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.