Driveway Bollards

Pick by what you are protecting

See how each one looks in place with the driveway visualiser, or compare the full range side by side.

Manual, fold-down or automatic?

A telescopic bollard lifts out of a ground sleeve and locks upright; drop it back and it sits flush so you drive straight over. A fold-down post hinges flat instead, which suits a shallow sub-base. An automatic bollard raises and lowers itself on a fob or remote, which is what most people choose when the drive is used several times a day or when lifting a steel post is not practical. Our guide to telescopic vs fold-down bollards sets out the trade-offs, and the wider driveway bollards guide covers all three types.

Two jobs a driveway bollard does

Keeping your drive clear. A locked post is the only thing that reliably stops a stranger, a neighbour's visitor or a delivery van using your drive. The law is on your side but slow: a landowner cannot clamp or tow a trespassing vehicle under section 54 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, which is why prevention beats enforcement — see what to do when someone blocks your driveway.

Keeping your vehicle where you left it. With keyless relay theft, the thief does not need your keys — they need a clear route off the drive. A bollard in front of the car removes that route, and it is a visible deterrent before anyone gets that far. For the heaviest protection see our anti-ram bollards; for caravans, trailers and motorhomes see caravan & trailer bollards.

Installation on a real driveway

Telescopic posts are concreted in — the Ramco 70 and Ramco 100 both need an 850mm deep hole, because the resistance comes from the mass of concrete around the sleeve, not the post itself. We fit through tarmac, block paving, concrete and gravel, coring the surface and reinstating around the sleeve.

Installation starts at £200 for a local single-bollard fit, reducing per bollard as quantity rises, and travel is free within 50 miles of our Derbyshire depot. Having Bison fit it doubles the warranty from 12 to 24 months and means one company is accountable for the product and the hole. Full prices are on our installation, service and repair page; for your exact figure use the instant quote tool.

How many bollards, and where?

One central post secures a single-width drive. A double drive or a wide opening needs two or three, spaced roughly 1.2–1.5m apart so a car cannot pass between them. Set the posts back from the pavement — the crossing in front of a dropped kerb is protected under the Traffic Management Act 2004 and must not be obstructed. Multiple posts can be keyed alike, or run several AutoGuards from a single fob.

Do you need planning permission?

Usually not. A bollard under 1m high next to a highway, or under 2m elsewhere on your own land, generally falls within permitted development — and a Planning Inspectorate appeal has confirmed retractable bollards are not a "means of enclosure". The detail, including listed buildings and conservation areas, is in our guide to planning permission for bollards.

What it costs

Supply-only driveway bollards run £159.99–£439.99; automatic bollards £1,899.99–£2,599.99. Fitted prices add installation, quoted before we book. Our UK driveway bollard cost breakdown shows what moves the price and what to watch for in cheaper quotes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best bollard for a driveway?

For most homes a 100mm telescopic post concreted 850mm deep is the sweet spot of strength and cost. Choose the Ramco 70 for lighter duty or the AutoGuard if you want fob operation.

How deep does a driveway bollard need to be set?

850mm for our Ramco telescopic posts. Shallower installations bend or lever out under impact.

Will a bollard stop keyless car theft?

It stops the vehicle being driven away, which is how relay theft ends. It is a physical block, not an electronic one, so pair it with a signal-blocking pouch for the keys.

Can bollards be fitted to a block-paved or tarmac drive?

Yes — we core the surface, set the sleeve in concrete and reinstate around it so the finish stays tidy.

Do I need to take the bollard out to park?

No. Telescopic posts drop flush and fold-down posts lie flat. If you want it gone entirely, choose a removable bollard.

How long does installation take?

A single bollard is typically a half-day, including curing time before use. We will confirm on the quote.

What maintenance is needed?

Very little: rinse the sleeve out, keep the lock clean and lubricate once a year — our anti-squeak spray is made for it. We also service and repair bollards we did not install.

Why buy your driveway bollard from Bison

We have manufactured and installed vehicle security in the UK since 1972, we fit with our own installers rather than subcontractors, and everything on this page is stocked in Swadlincote for fast dispatch.

Get an instant fitted quote · Call 01283 215097 · Browse all bollards, parking bollards and security bollards.