lanes or tighter approaches. You can also incorporate features like reflective strips or embedded signage to make the ramps more visible, especially in low-light conditions. These details help drivers adjust their speed well in advance, reducing the risk of sudden braking or potentially even collisions.

Ensuring accessibility for all users

Your installation plans will need to account for everyone who uses the entrance, including customers with mobility requirements, parents with prams, and cyclists. Ramps that are too steep or positioned too close to pedestrian crossings can create obstacles for people who require extra support when entering or leaving the premises. So, ideally try and make sure that that your ramps are installed with gradual inclines, and positioned in ways that don’t interfere with walkways, so that you can be sure they’re maintaining accessibility. This approach creates an environment that supports every visitor – and as a bonus it minimises potential hazards too.

It’s also worth considering how the ramps affect emergency access. Ambulances or fire services may need to get close to the shop quickly, and poorly positioned ramps could slow their progress. Instead, clearly marked pathways or designated access points can help emergency services to operate effectively, while still ensuring day-to-day safety for customers and staff. You may also want to think about adding tactile paving near pedestrian areas and clear visual markers, which can further enhance accessibility by improving the experience for people with visual impairments.

Coordinating installation with other security features

Finally, it’s also worth looking at how speed ramps will integrate with other security measures around your shop. Many businesses already use bollards, barriers, or CCTV near entrances, and your new ramps will need to complement these features rather than conflict with them. For instance, placing a ramp too close to a row of bollards could create unnecessary hazards or complicate car movement. A coordinated layout ensures every element works together to improve security and safety. Make sure you’ve got the time to review the site plan in full, so you can be sure you’ll be avoiding potential clashes and making the most of the available space.

Don’t forget to review the long-term maintenance needs of your ramps alongside your other security equipment. Materials like rubber or concrete have different durability levels, and this affects how often you’ll need repairs or replacements. You can also plan maintenance at the same time as your other safety checks to make it easier to keep everything in working order.

Those are all the key points in a nutshell! And if you have any questions about the best use of speed ramps or similar solutions, don’t hesitate to ask us. For over 15 years here 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 barriers and speed ramps for your site – we’re always happy to help!

How flow plates can help you enforce one-way traffic on private land

Flow plates are a highly effective way to control the movement of vehicles on private property. They’re exactly what they sound like – metal devices that are installed into the surface of a road to allow traffic to pass in only one direction. They use a simple but reliable mechanism that can help you maintain order, improve safety, and protect restricted areas on your site. Flow plates make up an increasingly popular element of our traffic control measures here at Bollard Security, and a neat complement to our range of commercial bollards. So if you’re considering them for your own site, here’s what you need to know.

How flow plates work to control vehicle direction

Flow plates are built with a hinged design that responds to the direction of a vehicle’s movement. When a driver approaches from the permitted side, the weight of the vehicle pushes the plate down, allowing the wheels to pass freely. As soon as the vehicle has moved over the plate, it springs back into place, ready for the next approach. The hinge system is typically reinforced to handle repeated use and the pressure from various types of vehicles, from cars to light commercial vans.

When approached from the prohibited direction on the other hand, the plate stays upright. This creates an obstacle that physically prevents the vehicle from moving forward without causing damage to the undercarriage if the driver attempts to continue. The presence of these plates makes it clear to drivers which way they’re allowed to travel and removes any ambiguity about site rules. They can be especially useful in busy car parks, industrial estates, or service yards where it’s vital to control vehicle direction, for both operational flow and safety.

4 key benefits of installing flow plates

Flow plates can provide several important advantages for your site that make traffic control more effective and reliable. Here are a couple of the biggest ones:

Preventing unauthorised entry from the wrong direction

Flow plates create a physical barrier that stops vehicles approaching from the prohibited side, making it far harder for drivers to ignore directional rules. This level of control often proves to be particularly valuable if your site has dedicated entry and exit points, as it ensures that vehicles enter and leave in the intended manner. That can help to reduce the risk of incidents caused by drivers attempting to take shortcuts or access areas where they don’t belong. The presence of flow plates also sends a clear message to visitors and contractors that traffic management is a priority on your site, which can influence behaviour even before they reach the plates.

Reducing the risk of congestion

Congestion is often a common problem on private land, particularly at peak times or in areas with limited space. Flow plates help to address that by creating a predictable traffic pattern, so vehicles move smoothly through controlled routes without clashing with oncoming traffic. This is especially useful in settings such as business parks, retail car parks, or delivery yards, where high vehicle turnover can easily lead to queues and delays. When combined with clear signage, the predictable movement created by flow plates can keep key access points clear and maintain operational efficiency throughout the day.

Improving safety

Safety is one of the biggest concerns for any site manager, and directing vehicles through one-way systems plays a big part in achieving it. Flow plates encourage compliance by making it physically difficult to travel in the wrong direction, which helps reduce the risk of head-on collisions or sudden manoeuvres. This is particularly important in areas where vehicles share space with pedestrians or cyclists, as it limits unexpected movements that could lead to accidents. The reduction in risky driving behaviour benefits everyone on site, from staff and visitors to delivery drivers and contractors.

Protecting private property and restricted zones

If you have areas on your land that need to remain secure, such as storage compounds, loading bays, or sensitive operational zones, flow plates can help you keep them protected. Installing them at strategic access points can go a long way to helping you prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering – and saving you from requiring a staffed security presence at all times. The plates serve as both a physical obstacle and a visual warning, making it clear that the route is controlled and monitored. This can be a valuable part of a broader site security plan, supporting other measures such as gates, fencing, or CCTV to ensure that only authorised vehicles gain entry.

Protect your property with our trusted range of car park barriers, innovative traffic control solutions, and fully certified hostile vehicle mitigation systems. At Bollard Security, we offer nationwide installation and expert advice to make sure every project meets the highest safety standards. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 01535 509001 for advice and recommendations on the best flow plates and speed ramps for your site – we’re always happy to help.

The best ways to combine barriers and traffic calming speed ramps

Barriers and speed ramps are both highly effective standalone measures to enhance control over your site, which is why we supply both of them at the very best prices here at Bollard Security. What’s more though, one of the best ways to maximise their potential is to use them in tandem – and that’s exactly where we can help. Combining barriers and traffic calming speed ramps creates a multi-layered approach to managing how cars move through private roads, car parks, or commercial premises. It helps you to get greater control over vehicle entry, exit, and behaviour, and improving pedestrian safety to boost.

Crucially, you can ensure that drivers approach key areas at appropriate speeds and follow designated routes, protecting people and property. So, let’s take a bit of a closer look on how best to do it!

Define controlled entry and exit points with barriers

So, let’s start with barriers – which give you the ability to control exactly how cars access your site. They’re essential for defining clear entry and exit points, reducing the chance of unauthorised access, and ensuring drivers follow your intended traffic routes. You can use automatic rising arm barriers for car parks or heavy-duty fixed barriers for high-security sites. These installations work best when combined with additional access control systems like keypads, card readers, or ANPR cameras, so only approved cars can pass. Having clear physical boundaries can keep your traffic predictable and manageable, which is especially important if you own or operate a busy commercial site.

You can also benefit from barriers when you want to prevent car conflicts within your site, since narrowing the number of access points can make it easier to supervise and enforce how traffic moves around the area. You can channel cars in a way that separates staff, visitors, and service vans, which is a great way to minimise congestion. Whether you need to direct delivery lorries to one side of a warehouse yard or keep public cars out of restricted areas, you can count on the right barrier to give you the control to do so effectively.

Manage car approach and flow with speed ramps

So – on to speed ramps! These provide a straightforward way to keep drivers travelling at safe speeds; you can place them at key points such as car park entrances, pedestrian crossings, or bends where visibility is reduced. When drivers are required to slow down, that can help to lower the risk of collisions and make your site safer for everyone. The material and profile of the ramp can also be matched to your site’s requirements. For instance, lower-profile ramps are better suited for private access roads, while steeper designs are appropriate for areas needing strict speed control.

Speed ramps can also help you shape traffic behaviour beyond just reducing speed. Combining them with signage can ensure that drivers to pay closer attention to their surroundings, maximising their awareness of pedestrians and other cars. You can place them before tight turns or blind spots so that drivers approach these sections cautiously. This proactive management of traffic flow can give you the ability to reduce the likelihood of sudden braking or unsafe manoeuvres, which improves overall site safety.

Create layered safety zones

Another key advantage of combining barriers and ramps is that it can create layers of extra control that improve overall traffic safety. Barriers handle the access side, while speed ramps ensure that cars move slowly when they approach sensitive areas like loading bays or pedestrian-heavy zones. This combination is particularly useful in environments with mixed traffic, such as retail parks or business complexes, where you want to keep cars under control without disrupting operations. You can design these layers to work together, such as placing speed ramps just before barrier access points to force drivers to slow down as they approach. This layered approach also helps protect high-risk areas. If you manage a site with valuable goods or equipment, combining these features can give you an extra level of protection.

Position both solutions to protect pedestrian areas

Pedestrian safety is one of the most important considerations when planning traffic management. Barriers can be really helpful there – helping to create clear walkways that separate people from cars, preventing them from straying into live traffic zones. Combined with speed ramps, this layout slows cars at pedestrian crossings and other key points, such as entrances to office buildings or retail units. That makes it clear to drivers where pedestrians have priority, and makes it safer for people moving through the site.

Barriers also protect outdoor spaces where people may gather, such as loading areas where staff work on foot or seating areas outside commercial buildings. Pairing these with ramps that control approach speeds can reduce the risk of cars encroaching into these areas. Basically, it creates a defined and safe boundary for pedestrians, and obviously still enables cars to move efficiently in designated routes.

Adapt layouts to match your site’s specific traffic patterns

No two sites are the same, so your combination of barriers and ramps needs to reflect your traffic patterns. You can analyse how cars move around your premises and identify where risks are highest, then position barriers and ramps accordingly. For instance, if you run a warehouse with heavy lorry traffic, you might need robust barriers to protect pedestrian walkways and loading bays, along with ramps that slow cars entering or exiting the yard.

This adaptability also extends to seasonal or operational changes. If your site experiences higher footfall during certain times of the year, you can reconfigure barrier positions or introduce extra speed ramps to maintain safety. You can also review layouts over time to ensure they continue to serve your needs as your site grows or operations change. Planning with flexibility in mind can keep your traffic management systems effective in the long term.

At Bollard Security, we specialise in supplying and installing reliable car park barriers, advanced traffic control solutions, and industry-approved hostile vehicle mitigation systems across the UK. Our experienced team delivers tailored security setups to meet your exact requirements, from commercial sites to public spaces. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 01535 509001 for advice and recommendations on the best barriers and speed ramps for your site – we’re always happy to help