How Do Bollards Work?

When it comes to bollards, it’s easy to just picture some simple posts that you see in urban environments to stop vehicles from accessing particular areas. However, bollards are so much more than this. They are used for a wide variety of applications and are important features in urban spaces and even private areas. A bollard isn’t just a simple post. It is something that has been scientifically designed to protect spaces, people and vehicles by taking heavy impacts and evenly distributing intense forces. This safety solution comes in a wide range of styles and designs to suit individual circumstances and offer the best protection possible. So, while they may look like a simple post, bollards are an essential protection feature that can protect vehicles and save lives!

Bison Products are experts in all things bollards, and we understand that many people don’t really get their purpose and the benefits they bring. This is why we aim to spread awareness of bollards and the good they bring to every space they are installed in. Uncover how bollards work in this blog and find out why they are the best security measure to take- we will completely transform your view on bollards from just simple posts to unstoppable forces that are expertly crafted for ultimate protection!

What Do Bollards Do?

In basic terms, bollards are an extremely versatile security measure that can be used for many purposes. You can see bollards all over the UK in urban environments and even quieter corners of the country, serving different uses in every setting. A bollard is usually a short post that is made from concrete or metal and is relied on to protect a space, vehicle or people. You can get bollards that are fixed in place, so they can’t be moved, or ones that can be raised from the ground to limit access.

The main duty of a bollard is to provide robust security to a place. It acts as a visual barrier to limit access and prevent accidents from occurring. Due to this main purpose, these posts can be known as security bollards. They are regularly used in urban environments and built-up places to reduce unauthorised access, improve pedestrian safety, guide and control road traffic and minimise vehicle accidents. However, bollards can also be used in private spaces, such as on a driveway, to protect properties and vehicles. They can be a protective layer for a vehicle that reduces the risk of damage and of other vehicles colliding with it. When used in private spaces, bollards can also act as a visual and physical deterrent for criminals, which is a priority for many car owners with vehicle crime on the rise. However a bollard is used, it will provide the ultimate protection and safety throughout the year, no matter the weather. This is because they are typically reflective so, even on low-visibility days, people can still clearly see them, stopping accidents from happening and being a physical and visual deterrent.

What Are Bollards Made Of?

Security bollards are made of various materials, so there isn’t just one type out there. Each material is designed to handle different levels of impact and give individual benefits. This helps you to find a safety solution that meets your exact needs and serves the purpose you need it for. The different materials and individual benefits you can get are:

• Steel: Steel is commonly used to withstand huge impacts because it offers high strength and the ability to take on large weights.
• Plastic & Composite: These types of bollards are a lighter and more flexible option that can protect objects and spaces by being a physical deterrent. They aren’t used where high impact resistance is needed, but are perfect to mark out pedestrian-only zones and protect vehicles in carparks or driveways.
• Concrete: These are more traditional bollards that are known for their durability and mass. They are extremely effective in busy, high-traffic areas but offer less flexibility than steel.

What Are the Types of Bollards & Their Uses?

There are various types of bollards available to suit various spaces and your requirements. Each type of bollard has a different use and comes with its own strengths and weaknesses. This provides you with a choice and level of protection that suits you and the intended use you have for the security measure. Explore the different types of bollards and their uses below to gain a better understanding of the best bollard for you.

Security Bollards

Even though every bollard is a form of security bollard, there are ones that are specifically designed to offer maximum security. These are known as anti-ram and anti-terror bollards and are typically used in city centres, high-traffic areas and high-security establishments that are vulnerable to attacks. Security bollards are the strongest, toughest ones available. They can withstand the largest impacts and protect people, buildings and vehicles from vehicle-based attacks and unauthorised access. Anti-ram and anti-terror bollards are typically static posts that cannot be moved because they need to be in place at all times, particularly when protecting the public. However, these bollards are now made in a telescopic design, meaning that they can retract and be raised and lowered when needed. This is perfect for high-risk places that need robust security measures in place to protect them from potential threats.

Parking Bollards in the UK

A very popular way to use these security posts is in carparks. Parking bollards in the UK are common to help regulate car parks and even secure parking spaces for private parking. These bollards can be used for residential and commercial spaces and help to prevent unauthorised parking, safeguard designated areas and guide vehicle movement efficiently. Parking bollards can be heavy-duty to withstand a significant amount of force to keep vehicles protected from theft and damage. They can also be a standard post that just helps vehicles navigate the car park.

Whatever benefit they bring, these bollards are very easy to handle and operate because they can be automatic, removable, foldable, telescopic and even static. This means you can either automatically control them, remove them physically when not needed, fold them down to the ground to get out of a space, retract them into the ground or have them in place all the time to guide traffic safely.

Residential Driveway Bollards

There are even residential driveway bollards available for your home to protect your vehicle and property. These serve the purpose of being a barrier between oncoming traffic and your drive. They also become a visual barrier to deter criminals from stealing your car, entering your property, taking valuables or causing damage to your vehicle. These typically come in telescopic, automatic, removable or foldable designs for you to retract, automatically manoeuvre, take away physical or fold down to get in and out of your driveway. This type of bollard is typically made of steel and can be heavy-duty to withstand impacts and protect your vehicle and property at all times.

Are Bollards Effective?

So, are bollards effective? Yes, they are! They are extremely effective at protecting vehicles, people and places. They can withstand massive impacts from vehicles, with anti-ram bollards being able to withstand impacts from larger vehicles. This protects pedestrians in urban areas from terror attacks and accidents and prioritises safety in cities, towns and high-traffic areas. Bollards are also effective at guiding traffic in busy areas to minimise the risk of accidents, such as vehicle collisions and accidents involving the public. Due to their reflectiveness, they can stand out in all weather conditions, so they can guide traffic every day, even when visibility is low. Bollards are great for restricting access to places too, like businesses, homes and public spaces. This helps to keep everyone safe in these spaces, protecting pedestrian-only zones, properties, vehicles and high-traffic areas.

As well as the fact that bollards can help save lives, they also prevent car theft and deter criminals from accessing your property. It is common knowledge that car theft is on the rise and has been an increasing occurrence over the years. This has led to car owners looking for trusted, effective ways to protect their vehicles. Bollards are one of the best ways to stop criminals from taking a vehicle because they are a visual and physical barrier, making it impossible to drive away with your car.

How Far Apart Should Bollards Be?

When it comes to the installation of your bollards, it is common for you to wonder how far apart should bollards be? There isn’t one definitive answer because it all depends on whether you are installing bollards on private land or public land. With private spaces, you can have more freedom in how and where they are placed, but with public land, there are many regulations to adhere to, and planning permissions that are required. As well as this, bollards need to be properly installed to ensure that they stay sturdy for years to come and work optimally. Installing them yourself can be difficult to do properly, so it’s ideal to get professional installation for your bollards. At Bison, our expert team can install all types of bollards in a wide variety of spaces, no matter if you’re in a public or private area! Find out more about our installation service by contacting our team today.

In general, whether you want security bollards for a private or public space, your bollards should be placed with a maximum of 1.2 metres of space between each bollard. It’s also best to abide by these rules for the best installation:

• If your bollards are protecting an entrance or exit, then the total width of them should be wider than the entrance or exit.
• You need to carefully consider the height and visibility of the bollards for optimal performance.
• Try to avoid placing bollards in small spaces that are hard to navigate, such as narrow passageways.

How Do Bollards Work?

If you’re still wondering how bollards work, don’t worry, we are here to help with the confusion. Bollards basically work by protecting and being a security measure for people, places and vehicles. It’s not about how they are operated or the type that is used, but it’s about what they provide you with. In summary, bollards provide:

• Pedestrian Protection: When bollards are strategically placed in public areas, they keep vehicles from accidentally or intentionally driving into pavements, pedestrian-only zones and buildings.
• Management of Traffic: Bollards can help to guide vehicle traffic and keep them on the road or in the car park and away from public areas. They can also enforce lane boundaries and make navigating spaces easier.
• Restricting Vehicles: A simple bollard can prevent unauthorised access to places such as pedestrian zones, parks, bike lanes or building entrances.
• Protecting High Security Areas: In high-security areas that are at risk from threats, heavy-duty bollards can stop or slow down vehicles to prevent accidents or deliberate attacks.
• Vehicle Theft Protection: Bollards can deter criminals from taking or breaking into your vehicle because they make it difficult and prevent them from driving away with your car.

Buy Bison Bollards to Protect Your Vehicle

Now you understand how bollards work and know just what these mighty posts can do, why not protect your property, vehicle or public space with high-quality bollards? We have a vast array of bollards to choose from to suit your needs and space. Whether you need the ultimate protection with our heavy-duty anti-ram bollards that can withstand immense impacts or something easier to move out of the way, like our vibrant collection of telescopic bollards, we have got you covered. What’s more is that we have made it easier than ever to buy Bison bollards online! Just browse our collection and find the perfect fit for you.

Our dedicated team are also on hand to help you find the best solution for your needs, guiding you through your decision. Just contact us today to discuss your requirements and buy high-quality, long-lasting bollard solutions!