Why Does My Car Alarm Keep Going Off

There are fewer things more annoying that you have to deal with than a car alarm that randomly goes off in the middle of the night, AND IT WON’T EVER SHUT UP. Worse, it keeps on tripping, again and again, and you’re now left wondering… Why does my car alarm keep going off? What can you really do about this?

Unfortunately, there are many reasons why your car’s alarm keeps going off randomly, whether that’s down to a bad key fob, low battery levels, or problems with your car’s wiring. It’s surprisingly normal for a car’s alarm system to go awry and go off on its own, and that’s particularly so if you’ve installed an aftermarket alarm system. They can be notoriously wonky. Even random things can easily trip your car alarm, such as things inside your car moving around, or someone accidentally bumping their shopping cart into your car.

With that being said, focusing mainly on specific faults and underlying issues that might be plaguing your car’s alarm system, here are the top 5 reasons why your car alarm keeps going off:

1. A faulty key fob or remote
2. Low battery levels or corroded battery terminals
3. Faulty door, bonnet, or boot sensors
4. Miscellaneous wiring or electrical faults
5. Overly sensitive shock sensors

Here’s a breakdown of each of these common points of failure that continually trip your car alarm, and what you could do about them (plus, a bonus alternative to car alarms at the end):

1. Faulty Key Fob Or Car Remote

A malfunctioning key fob or remote can easily send erratic signals to your car’s alarm system. In particular, most car key fobs will have a ‘PANIC’ button (or something similar), which at the press of a button, will set off your car alarm. You can imagine why this might accidentally cause the alarm system to activate randomly.

Usually, key fobs might do this if their battery level is too low, or if the buttons are worn out or loose, as well as internal electronic/electrical issues within the key fob. This ought to highlight the importance of regularly changing your key fob battery, not to mention making sure you don’t drop it too many times, or leaving it out in the rain to fry its electronics. Additionally, another good trick I’ve learned is making sure you have a spare key fob around the home to swap to, if the one you have now is beyond repair.

There’s normally not much you can do to fix a broken key fob. Maybe, you could have it reprogrammed, and this might fix any glitches it might have when communicating with your car’s security system. Otherwise, a quick and dirty battery swap might fix it. Most of the time, however, it’s probably safer to just get a new key fob for your car.

2. Low Battery Levels Or Corroded Terminals

You may be surprised to learn this, but your car’s security system and the 12V battery have a stronger symbiotic relationship than you might expect. After all, all those alarms and sensors require power from your car battery to activate. So, if you’re wondering ‘why does my car alarm keep going off’, it could be worth just giving the battery a quick check-up.

Remember, a weak or dying battery could cause the car alarm to go off, as the security system and alarm have detected low voltage from the battery. Additionally, corroded or heavily oxidised battery terminals might also create additional electrical resistance. The latter might lead your car’s alarm or security system to interpret this as a battery issue.

Fixing this, thankfully, is relatively easy. If your car’s battery is too old (most 12V car batteries won’t last more than 3-5 years), it’s time to replace it. Or, if the battery is still in good shape and has a decent charge left, and you notice a lot of corrosion by the battery terminals, give it a good clean. A clean terminal should ensure a solid connection between your 12V battery and the rest of your car’s electrical system.

While you’re there, you should also double-check the battery’s voltage level and ensure that it’s optimal, using a simple voltmeter. I’d advise practising a habit of regularly inspecting your battery, and paying attention to your car’s electrical systems to know if it’s time to replace the battery altogether.

3. Problematic Door, Bonnet, Or Boot Sensors

A core part of your car’s security system that you might not notice is the myriad of sensors littered throughout. Specifically, we’re looking at the sensors around your doors, bonnet, or boot/tailgate. These numerous sensors help to detect unauthorised access into your car, and if so, it would trip the alarm. It should be no surprise then, that faulty, dirty, or misaligned sensors can accidentally send false signals to the alarm system, letting it go off.

Typically, you can try to fix this by cleaning the sensors, if you know where to find them. A soft cloth and a good cleaner should be adequate. Or, if you’re willing to DIY further, some cars allow you to adjust the alignment of the sensors, and even check to make sure they have a solid connection. For most cars and their respective human companions, though, it might be easier to just have a technician re-align them or replace these sensors altogether.

4. Miscellaneous Electrical And Wiring Problems

Ok, now this is something most regular car owners – not without a good bit of technical know-how – can’t really do much to fix, but it’s worth noting anyway. Electrical and wiring-related faults within your car are easily one of the more common reasons why your car’s alarm keeps going off randomly.

Damaged, burnt, short-circuited, or frayed wires can create short circuits or send erratic signals within your car’s alarm and security system. This is often caused by wear and tear (a really common issue among older cars), or improper repairs done to your car prior. Alternatively, if there’s a persistent rodent issue at your home, chewed-up wires in your car can cause electrical problems, too.

For most ordinary car owners, you might be able to whip out a torch and try to locate these damaged or frayed wires in your car. Some minor wiring issues, which might prompt a short circuit to appear, could be fixed with a bit of electrical tape. However, for everything else, professional help is recommended. This is especially true if you’re dealing with serious wiring faults or damage in your car. A mechanic would need to replace the damaged wiring, and if needed, they might have to replace entire systems or sections… Which can be quite expensive.

5. Overly Sensitive Shock Sensors

So, remember those sensors I mentioned earlier? Well, there’s another type of sensor that forms part of your car’s alarm and security system… Shock sensors. These help to detect impacts and vibrations that may hit your car, such as someone accidentally bumping into your car. But, in some cases, these shock sensors might have been set a bit too sensitive, allowing the tiniest of impacts to set off your car alarm.

As such, it could trigger your car’s security system even with minor disturbances, such as another car passing by close to yours, or the neighbourhood cat climbing onto the roof. I’ve also seen some car alarms be triggered by loud thunder strikes, which is another sign that those shock sensors are way too sensitive.

Some car alarms allow the owner to more easily adjust the shock sensor’s sensitivity. Your owner’s manual may have instructions on how you can do this. If you’re able to do that, try and test different sensitivity levels to find a good balance between keeping your car safe, but also preventing false alarms. If you can’t adjust it, you might have to send your car over to a technician to have them adjust it, or replace the shock sensors entirely.

What Can You Do About Car Alarms That Keep Going Off?

Now, if you’re worried that your car alarm is randomly going off far too many times, and if you’re sick of having to deal with it all the time, there is an alternative… Get rid of your car alarm. It’s a bold statement for sure, but there is a method to this madness. Oftentimes, car alarms just don’t work nearly as much as they’re really meant to, and there’s still doubt as to whether they really work at preventing car theft. A lot of the time, when I hear a car alarm go off, my immediate response is, ‘Ah, must be a false alarm’.

As such, if you’re looking for a more bulletproof and reliable solution to improving the safety of your car at your home, consider installing driveway bollards, instead. They’ve proven to be far more robust and secure at helping to prevent thieves from driving off with your car. Even a fairly simple, affordable telescopic bollard – and we do have a lot of those that we install regularly for clients throughout the UK – that’ll stop a car burglar way better than any car alarm would.

Consider these points on why a driveway bollard is a far better security system than your car’s alarm:

• It creates a robust, physical, super strong barrier that prevents thieves from driving off with your car from your driveway. On top of that, you could also use this to prevent unauthorised parking on your driveway.
• Most driveway bollards don’t have any electronics at all, cutting down on complexity and the risk of something going wrong. Even those that do, like automated driveway bollards, use simple, tried-and-tested electrics.
• Driveway bollards are a passive security measure, which doesn’t require wonky sensors or alarms to protect a thief from driving away with your car. This also means you won’t have to deal with false alarms at all.
• Crucially, for the sake of your ears, driveway bollards don’t come with blaring alarms. Even if, by some chance, your driveway bollard suffers from issues, it won’t need to broadcast it with an ear-shattering alarm.
• Believe it or not, driveway bollards are cheaper over the long run. Sure, the upfront cost of installation is going to eclipse the cost of installing a car alarm. But, over many years, it’ll save you from having to regularly replace your key fob batteries, fix a broken alarm, replace glitchy sensors, or get a new key fob.

These are just some of the many key reasons why driveway bollards are a far superior method of securing your car at home. And hey, if you’re thinking of installing a driveway bollard at your home, you’re in the right place! We’ve been installing and maintaining security solutions – including driveway bollards – throughout the UK for the past 15 years. In addition to our diverse selection of driveway bollards, we’ve worked with commercial and residential clients, as well as the industrial sector. If you’re unsure of where to get started, don’t hesitate to call us at 01535 920362, and we’ll help you out.

Everything you need to know about the Sold Secure By Design certification

When it comes to security and crime prevention, certifications play a crucial role in ensuring products meet rigorous standards. One such certification, the Sold Secure By Design, holds significant importance for suppliers and consumers alike – and that’s why so many of our bollards have been awarded with it here at Bollard Security. Now, if you’re a commercial customer, you may well be familiar with the basics of the accreditation – but if you’ve never heard of it before, you might well be asking: what exactly does it all mean?

What is Sold Secure By Design certification?

Sold Secure By Design is a certification scheme originally developed by the UK police. It focuses on assessing the security of products, particularly those related to crime prevention and security measures. Crucially, the certification is designed to test and certify the resistance of the product being tested, measuring its ability to withstand various forms of attack such as picking, drilling, and manipulation. The end result is to ensure that each certified product serves as a solid security measure for its intended application, enabling customers to have flawless peace of mind.

Why does the Sold Secure By Design certification matter?

The Sold Secure By Design certification is a highly prestigious one within the security industry, and rightly so. It serves as a mark of approval that the product has been independently tested and verified to meet high security standards. For consumers, this certification provides assurance that the product they are purchasing has undergone rigorous testing and is capable of offering reliable security performance. That’s a big part of the reason why products bearing this certification are often preferred by insurance companies, potentially even leading to lower insurance premiums for consumers due to increased security measures.

What’s involved in being granted the Sold Secure By Design certification?

Achieving Sold Secure By Design certification isn’t something that can be done off the cuff – it’s an intensive process that encompasses several stages.

First, the product being tested (in this case a bollard) must be submitted to an accredited testing laboratory. These laboratories conduct comprehensive tests to evaluate the bollard’s resistance to various forms of attack, such as picking, drilling, and manipulation. The testing process includes rigorous assessments to ensure that the product meets the required standards for security and durability.

These includes tests for attack resistance (picking, drilling, cutting), environmental durability (corrosion, weather exposure), and tamper resistance (manipulation, bypass methods). If the bollard successfully withstands them all, it is awarded Sold Secure By Design certification. The certification may vary in levels (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) depending on the product’s security performance and durability.

Sold Secure By Design is overseen by the Master Locksmiths’ Association (MLA), and it’s also recognised by the UK’s Home Office and other law enforcement agencies. That ensures that the system is able to provide independent testing and certification services for a wide range of security products, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

And as we’ve touched on above, almost every bollard we supply here at Bollard Security has been awarded with the Sold Secure By Design certification, so you can always have complete confidence in the performance and reliability of our products. Plus, we’ve recently been named as a Feefo Gold Award Winner for the second time running!

So, if you’re looking for a sturdy set of bollards for your own premises – you can start looking immediately at our range of telescopic and automatic bollards. And of course, if you ever need any assistance or advice, get in touch on 01756 636 196. Our experts are always happy to help!

How Much Does A Car Tracker Cost

Among the more popular car security products that I’ve seen flying off the shelves as of late are car trackers. I can see why, though. If your car is stolen and someone’s driven off with it, a car tracker is an easy and simple little appliance to let you know where they’ve gone. I could also see plenty of other use cases for a car tracker too, like using it to know where you might’ve last parked your car. But, are they really worth it, given the price? How much does a car tracker cost, anyway?

Well, the final tally with buying a car tracker and having it installed varies depending on how far off the deep end you really want to go. Budget car trackers can easily be had for under £100, including the installation cost. Or, you could drain your bank account and spend way more than £1,200 for a more premium option. That’s not even including other miscellaneous costs that many car owners, unfortunately, tend to forget or sometimes even neglect when taking stock of the total cost.

Many car trackers have monthly subscriptions to access their services. Plus, some of them have tiered prices to access more premium features and functionality. Additionally, car trackers need some way to connect to your phone or web portal (where you can monitor your car) and send data back. Therefore, you’ll have to take into account the monthly cost of a SIM card and data plan, as well.

To get a better idea of how much this is all going to cost you, across a broad price range, here’s our detailed, in-depth breakdown (and, we’ll attempt to answer whether or not a car tracker is worth it at the end):

1. Costs Of Buying An Aftermarket Car Tracker

First off, let’s look at the cost of buying the actual car tracker itself. You’ll find plenty of aftermarket options on Amazon.co.uk and other marketplaces, some of which could be had for under £15. But, just to keep it simple, we’re going to mention some of the more popular car trackers here in the UK, as an example.

On the budget end of the price range, there’s the Rewire Security Nano Tracker and the TKSTAR GPS Tracker, for £49.99 and £35.00, respectively. A lot of these cheaper car trackers don’t really offer much beyond just real-time tracking. But hey, that’s what a car tracker is for, right? To track where your car is and where it’s gone. If that’s all you need it for, it’ll do the job just fine.

Step it up to the mid-range price bracket, and you have the Smartrack Protector Pro or the Trackershop Enforcer 4, among others. These cost around £199.00 to £129.00, respectively. In addition to real-time tracking, as those cheap car trackers offer, you get extra goodies for the money. Mid-range options might offer additional perks like 24/7 customer support, geofencing, extensive mobile app support, or even approval and certificates from security companies. The latter could be something like the ‘Thatcham Approved’ approval process, which may even get you reduced insurance premiums.

On the other end of the price range, you’ll find higher-end car trackers like the Smartrack S5 or the Tracker Cat 5 Plus. These are, as you can imagine, pretty pricey, costing around £449.00 and £699.00, respectively. You’ll find more of that ‘Thatcham Approved’ certificate here, but often tested and approved more rigorously. Elsewhere, pricier car trackers offer more advanced theft detection, are likely more dependable, and may also feature remote immobilisation systems.

2. Costs Of Installing And Fitting A Car Tracker

While the cost of the car tracker itself is the biggest variable in the final tally, the installation cost can be quite impactful, too. Now, some car trackers – often in the cheaper end of the price range – are designed to be easier to install DIY. These DIY-friendly car trackers are usually plug-and-play, and some just require you to stick them into the OBD port. If you can DIY the installation, it’ll cost you precisely £0, just costing you in time, and energy, and you might not even need any tools.

However, more sophisticated car trackers, particularly those that require hardwiring, are going to be way more complicated to install. These are usually best left to professionals unless you have a good amount of know-how around your car. A professional install will incur labour charges and additional costs:

• The average hourly rate for most car mechanics in the UK is around £60 to £100 per hour.
• For most car trackers, the estimated installation time is around 1 to 3 hours. This will depend on the complexity of the car tracker itself.
• So, the estimated total labour cost will likely be anywhere from £60 to £300. But, your cost may vary.

3. Some Additional Costs To Consider

Ah, now we get to the fine print that many car owners and motorists miss when they’re thinking about buying a car tracker and fitting it onto their car. Aside from the cost of buying and installing the car tracker, you need to take stock of these extra costs too, if you’re wondering about how much does a car tracker cost:

• Subscription Fees – Many car trackers require that you pay a monthly (or yearly) subscription to access real-time tracking services. At best, they might offer basic real-time services for free, but you’ll still need to pay up if you want extra features, like geo-fencing or remote immobilisers. The monthly subscription costs vary from one car tracker to another, but on average, they’re usually in the £5 to £20 range per month. For example, Smartrack charges £12.95 to £19.95 per month, depending on the car tracker you pair it with.
• SIM Card Costs – To allow the car tracker to connect with your phone (and the car tracker provider’s servers) and keep track of your car’s location, it needs a SIM card. This is because most car trackers rely on GSM networks or something similar. As such, you’ll need a SIM card with a data plan. Depending on the data usage and plan that you’ve paired it with, it might cost you £1 to £5 each month on the SIM card and data plan, alone.

Are Car Trackers Really Worth It?

Now that you’re wary of how much does a car tracker cost, is it really worth it to fit one onto your car? If you’ve already made up your mind on one, for your specific use cases, then don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. If you’re on the fence, however, a car tracker, while it can be handy for some scenarios, might not always live up to the hype. There are so many points of failure with complicated security devices like car trackers that I’ve yet to talk about. In short, a car tracker might not be all that it’s cracked up to be.

There are serious limitations that can massively impede their ability to actually track your car:

• This could be poor signal reception (which will lose track of your car’s location), lower accuracy (hence, it’ll likely get it wrong as to where your car actually is), as well as unreliable performance.
• Aside from that, car trackers rely on GPS and GSM networks, as well as run on battery power. If any of these are compromised, it’ll render your expensive car tracker pretty much useless in some cases.
• Car trackers are way more expensive than they lead on, over the long term. The ongoing costs of those SIM card data plans and monthly subscription fees add up hugely over time.
• The complexity of car trackers makes them prone to faults. You might be dealing with problematic electronics in the car tracker device itself, or there might be software glitches that prevent accurate tracking
• By far and away the Achilles Heel of car trackers – they’re relatively easy to tamper. If a thief knows what to look for, they can pretty easily locate, tamper with, and disable the car tracker. Those OBD car trackers, for example, often stick out like a sore thumb, so don’t be surprised if a burglar finds it and chucks it out the window in mere seconds.

A Good Driveway Bollard > A Car Tracker

As you can see now, car trackers have their use cases and their respective flaws. If you’re looking for a reliable, robust, and easy way to secure your car and prevent a prospective thief from driving off with it, there is a really good alternative for your home, instead… Installing a driveway bollard.

Rather than focusing too much on adding electronic gadgets like car trackers – which might fail or having you to deal with the chance of it glitching out, among other would-be issues – a good driveway bollard solves this. And, instead of focusing too much on your car’s security, it might be more effective to look at where you’ve parked your car and securing your home’s driveway, as a more solid, proven option.

A simple driveway bollard is a much more guaranteed option for securing both your car and your driveway at the same time and ensuring that a thief won’t just be able to drive off with your car. There are many other benefits to installing a driveway bollard, instead of investing in a car tracker:

• A driveway bollard acts as a physical barrier, preventing your car from being driven off under your nose. In some cases, it may deter potential thieves from even attempting to steal your car in the first place, because they know there’s no way they’ll be able to take off with it.
• The lack of strong reliance on electronics and complicated tech makes driveway bollards a way better option for most motorists and myself, personally. They don’t need a battery, paywalled behind a monthly subscription, or GPS signals to work. A driveway bollard, once installed, works right away, and it’ll work reliably every single time.
• Over the long run, driveway bollards are cheaper, too. Sure, the upfront costs of buying a few driveway bollards and installing them at your home might be pricier than a car tracker, but it’s a one-time cost. You pay up once, and it requires minimal maintenance afterwards. Unlike car trackers, you don’t have to pay a monthly or yearly subscription, not to mention SIM card data plans.
• Driveway bollards are for more than just securing your car. Installing a driveway bollard ensures that you can protect your home, as well as your car. I’ve also seen a lot of people install driveway bollards to help prevent unauthorised vehicles from parking or driving up onto their driveways.
• Best of all, driveway bollards are far more durable than car trackers. They’re meant to be outdoors, so they’ve been built with extensive protection against harsh weather and can withstand weathering for many years, with minimal care needed. Moreover, driveway bollards are way harder to tamper or bypass, unlike car trackers.

But don’t just take my word for it. If you’re looking for the best protection and security for your car and to deter theft, at Bollard Security, we have over 15 years of experience with installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK. We’ve served clients across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, particularly with our diverse selection of driveway bollards. We have everything from simpler (but nonetheless effective) telescopic bollards to fancy automated bollards, too. If you’re unsure of where to get started, don’t hesitate to contact us at 01535 920362 for advice and recommendations.

5 critical infrastructure sites that can benefit from bollards

By definition, critical infrastructure sites have particularly stringent security requirements – and that’s exactly where bollards come in useful. They’re reliable, affordable, and undeniably effective, enabling operators to effortless control vehicular access, and mitigate the risk of unauthorised entry. Here’s a quick roundup of five of the most prominent types of critical infrastructure sites where bollards play a crucial role in enhancing security.

1. Airports

Airports are among the busiest and most security-sensitive environments. With millions of passengers, employees, and goods flowing through daily, the top priority is to ensure flawless safety and efficiency.

Bollards that have been strategically placed at airport entrances, terminal drop-off zones, and perimeter fences can all help to manage vehicle traffic while preventing unauthorised access to restricted areas such as runways and baggage handling facilities. By creating secure zones, bollards contribute significantly to safeguarding both people and infrastructure from potential threats.

Airports often use crash-rated bollards capable of stopping vehicles even at high speeds, ensuring protection against deliberate vehicular attacks. If you’re looking for similar bollards for your own premises, we have a great range of anti-ram raid bollards to choose from right here on our site!

2. Hospitals and emergency entrances

Since hospitals operate around the clock to provide critical medical care, that can naturally make them vulnerable to security risks, especially at emergency entrances and ambulance bays.

Bollards are essential in these areas to ensure quick and unimpeded access for emergency vehicles, while preventing unauthorised vehicles from entering pedestrian zones and sensitive patient care areas. (Not every intruder necessarily has malicious intent – sometimes, people are just looking for an easy place to park.)

The presence of bollards not only enhances the safety of patients, staff, and visitors, but also supports seamless emergency response operations during critical situations. What’s more, plenty of hospitals utilise retractable or removable bollards to temporarily open access for authorised vehicles during emergencies, while maintaining security at other times.

3. Government buildings and public safety

Now we come to perhaps the single most sensitive type of facility on this short list. Government buildings house essential administrative functions and sensitive information, which often makes them prime targets for security breaches.

Bollards strategically placed around government office complexes, embassy premises, and legislative assembly buildings serve as effective perimeter security measures, especially when combined with other measures. By creating controlled access points and secure zones, bollards help mitigate the risk of vehicle-borne threats, unauthorised entry, and acts of terrorism. They also play a vital role in protecting government personnel, critical infrastructure, and public safety. Some government facilities even opt for decorative bollards that blend with architectural aesthetics while providing robust security capabilities.

4. Financial institutions and asset protection

Banks and financial institutions are custodians of valuable assets, and so they’re often subject to successful or attempted criminal activities, such as robbery and burglary. (As they have been for centuries, to be honest!)

Bollards installed around bank branches, ATM locations, and cash handling areas can act as physical barriers to deter unauthorised access – especially ram-raiding attempts, which are still used on cashpoints across the UK (even if they are increasingly rare). Bollards fulfil a range of security roles for financial institutions – not only safeguarding assets, but also ensuring the safety of employees and customers alike. Just as with government buildings, financial institutions often choose bollards equipped with integrated lighting or reflective materials to enhance visibility and security during night hours.

5. Stadiums and event venues

Stadiums and large event venues attract significant crowds during sports events, concerts, and public gatherings, making them vulnerable to security threats, including vehicular attacks. Bollards strategically placed around stadium entrances, pedestrian walkways, and parking areas provide effective crowd control and perimeter security.

In many ways they perform largely the same roles for stadiums and event venues as they do for other sensitive areas, but also with a couple of crucial differences – in this setting bollards also help to maintain order, enhance public safety, and mitigate specific risks during high-profile events. What’s more, their presence reinforces security measures and supports comprehensive emergency response planning to ensure the safety and well-being of event attendees and staff. Stadiums often favour bollards designed to withstand impact forces while minimising visual obstruction, thereby balancing security needs with the spectator experience.

Those are just a couple of examples – but application you personally have in mind, you can count on us to have a bollard to suit you! For over 15 years, 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. That includes heavy-duty bollards designed to protect crowded or sensitive areas, such as commercial automatic bollards and hydraulic automatic bollards.

If you’re looking to place an order, or you want any help or advice, don’t hesitate to contact us on 01535 509001, and we’ll be happy to assist however we can!

Do Steering Wheel Locks Work?

Of the many products you can buy today to help protect and secure your car from thieves, steering wheel locks are among the more popular options. The principle is simple… It locks onto your car’s steering wheel, and with a long, (usually) steel, protruding rod, this makes it nigh impossible to turn the wheel without first removing the steering wheel lock. Without being able to steer, the steering wheel lock makes it harder for your car to simply be driven off. Some steering wheel locks even come with an additional bar to fully press down onto the brake pedal. But, its effectiveness in preventing theft remains questionable, so do steering wheel locks actually work? Well, here’s a TL;DR on what I think:

• From what we’ve seen, steering wheel locks – particularly some of the pricier, more heavy-duty ones – do work, and they work quite well.
• They’re generally quite inexpensive compared to many other automotive security solutions, and they’re relatively not that hard to install and remove.
• By adding an extra physical barrier, it ought to make a thief think twice before tring to drive away with your car. Or, to at least make their jobs way harder.
• If anything, the sheer appearance of a steering wheel lock might be enough to deter would-be thieves, making your car far less of an attractive target. In the world of car theft, deterrence can be just as effective as outright prevention.
• I also like that steering wheel locks are typically uncomplicated in design. Unlike other car security products like car alarms or GPS trackers, steering wheel locks have no electronics, nor do they need to run on the battery.
• For me, it offers adequate peace of mind knowing that my steering wheel lock isn’t going to glitch out or run out of power.

Yet, I can’t help but shake off the feeling that steering wheel locks have way more flaws and downsides that might not be immediately apparent when you’re shopping for one. Yes, steering wheel locks do work, but they’re not as effective at preventing theft as some might assume. In fact, if you’re looking for top-notch security for your beloved car, there are so many other, better alternatives out there (at the end, we’ll discuss what is no doubt the best and most secure one for you).

With that in mind, here are some of the noteworthy cons with steering wheel locks that you need to consider before buying one:

1. It’s Not A Foolproof Solution

The most damning argument against fitting steering wheel locks in your car is how surprisingly easy it is to bypass it. A well-equipped car thief might have all the tools they need to pick the lock that secures the steering wheel lock in place. Or, they could even just brute force it and crack the steering wheel lock open. One of the most popular techniques I’ve seen deployed is using Freon or refrigerant spray to free the lock itself, thus making it brittle, and breaking it.

It’s worth bearing in mind that not all steering wheel locks are made the same. Most cheaper steering wheel locks, for example, are far more susceptible to being bypassed and brute forced into, than the pricier options. For example, I saw how the guys at Donut Media, when testing various car security products, found a critical flaw in one of the steering wheel locks they tested. There, they found that one vital part of the steering wheel lock was a thin piece of metal, which could be handily (and silently) beaten by a pair of bolt cutters.

In short, buying a steering wheel lock can be a bit of a gamble… You might end up with a good one that’ll hold up to whatever speciality tools or clever hacks a car thief employs to remove it. Or, you could end up with the same steering wheel lock that took mere seconds for the guys at Donut Media to break through and then have unimpeded access to the steering wheel. Remember, standard lock-picking tools are really easy to find, and there is an abundance of guides and videos online that’ll unintentionally teach you how easy it is to use them.

2. The Inconvenience With Using Them

While a steering wheel lock is comparatively easy to use and intuitive at first, needing to remove and install it onto your steering wheel every single time gets really tiresome pretty quickly. It’s very cumbersome, especially when you need to get somewhere in a hurry, or if you have physical ailments that can make it more challenging to exert the force needed to remove a steering wheel lock. Those few minutes you exhaust trying to undo that lock add up, and I’ve lost count of the number of times where I just couldn’t be bothered trying to install it.

This matters, because the cumbersome nature of the steering wheel lock might lead to situations where some folks might opt to say ‘forget this, I’m not dealing with this right now’, and neglect to use their steering wheel locks. Obviously, this will leave your vehicle exposed and vulnerable to theft, when all you’re relying on is that steering wheel lock. For someone who commutes daily and spends a lot of time getting in and out of my car, it just isn’t as practical or as effortless as some of the marketing might lead you to believe.

3. Taking Up Excess Storage Space

Speaking of inconvenience, where does one stow the steering wheel lock after you’ve removed it? Most of the people I know simply chuck it into the passenger floor well, or throw it onto the rear seats. Given how large a steering wheel lock is, no matter where you toss it when it’s not in use, it only ends up taking up valuable space in your car. That’s particularly so in smaller vehicles, like sports cars or superminis, where in-car storage space can be really hard to come by, and is already rather limiting to begin with.

All that space could’ve been used for something else, instead. And even if you’re able to find somewhere where you could stow that steering wheel lock, it adds to unnecessary clutter. There are many other, smaller security solutions you could get for the money, and as we’ll discuss later down below, we have an alternative that won’t take up any precious in-car storage space, at all!

4. Potential For Causing Damage

Even if it does prevent theft, is a steering wheel lock worth the potential damage it causes to your interior? I’ve found that frequently fitting and removing the steering wheel lock has the chance of scratching up or scuffing the steering wheel. It does depend on the steering wheel lock itself and how it’s been designed, but some of these can be pretty hard on your upholstery. The hard metal surfaces that lock onto your steering wheel wear it down seriously, particularly if your wheel is made from softer surfaces, such as leather.

On that note, the size and design of your steering wheel should be taken into consideration when you’re trying to find a suitable steering wheel lock, too. Your car’s steering wheel might be a tad thick. Or, the placement of the spokes may interfere with how the lock secures in place. Aside from incompatibility concerns, it might make it way harder to install and remove your steering wheel lock, or to have it secured enough to make sure the lock works as intended. So, make sure you take notes before checking out your Amazon cart.

5. It Provides Limited Protection

Another vital downside of steering wheel locks and why they do not always work is that they provide single-point security. They only address one aspect of your car’s security – making sure your steering wheel can’t be moved – thus leaving other vulnerabilities around your car unprotected. It doesn’t prevent thieves from starting your car, by bypassing the ignition system, nor does it prevent a thief from moving your car in just a straight line. In fact, a steering wheel lock won’t even stop thieves from merely towing your car away from you.

Thieves might otherwise adopt more advanced methods like signal jamming, relay attacks, or for older cars, it’s sometimes enough to hotwire the car. None of these could be prevented by a steering wheel lock. A multi-layer approach to car security is vital, which is why car owners often use steering wheel locks in concert with other measures, such as immobilisers, alarms, or GPS trackers. So, make sure you don’t just rely on steering wheel locks and build a false sense of confidence or complacency, expecting a steel rod to keep your car safe.

Is There A Better Alternative To Steering Wheel Locks?

So, do steering wheel locks work? Well, somewhat, and it can be sufficient in the right circumstances. But, what if I told you there’s a way better alternative to car security and theft deterrence at home? Instead of a steering wheel lock, which can be cumbersome, not as secure as some might think, and offer many inconveniences that come with it, you’d be better off installing a driveway bollard at your home. Driveway bollards are easier and more convenient to use, which are really easy to retract and stow away when you need to use them.

Plus, some of them are even automated, allowing you to raise and lower your driveway bollards with just a key fob remote. Aside from that, a driveway bollard is able to guarantee that every single car you own is secured all at once, rather than you need to install a steering wheel lock for each one. If that’s not reason enough to sell you on the supremacy of driveway bollards for car security compared to steering wheel locks, here are some of the many benefits it offers:

1. Driveway bollards provide a robust, physical barrier that prevents a car from being moved out of your driveway, which is better than a steering wheel lock, which only restricts steering.
2. Unlike steering wheel locks, which need to be installed and removed every single time you need to go out for a drive, a driveway bollard is permanently fitted in place. That alone ought to save you a lot of time.
3. Moreover, whereas some steering wheel locks could be readily bypassed by the right tools and a bit of elbow grease, a solid driveway bollard is impossibly more robust to tampering. You can’t just ram into them and run them down, either.
4. Speaking of tampering, and this extends beyond steering wheel locks, driveway bollards provide a more secure defence against sophisticated theft methods. This includes signal jamming or relay attacks, given that driveway bollards lack the electronic security systems that are vulnerable to such attack vectors.
5. Crucially, driveway bollards don’t directly interact with your car. While a steering wheel lock needs to be fitted and removed constantly, which might risk damaging the interior, you’re not going to scratch and scuff up your car with a set of driveway bollards.

If you are looking to buy some driveway bollards and install them at your home to secure your home, you’re in luck! For over 15 years, we here at Bollard Security have installed and maintained security solutions throughout the UK. In that time, we’ve serviced commercial, industrial, and residential clients, and we take pride in the peace of mind we offer to our customers. And, the quality of the driveway bollards that we offer in our diverse selection of security solutions. If you’re not sure where to get started, or if you’re seeking recommendations and advice, don’t hesitate to contact us at 01535 920362.

Can You Install Bollards On Private Land?

For those looking at installing some driveway bollards to secure your home and to prevent or deter car theft, even on private property, there’s a tonne of legal and regulatory hurdles that you need to first overcome. So, can you install driveway bollards on private land?

Yes, you indeed can, but you need to make sure you’re wary of the legal permissions, compliance issues, and regulations involved here in the UK, thus making sure the installation process goes off without a hitch. The last thing you need to worry about is getting on the wrong side of the law, so here’s what you need to know about installing driveway bollards on private land in the UK…

Planning Permissions

For most private properties and on private land, you typically won’t require planning permissions to install a driveway bollard or two. However, there are some specific scenarios where you absolutely need to seek further approval prior to the installation.

• If your property is a listed building, you must obtain consent and approval before making any alterations or renovations to the property. This includes installing driveway bollards, too.
• Similarly, if your property is located within a conservation area, they face stricter regulations to ensure that these parcels of land are preserved. So, if you’re trying to install driveway bollards in these areas, ensure that you check with your local planning authority to enquire if further permissions are needed, and they’ll also be able to provide additional guidelines.

Still, even if your property is on fully private land owned by you, I find that it’s good practice to always consult with your local planning office. A bit of red tape at the start of the project ought to at least prevent any issues or misunderstandings down the line.

In addition to acquiring planning permissions, if you’re planning to install driveway bollards that are close to public vehicular access or pedestrian pathways, you may need to also consult the local highway authority. Any bollards that you wish to install, even on private land, mustn’t impede pedestrian foot traffic or vehicles trying to pass by.

Obstructions also include sightlines, your bollards can’t interfere with motorists’ sightlines, as this can pose a serious hazard. In short, your bollards, once installed, can’t prevent the free-flowing movement of pedestrians and vehicles in nearby public land. Otherwise, if the installation does affect nearby pavements, and shared driveways or pathways, you’ll need to apply for additional permissions.

Leasehold Properties

Aside from installing driveway bollards on private land, what about leasehold properties? Well, it’s not nearly as straightforward, but it starts with obtaining the necessary permissions and approval from the freeholder, or the property management company. This is essential before you begin installing any bollards on the property.

Make sure you read up on and review your lease agreement terms beforehand. This should contain all the necessary guidelines, as well as the restrictions and requirements for making modifications to your leasehold property.

Once you’ve understood what restrictions are in place, spend some time contacting your landlord, freeholder, or the property management company, and get written consent and approval from them for the installation. This might be a bit of a headache, as they may require you to submit detailed plans for the installation of those bollards on your property.

Residential Land & Shared Spaces

As we mentioned earlier, homeowners can install bollards on their driveways or parking spaces to prevent any unauthorised access or deter car theft, and this is way easier to do when it’s on private land. Still, there are some things you can do to ensure a smooth-sailing installation process:

• First off, make sure you verify your property boundaries so that you don’t step over and install bollards outside of your own land. Usually, your property deeds should outline where your property begins and ends.
• Aside from that, I’d highly advise informing your neighbours beforehand, prior to the planned installation date. Installing a driveway bollard can be a little loud, so be a good neighbour and let them know to avoid any disputes or arguments happening.
• Remember that you can’t install driveway bollards on public land or publicly accessible pathways or roads. For these, you will need to get consent and acquire explicit permissions from your local council and the local authorities.

Other Considerations To Be Wary Of

For all of you who are strongly considering installing driveway bollards on private land, here are a few other noteworthy considerations that you should be wary of:

• Before performing the installation, it helps to check for underground utilities like gas, water, fibre optic lines, and electrical lines, to avoid damaging them during the bollard installation process. Remember, bollards are made to retract underground, so you’ll have to dig downwards. So, be sure to consult all the relevant utility companies if necessary, and mark out those areas where you can’t dig through.
• As you’re shopping for new driveway bollards to install, bear in mind that some bollards might have a positive impact on your home or motor insurance premiums. Since they reduce the risk of theft or damage, insurance providers generally recognise this and could offer you a discount on your premiums. Therefore, remember to check with your insurance provider and ask around how installing a bollard might impact your existing policy. One such example is the ‘Insurance Approved’ selection of bollards that we have in our catalogue.
• Interestingly, I’ve seen chatter with some homeowners who are keen to proceed with installing a bollard or two on their own, DIY-style. Now, some driveway bollards can be installed DIY. However, hiring professionals for the installation process is highly advised, particularly for retractable or telescopic bollards. These can be quite tough to install, even with a team of contractors on hand to do it for you. On top of that, professional contractors will guarantee that those bollards are installed securely and correctly, while also complying with applicable safety standards.

 

On that last note, if you’re not sure about where to get started and need some help installing driveway bollards around your home, you’re in luck! At Bollard Security, we have more than 15 years of experience with installing and maintaining security solutions throughout the UK, including driveway bollards. We’ve worked with a myriad of commercial, residential, and industrial clients, and we take pride in the quality of the bollards that we install, and the peace of mind you get as a result. You can bet that we know the ins and outs of the regulations around the installation of driveway bollards on private land, so don’t hesitate to contact us at 01535 920362 for advice and recommendations on what the best bollards are for you.

Can I Put Bollards On My Commercial Property?

For business owners who need a robust, dependable, rock-solid, and effective security solution to safeguard their commercial property’s driveway or parking area, a bollard is the best thing that you could invest in. They provide top-notch protection against unauthorised vehicle access and ramming attacks, as well as protecting your valuable business assets, like storefronts or outdoor equipment, from accidental or intentional vehicular damage. But, can I put driveway or security bollards on my commercial property?

In short, yes, you can! But, it’s not nearly as straightforward as trying to install driveway bollards on private residential property like around your home. When it comes to commercial property, the regulatory and legal hurdles you need to overcome can be quite overwhelming. For business owners, the last thing you need to deal with is non-compliance penalties for accidentally breaking the law. So, here’s what you need to know about trying to install driveway or security bollards on your commercial property…

Planning Permissions And Regulations

Unlike private residential land, most commercial properties require planning permissions beforehand prior to installing driveway or security bollards. Here in the UK, you’ll have to submit a detailed planning application to your local planning authority. You’ll also have to specify the type of bollards you wish to install, how many of them you want to fit, and the location where the bollards will be installed around your commercial property.

However, if your commercial property is located in a listed building or conservation area, far stricter rules and regulations will apply. Listed and conservation statuses are designed to preserve the heritage and character of the building or surrounding area. Consequently, if you want to install bollards, in this instance, you’ll have to seek out additional permissions, and you might also be required to undertake heritage assessments.

Property Ownership And Lease Agreements

It’s one thing to install driveway or security bollards around your privately owned commercial property, but it’s a whole other can of worms if you don’t wholly own the property in question. Therefore, it’s vital to understand the ownership and lease agreements for your commercial property.

First and foremost, verify that you have the right to install bollards on the commercial property at all. If you’re not sure, you could always read up on the property deeds, or consult a legal advisor to be absolutely sure.

Or, if that commercial property is leased, you’ll have to obtain written consent and approval from the landlord or the property management company. Additionally, double-check the lease agreements for any clauses or guidelines related to modifications, such as installing bollards around the property.

The Local Highway Authority

Driveway or security bollards installed on your commercial property that is close by to or are near the boundary of public roads, pavements, or public access points and pathways, will require consultation with your local highway authority. In so doing, they’ll need to perform assessments on the potential impact that installing those bollards might have on pedestrian movement or public vehicular traffic flow. This will be included in your planning application and permissions process.

At the end of the day, while it may be your commercial property, installing driveway or security bollards should not impede or obstruct pedestrian traffic or vehicular movement. While you’re there, you also have to take into consideration the public right of way. Therefore, if installing those bollards block the public’s right of way or if it makes moving around any more challenging, you will need to seek out additional, specific permissions to proceed with the installation.

Health And Safety Regulations

Another key difference between installing driveway bollards around your home and commercial property is the requirement to comply with health and safety regulations. Commercial properties must adhere to strict health and safety standards, and this applies when you’re trying to install driveway or security bollards.

Crucially, you need to ensure that installing bollards doesn’t pose a risk to your employees, visitors, or the public. With that in mind, you’re obliged to conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify and mitigate any potential hazard. One example of non-compliance with health and safety regulations would be something like installing bollards that block fire or emergency exits around your commercial property.

To expedite the logistics of installing bollards on your commercial property, it helps to shop around and fit any security or driveway bollards that comply with UK safety standards. An example of accreditation that applies to security barriers and driveway or telescopic bollards is the British Standard BS EN 1991-1-1:2002.

Utility And Infrastructure

For business owners and commercial property managers who want to install driveway or security bollards, in particular retractable ones, you need to take into account local utilities and infrastructure. Remember that a retractable or telescopic bollard, when retracted, lowers right into the ground. As such, you’ll have to conduct checks on underground utilities, including water, gas, fibre optic, or electrical lines.

The easiest way to do this is by contacting local utility companies for maps, and marking out these areas to avoid damaging them or getting in the way when you’re fitting those bollards around your commercial property. This is important to ensure that you don’t accidentally cause disruptions to essential services, like digging into any electrical lines and causing a neighbourhood-wide blackout, or bursting open a water pipe.

In addition, you have to check that those bollards don’t interfere with essential infrastructure and emergency access routes around your commercial property. So, take into consideration what impact installing the bollards might have on nearby drainage systems, electrical conduits, and other underground as well as above-ground infrastructure.

Now, while I can understand that this is a lot to wrap your head around, worry not, as we’re happy to help! For over 15 years now, we here at Bollard Security have been installing and maintaining security solutions, like driveway and security bollards, throughout the entire UK. In that time, we’ve experienced working with clients in the residential, industrial, and commercial sectors, respectively. As far as the legal and regulatory aspects of wanting to install bollards on your commercial property, you can bet that we have the know-how to navigate around those obstacles. So, don’t hesitate to contact us at 01535 920362 for advice on where to get started, and recommendations on the best bollards for you.

Bollard Troubleshooting Guide

One of the key selling points of installing a set of driveway bollards to secure your home and to prevent or deter car theft is that it’s a passive, mechanical security device. There’s no complexity to their design, be it a piece of software that’ll glitch out, or electronics that could fry or suffer issues. With such few points of failure in them, driveway bollards guarantee a more reliable, dependable, and robust form of security to protect your car. But, that’s not to say that driveway bollards won’t suffer problems every now and then, particularly with neglect or poor maintenance. A good bollard troubleshooting guide, therefore, can be handy.

Among the most common issues you might encounter with driveway bollards include:

1. The lock is stuck in place or is difficult to operate
2. Your driveway bollard(s) not retracting or extending properly
3. Corrosion or rust that compromises its structural integrity
4. Damage from already being impacted by a vehicle
5. General mechanical ageing, as well as wear and tear
6. With that in mind, here’s our guide and walkthrough on why these particular driveway bollard-related issues occur, and what you can do about them…

1. The Lock Being Stuck Or Are Difficult To Operate

You’re definitely going to notice this right away once you’ve approached your driveway bollard, but have you ever noticed that your key might not turn as easily as it used to? Or, sometimes, the lock itself might not engage or disengage properly.

The driveway bollard’s lock could, over time, become stuck due to exposure and build-up of dirt and debris. You might also sometimes encounter rust accumulating within the locking mechanism, which will make it harder to lock and unlock seamlessly. The severity of this does depend on the design of the driveway bollard, as some do feature a flap that covers off the lock, making it way harder for dirt and debris to clog it up, or for rust to form so readily.

There are some things you could do to try and fix this and encourage the lock to work once again:

• Grab a can of compressed air, and blow out any dirt and debris that’s clogging up the lock cylinder. A strong gust of air would usually work pretty well to help dislodge dirt and debris that might be hindering the locking mechanism.
• If the compressed air doesn’t work, or as a backup plan, you could also try to lubricate the bollard’s locking mechanism. I’d advise against using oil-based lubricants, as they might otherwise attract more dirt and debris to build up inside the lock cylinder. Instead, consider using a graphite-based lubricant, particularly if you’re able to find one that’s made specifically for lock tumblers.
• Rust inside the lock cylinder is a bit harder to get rid of, but there are de-rusting solutions that you could use. Ideally, to thoroughly remove all the rust, you’re likely going to have to remove the lock, and soak it in a de-rusting solution. If you don’t have access to commercial rust removers, white vinegar is a pretty decent DIY alternative.

2. Your Bollard Isn’t Retracting Or Extending Properly

This is a problem that you might come across with really old driveway bollards, or bollards that have been extensively exposed to weathering and ageing. Here, you may notice that the bollards are stuck in either an extended or retracted position, and couldn’t be moved at all. At best, you might be able to retract and extend it to some extent, but it’s not as effortless as it used to be.

There could be many underlying reasons why your driveway bollards can’t retract or extend properly. There might be physical obstructions within the mechanism that prevents it from moving. Alternatively, it might’ve suffered a serious mechanical failure or fault with the hydraulic system. There could be numerous more possible points of failure if you’re using an automated, electro-mechanical bollard, instead. Electrical problems or issues with the transmitter-receiver unit, the control unit, and wiring-related troubles could all affect your bollard.

It’s a lot harder to try and fix this, and I’d certainly recommend calling up a professional. But, for context, here is what’s usually done to resolve this:

• First off, this is something that you can check and manage yourself, but a good first step is making sure the bollard is clear of obstructions. This means checking for any stones, rocks, dirt, or debris that might be lodged in the bollard, preventing you from being able to raise or lower it.
• Another thing you might be able to do at home is to try and clean the bollard’s internal track or guide system. If they’re clogged up with dirt and debris and are preventing movement, it could be dislodged if you flush water down there, and maybe get in there with a brush. Granted, make sure you’re careful to not cause any further damage.
• Just like the aforementioned lock tumbler, a bit of lubrication helps to ensure that your driveway bollard’s moving parts run more smoothly. Something like silicon-based lubricants might be a good fit for this. Just make sure that you don’t over-lubricate the bollard’s moving parts, as it may attract more dirt or debris back in there.
• If your driveway bollard has hydraulic components to aid the process of raising or lowering it, you could try checking for signs of hydraulic damage. It can be rather obvious at times, as you might notice hydraulic fluid leaks around the bollard, or even low hydraulic pressure if you’re able to gauge it. Low hydraulic pressure will cause issues with your bollard’s proper operation, and it will need a top-up or a system bleed.

3. Corrosion And Rust Around Your Bollards

Given that your driveway bollards sit outside, constantly exposed to rainfall, snow, and road salt, corrosion is a common problem faced by many homeowners. You may notice visible rust spots on the surface of the bollard, especially around the locks or joints. Rust won’t just impact the way your shiny driveway bollards look, but crucially, it compromises their structural integrity. Don’t expect those high-impact resistance figures to hold up nearly as much now when the bollards are all rust and corroded.

If you notice any rust on the bollards, one thing you should do first is inspect the state of that corrosion. Are you dealing with surface-level rust, or is it penetrating rust that’s gone all the way through the metal? Although surface rust isn’t too serious and could be fixed, penetrating rust often necessitates replacing the entire bollard, if you want to guarantee its structural strength and impact resistance.

With that in mind, here are some things you could do to try and resolve corrosion on or around your driveway bollards:

• Once again, surface rust is easy to fix. All you need is a wire brush and some sandpaper to remove surface rust from the affected areas. This prepares the rust for further treatment and removal.
• Once you’ve sanded off the surface rust, apply some rust converter. These rust converters basically neutralise those rust spots chemically, converting them into a stable compound, as well as preventing further corrosion.
• After all those rust spots have been removed, it’s a good idea to repaint your driveway bollards to provide a protective layer against weathering and exposure to the elements. You might want to consider a rust-resistant finish to your driveway bollard, such as using epoxy paint or galvanising the surface. This alone should massively aid in enhancing its rust resistance.
• As a preventative measure, in the future, you could also consider getting a bollard cover. These are essentially sleeves that you slot over the bollards, providing some added protection in harsh weather conditions.

4. Damage Caused By Impact With A Vehicle

Whether it’s an accident or someone did try to ram through to somewhere where they’re not supposed to, a driveway bollard can take quite a bit of punishment. But, with enough force, that collision might render your driveway bollard useless, given that it might be bent, broken entirely, or misaligned following the impact.

It’s important for you to evaluate how serious the damage is…

• Is it merely superficial damage that’s scuffed up or scratched your bollard’s outer finish? If so, then you likely won’t have to do anything else, aside from maybe repainting it.
• Or, has that impact caused some serious internal damage to the bollards and compromised their structural integrity? If so, you may have no other choice but to consider getting a replacement, which is usually the safest option.

There isn’t a lot that you could do to fix this, but if you’re in this situation, here’s what needs doing next:

• For minor bending, you could temporarily un-bend the damaged bollards with a crowbar or a mallet. The only precaution you need to be aware of is being careful to not cause further damage.
• While you’re there, you should also check the bollard’s mounting or base for any damage. A compromised base will affect the stability of the bollards (and this also applies if you’re buying a new bollard, too), so it might need urgent repairs or reinforcement.
• In addition, if your driveway bollard is embedded deeply underground, the impact might render enough force to damage surrounding areas. Just in case, it might be prudent to inspect underground utilities such as cables or piping and address any potential damage.

5. Mechanical Wear And Tear

Over time, your driveway bollards may become loose, and wobbly, or it doesn’t function smoothly once it ages. This may not necessarily impact how secure it is or its impact resistance, but at most, it might make it harder to use. As we noted earlier, this could cause further issues down the line, such as a stuck lock cylinder, or difficulty with raising or lowering the bollards.

Wear and tear is unfortunately inevitable, particularly so with frequent use. If you’re really eager to make sure your driveway bollards remain in tip-top shape, it helps to identify any worn-out parts, loose bolts, or damaged components within the bollard’s internal mechanism. Additionally, it won’t hurt to care for your lock cylinder, looking after the flaps that cover the locks, making sure the sliding mechanism doesn’t jam, and ensuring you don’t lose the key.

Here are some preventative maintenance things you can practice to keep your driveway bollards in good shape:

• One of the best things you can do is clean your driveway bollards, as well as its surrounding areas, such as the base and mounting surface. Pay close attention to any dirt, debris, grime, loose rocks, stones, gravel, and so on that can cause mechanical issues.
• Every few months, particularly if you use your driveway bollards regularly, it helps to apply some lubricant. An appropriate lubricant (silicon-based ones are the most common) on the bollard’s moving parts ensures smooth operation and helps to reduce wear and tear.
• If you notice any rust or corrosion, it’s recommended to treat that rust immediately, once they appear. It’s way easier to deal with surface rust than penetrating rust. Simply treating them with a rust converter and applying a protective coating or finish over the top is more than enough to prevent rust formations from building up.
• Since you’re looking over your driveway bollards anyway, take a bit more time to inspect the driveway bollards themselves. Check all the bolts and screws that secure the bollards in place, and tighten any that are loose. Doing so maintains that your driveway bollards remain stable, it can operate smoothly and preserve its structural integrity.
• Given that weathering and exposure to harsh weather is one of the key reasons for extensive wear and tear on your bollards, I’d also suggest checking them seasonally. Particularly, consider performing thorough inspections before and after extreme weather conditions – i.e. winter storms or heavy rain – to ensure that you stay on top of weather-related damage.

And hey, if you’re seeking help with your driveway bollard, or if you have issues with it that you need fixing, or if you’re looking to buy a new one as a replacement, we’re happy to help! We have over 15 years of experience with installing and maintaining security solutions – including driveway bollards – throughout the UK. In that time, we’ve worked with countless residential, commercial, and industrial clients, so you can bet that we know the ins and outs of driveway bollards to know what makes them tick, and why they go wrong. So, don’t hesitate to contact us at 01535 920362 for any advice or assistance.

Bollard Spacing Guide

Incorrect spacing between bollards when you’re installing a set of them on your driveway is a common mistake that’s so easy to fall into. Of course, at Bollard Security, we offer consultation and installation services, so we’re able to effectively inform our clients on how far apart your driveway bollards should ideally be. Nevertheless, for prospective customers who are new to this or DIYers who want to install bollards themselves, as well as those contractors with no prior experience with installing driveway bollards, without a proper bollard spacing guide, two outcomes are likely:

• Spacing That’s Too Close Apart – Not only are you wasting money buying way more bollards than you really need to cover off your driveway and prevent unauthorised access, but you might also be impeding vehicular access or obstructing pedestrian traffic. There are laws that govern vehicular or pedestrian traffic flow to prevent obstructions.
• Spacing That’s Too Far Apart – In this instance, you’re negating the impact resistance and strength of your driveway bollards, as multiple bollards working together is way more effective and better than just one bollard trying to stop a vehicle. Worse, if your car is narrow and compact enough, a thief could probably just drive through the bollards.

As you can see, spacing matters, so take that into consideration when you’re planning to buy and fit a couple of driveway bollards to prevent or deter car theft and secure your home from unauthorised access. Luckily, we are here to help, so here’s what you need to know about the right spacing between driveway bollards…

Some Basic Bollard Spacing Guidelines

TL;DR, the one number that you have to remember most when it comes to bollard spacing is 1.2 metres. Here’s why it matters:

Pedestrian Access:

A minimum bollard spacing of 1.2 metres ensures free-flowing and unobstructed pedestrian access. It not only ensures that pedestrians can walk past without problems, but it also makes certain that you’re in compliance with accessibility standards. The latter is vital for guaranteeing that folks with physical disabilities can navigate past the bollards without difficulty.

In short, this 1.2-metre spacing is more than enough to accommodate wheelchairs, prams, bicycles, as well as other personal mobility vehicles. This allows them to pass through, between the bollards. But, if you need to comply with road safety laws like the Highways Act 1980, the minimum setback between the bollard and any public footpaths should be at least 0.5 metres. Meanwhile, this minimum setback distance expands to between 0.5 to 1 metre back from the edge of a road or public highway.

Vehicular Access:

For effective vehicle deterrence, driveway bollards should ideally be spaced 1.2 to 1.5 metres apart. This spacing is narrow enough to prevent most cars from driving through them, even small superminis and compact cars like the Fiat 500 or Citroen Ami, but it should also allow for easy pedestrian movement.

However, if you’re installing bollards in high-security areas or if you need to clamp down on unauthorized vehicle access, such as trying to secure commercial property, you might have to reduce the spacing to around 1 metre. This will come in handy when you’re trying to block and enhance anti-ram protection for larger, heavier vehicles, such as lorries.

Remember, if you’re trying to stop a larger vehicle, multiple bollards will afford stronger impact resistance than one bollard working on its lonesome. In other words, when an unwanted visitor is trying to brute-force their way onto your property, it’s way harder for them to drive into, ram, and collide against two bollards instead of just one, lone bollard that’s absorbing all that impact.

Single-Car vs Multi-Car Driveways

While 1.2 metres is a good rule-of-thumb spacing for bollards, the design of your driveways may force you to alter and adjust the spacing.

Single-Car Driveway:

For most standard single-car driveways that we have here in the UK, the spacing between your bollards should be at least 1.2 metres apart. This is more than sufficient to effectively guarantee that you could block unauthorised vehicle access, while still allowing smooth and easy pedestrian movement.

Just make sure you adjust that spacing accordingly depending on the precise width of your driveway, while not obstructing daily use. For most UK-sized single-car driveways, two to three bollards should be enough to block the entire driveway. In addition, ensure that you space out your driveway bollards in a way that doesn’t inconvenience you. You shouldn’t have to retract the bollards just to go out for a walk or pass through if you want to go cycling.

Multi-Car Driveway:

Otherwise, for wider, multi-car driveways, you may want to consider adjusting the spacing to between 1.2 to 1.5 metres. This should offer you maximal security, such as anti-ram protection and as much impact resistance as you could muster from each bollard.

If you’re trying to optimise the placement of bollards securing your driveway or vehicular access, you could even mix and match different bollards altogether. Depending on your needs and access requirements, you may want to combine fixed, as well as removable or retractable bollards. This should give you a more flexible approach, where you could retract enough bollards to provide sufficient vehicular access day-to-day, yet have the option to open up your driveway fully if necessary.

Security Considerations And Impact Resistance

If you want the best degree of security possible, there are various security standards and accreditations that you ought to look out for when you’re shopping for driveway bollards. The most common ones are the PAS 68 or IWA 14-1 standards respectively, which certify the impact resistance of bollards. These should guarantee that those bollards are more than up to the task of stopping vehicles effectively, which is a noteworthy consideration if you’re trying to secure high-risk areas or commercial properties.

In addition, at Bollard Security, we offer driveway bollards that feature Sold Secure accreditation; up to Gold for some of our bollards, which is the highest grading available. Aside from that, some of our driveway bollards also comply with the Secure by Design (SBD) security standard. According to some of the stats that we’ve seen, using SBD-approved security products ensures that you’re up to 75% less likely to be burgled.

When paired with proper spacing, bollards with the right security accreditations and those that meet the highest standards available can offer you robust security. They can help to deter unauthorised vehicle access and ensure the protection of your property, particularly preventing and deterring car theft from your driveway. Plus, some of our bollards are ‘Insurance Approved’, and might even help you to reduce your motor or home insurance premiums, as many insurance providers recognise the reduced risk of theft or damage when a driveway bollard is in place.

Other Miscellaneous Considerations

While we’re at it, there are a handful of other factors you ought to take into account when you’re trying to figure out the spacing and fitment of your driveway bollards:

• Make sure your driveway bollards have reflective finishes (such as reflective strips) or you’ve added some proper lighting to illuminate those bollards. This ensures that they remain visible, even at night and under low-light and low-visibility conditions. Good visibility helps to prevent unnecessary accidents or collisions when you can’t see the bollards.
• During the alignment process, it’s a good idea to ensure that you’ve applied consistent spacing between all your bollards. These could help prevent and cut down on tripping hazards or unnecessary collisions. Having misaligned bollards – i.e. the spacing between the bollards isn’t even – won’t just look bad, but they could present very real safety hazards.
• The design and colour of your driveway bollards could make a difference in how much it adds to the aesthetic of your driveway. Just make sure that when you’re choosing between different colourways, shapes, and brightwork, you’re not adding any unnecessary and unwanted visual clutter.

And, if you’re still unsure about where to get started or what the proper spacing between bollards on your home or driveway is, we’re here to help! At Bollard Security, we have more than 15 years of experience in installing and maintaining security solutions – in particular, bollards – throughout the UK. In that time, we’ve worked alongside commercial, industrial, and residential clients, so you can bet that we have the know-how on how to properly set up the spacing between driveway bollards. So, don’t hesitate to contact us at 01535 920362 for specific advice, consultation, and recommendations for the right driveway bollard for you, and sorting out their installation.

Bollard Regulations UK

Installing a driveway bollard is one of the best security measures that you could take to properly and robustly secure your car, to prevent or deter theft. One thing that you might not know about driveway bollards is the vast array of laws and regulations that govern their installation and deployment, even within your own home or private property. So, what are the local regulations that rule over the installation of a driveway bollard here in the UK?

Well, let’s try to break this one by one, starting with whether or not you’ll ever need any planning permission to install a driveway bollard.

1. Do You Need To Get Any Planning Permission?

Typically, you won’t need any planning permission if you’re trying to install driveway bollards within private property. Therefore, for homeowners who want to install a driveway bollard or two to cover their driveway, as long as it’s on your own property, the process should be relatively straightforward.
Nonetheless, whether or not you’d need to apply for any planning permission will vary if it’s not on your own property.

• Now, if your property is listed or is located within a conservation area, you’re likely going to need planning permission to install a driveway bollard. The latter is crucial, as these areas are subject to stricter rules and controls, aimed to protect and preserve the property’s historical or architectural significance. For example, imagine trying to install a driveway bollard around a historical building or an archaeological excavation site.
• A good rule of thumb is to always check with your local planning authority or council before proceeding with installing bollards around the property. They’ll be able to provide specific guidance and rules on whether you will require planning permission, as well as additional guidelines for preserving the aesthetic and structural integrity of the property.
• Speaking of, local town or village councils may have their own set of bollard regulations governing their use or installation. It’s a good idea to consult them prior to installation if you need to understand specific restrictions or requirements that might apply in your local area. Usually, councils might offer advice on the acceptable types, heights, and placements of driveway bollards, ensuring that they’re compliant.

2. The Highways Act 1980 And The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

This is probably not going to be relevant to all you homeowners out there who just want to install a set of driveway bollards around your home or driveway, but just in case, it’s worth bearing in mind any potential obstruction of public walkways or spaces.

Bollards must never obstruct public footpaths, sidewalks, or roads. This is a vital piece of consideration if you’re installing a set of bollards, ensuring that you won’t interfere with either pedestrian or vehicular traffic. In other words, the placement of these bollards should guarantee that there’s ample space for pedestrians to be able to pass safely. This is particularly so for folks with physical disabilities.

Concerning the installation of a bollard or two, there are two important pieces of regulations here in the UK… The Highways Act 1980, and the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, respectively. Here’s what they entail, and why it matters if you’re installing a driveway bollard:

Highways Act 1980:

The purpose of the Highways Act 1980 is to consolidate highway and roadway regulations in both England and Wales.

This act matters if you’re installing bollards near public highways. In short, it ensures that the placement of those bollards isn’t going to obstruct highways or footpaths. This act also provides guidelines and specific instructions concerning the installation and maintenance of street fixtures, including bollards.

Moreover, this act outlines what constitutes an obstruction (such as a bollard that is blocking a footpath), and the legal implications against you for non-compliance.

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984:

• Superseding the older Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967, the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 is a much more comprehensive legislation that aims to thoroughly regulate road traffic. For us, the relevant parts here include the management and control of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, with the relevant regulatory framework.
• This act is equally as relevant as the Highways Act 1980, given that it includes the creation of TROs (aka traffic regulation orders), which encompasses restrictions and guidance on the placement of obstructions on public roads and footpaths. As such, bollards fall under this regulation.
• Local authorities rely on this act to implement traffic management measures and manage road obstructions, which include bollards, too. In so doing, they’re able to ensure that bollards don’t impede traffic flow and are installed/placed safely and are based on the relevant accessibility guidelines.

3. Are There Building Regulations To Be Wary Of?

Another thing you need to be diligent about when installing driveway bollards is making serious alterations to your driveway. It’s worth bearing in mind that significant changes to your driveway, which can impact all your immediate surrounding areas, may require compliance with building regulations. As tedious as it may be, it’s a good thing, as these building regulations guarantee that changes made are done safely and are structurally sound.

In our experience, we know that installing driveway bollards as an entirety requires relatively minimal construction. But, a lot of the time, some of the installation procedures may require extensive groundwork to be done. For instance, if you’re installing an automated, electro-mechanical driveway bollard, a trench needs to be dug under your driveway, allowing piping to be laid in place and wiring or cables to run through them, all the way to your home. So, it’s a good idea to check if building regulations apply.

This isn’t something most regular homeowners are aware of, so we’d suggest consulting with a surveyor or a building professional to provide you with added clarity on whether a driveway bollard installation needs to adhere to any specific building regulations. Additionally, they could also advise you on the best practices for installing a driveway bollard or two, ensuring both safety and legal compliance. At Bollard Security, you could also contact us (more at the end of the article) if you need some help on where to get started.

4. Do Safety Standards Play A Role In Installing A Bollard?

For optimal results and peace of mind, there are several safety standards and guidelines that you ought to take into consideration when shopping for and installing driveway bollards around your home.

First up, there’s the impact resistance and strength of those aforementioned driveway bollards:

• Bollards should be strong enough to be able to stop a vehicle, particularly for security purposes. This is vital for preventing unauthorised access to your driveway, and protecting your property from vehicle-related attacks or damage.
• Of course, the strength and durability of the bollards don’t apply the same way to every user. If you’re just a regular homeowner who needs a good enough bollard to stop thieves from driving off with your car, or if you want to prevent unwanted visitors from parking on your driveway, you won’t need strong anti-ram properties.
• But, if you’re installing bollards to protect a commercial property or business assets, as well as high-risk areas where vehicle access needs to be highly controlled, you’ll want something more heavy-duty. At Bollard Security, we’ve serviced residential, commercial, and industrial clients, so we have bollards for any occasion.

In addition, it’s a good idea to ensure that the bollards you’re buying are in compliance with recognised security standards:

• The PAS 68 or IWA 14-1 are internationally recognised standards for impact resistance. These guarantee that you’re installing bollards that have been tested for their ability to withstand impacts from vehicles.
• Meanwhile, at Bollard Security, we offer driveway bollards that feature Sold Secure accreditation (up to Gold for some of our bollards, the highest grading available), as well as the Secure by Design (SBD) security standard.
• These security certificates ensure a higher level of security and effectiveness in protecting your property. It might not be relevant if you need a simple driveway bollard, but for high-security areas and commercial clients, they can make a difference.

And while we’re here, the visibility of those driveway bollards that you’re installing should be considered, too:

• Bollards should be clearly visible to prevent accidents, ensuring that both pedestrians and drivers can easily spot them, even in the dark. As expected, collisions are more likely at night or in low-light conditions.
• This can be done by utilising reflective materials on driveway bollards to improve their visibility. Oftentimes, it involves adding reflective strips or coatings that can catch headlights and streetlights, making them way more noticeable, even from a distance.
• It could also help to add additional lighting around the driveway bollards if you need to further enhance their visibility. Something simple like solar-powered or low-energy LED lamps is pretty effective at illuminating the area around your driveway bollards. And, they won’t incur high energy costs, as well.
• Additionally, you could even consider the design and colour of those driveway bollards. Most of the bollards that we install are bare metal, but you could have them painted in bright colours and vibrant designs that make them stand out more.
• However, just make sure that the design, colours, or placement of your driveway bollards don’t create any visual clutter or visible confusion. This has the opposite effect, possibly leading to more collisions or accidents.

5. How Do You Space Out Driveway Bollards?

As we noted earlier, there are regulatory considerations when it comes to spacing out your driveway bollards. You just need to make sure you don’t impede and obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Therefore, you need adequate spacing between your bollards to allow for free-flowing movement. There are two general spacing guides you need to take into account:

Pedestrian Access:

• Driveway bollards should be spaced widely enough to ease passage for pedestrians, particularly for folks with physical disabilities. Typically, the recommended minimum distance between bollards should be at least 1.2 metres, which helps to accommodate wheelchair users.
• In addition to wheelchairs, this minimum spacing distance also enables prams, bicycles, and personal mobility vehicles to pass through without obstruction.

Vehicular Access:

• When it comes to preventing vehicle access – i.e. preventing your car from being stolen and driven off your driveway, or making sure unwanted guests don’t park in your driveway – the bollards should be spaced closely enough to block vehicles. But, it should also be far enough apart to allow pedestrian access, too.
• A good guideline should be to place your driveway bollards around 1.2 metres apart. This should be more than enough to prevent most cars, even smaller ones, from driving through. For most homeowners who need to safeguard a single-car driveway, this spacing should be sufficient.

All in all, this should give you a quick but thorough rundown of the driveway bollard regulations here in the UK. If you’re still unsure about where to get started with fitting driveway bollards, you’re in luck! We have over 15 years of experience with installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK, and we’ve gone through enough red tape to advise you on what you need to know. So, don’t hesitate to contact us at 01535 920362 for recommendations and tips on the best driveway bollards for you.