Parking Bollards

Which parking bollard do you need?

Still deciding? Compare the full bollard range side by side or read our security bollard buying guide.

What is a parking bollard?

A parking bollard is a lockable post set into a parking bay, driveway or access route that physically prevents a vehicle from occupying or passing that space. Unlike a sign or a cone, it cannot be ignored. Most parking posts are telescopic or fold-down: they lock upright to hold the space and drop flush (or fold flat) with a key so an authorised driver can park in seconds. Automatic versions do the same job on a key fob, with no lifting at all.

Bison parking bollards are used on private driveways, allocated flats parking, staff and customer car parks, loading bays, EV charging bays and disabled bays — anywhere a space is paid for by one person and wanted by another.

How parking posts are installed

Every telescopic parking bollard in this collection is concreted in — the Ramco 70 and Ramco 100 need an 850mm deep hole so the post has the mass behind it to resist an impact. Get that depth wrong and the bollard becomes a handle rather than a barrier, which is why most customers have ours fitted by our own installers.

Installation starts at £200 for a local single-bollard fit and drops per bollard as quantity rises, with travel free inside 50 miles of our Derbyshire depot. A Bison fit also doubles the warranty from 12 to 24 months. See installation, service and repair prices, or get an exact figure from the instant quote tool.

Where you can and cannot fit one

On your own land, a bollard under 1m facing a highway (or under 2m elsewhere) normally needs no planning permission — the full rules and the appeal decision behind them are in our guide to planning permission for bollards. What you must not do is block a space someone else has a legal right to use, or obstruct the highway; the pavement crossing in front of a dropped kerb is protected under the Traffic Management Act 2004, and private landowners cannot clamp or tow a trespassing vehicle under section 54 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. That is precisely why a physical post is the practical answer — see what to do when someone parks across your driveway.

How many bollards for the space?

One central post is enough to stop a car taking a standard 2.4m bay or a single-width driveway. Two or three are needed across a double driveway or a wide gateway, spaced so a vehicle cannot squeeze between them — around 1.2m to 1.5m apart. Multiple posts can be keyed alike so one key (or one AutoGuard fob) works the lot.

Costs to expect

Supply-only parking posts run £159.99–£439.99 depending on section size and finish; automatic bollards are £1,899.99–£2,599.99. Fitted prices add installation and are confirmed before any work. Our bollard cost breakdown for the UK shows exactly what drives the number.

Frequently asked questions

Are parking bollards legal on a private driveway or car park?

Yes, on land you own or control, provided you do not obstruct the public highway or block access someone else is legally entitled to. Height limits determine whether planning permission applies.

Can a parking bollard stop a van or a 4x4?

A 100mm heavy-duty post concreted 850mm deep is the sensible minimum for larger vehicles. For anti-ram duty see our anti-ram bollards.

What is the difference between a parking bollard and a parking barrier?

A bollard is a single post protecting a bay or gateway; a barrier is an arm or rail spanning a wider entrance. Bollards are cheaper, need less clearance and are far less prone to damage.

Do I need to remove the post to park?

No. Telescopic posts drop flush into their ground sleeve and fold-down posts lie flat, so you drive straight over. If you want to take the post away entirely, use a removable bollard.

Will it rust?

Galvanised and powder-coated posts are built for permanent outdoor use. On coastal or salted sites choose stainless steel. An annual clean and lubrication keeps the mechanism smooth — we sell the anti-squeak spray for exactly that.

Can bollards be installed on tarmac, block paving or concrete?

All three. Our fitters core the surface, set the sleeve in concrete and reinstate around it.

Buy parking bollards from Bison

We have manufactured and fitted vehicle security in the UK since 1972, we fit with our own installers rather than subcontractors, and every parking bollard here is stocked in Swadlincote. Order online for delivery, or add professional installation at checkout.

Get an instant fitted quote · Call 01283 215097 · Browse all bollards, driveway bollards and caravan & trailer bollards.