Parking Bollards | Functions and Benefits

By Salman Rahat On Dec 11, 2023

Parking bollards are vertical posts used for property protection, traffic management, and parking space reservation. These modest but sturdy poles are often placed in parking lots, sidewalks and other locations to control traffic, prevent unauthorised parking, and improve urban planning.

Found in diverse settings, from bustling city centres to suburban locales, parking bollards play a crucial role in optimising space usage, maintaining order on the streets, and ensuring safety.

Functions of Parking Bollards

Parking Bollards serve various functions, contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of public spaces:

Traffic Control:

Bollards are often used to control and manage vehicular traffic within parking areas.
They can define parking spaces, control the flow of traffic, and prevent unauthorised vehicle access to specific areas.

Perimeter Security:

Bollards act as a physical barrier to protect buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces from vehicle-based attacks or accidental collisions.
They are commonly used around sensitive areas, such as government buildings, airports, and critical infrastructure sites.

Pedestrian Safety:

Bollards protect pedestrians by preventing vehicles from entering pedestrian zones, walkways, or plazas.
They help create a safe environment for pedestrians in busy urban areas or public spaces.

Asset Protection:

Bollards can safeguard valuable assets, such as storefronts, ATMs, or outdoor equipment, from accidental or intentional vehicle damage.

Visual Deterrence:

The presence of bollards can act as a visual deterrent, discouraging drivers from entering restricted areas or engaging in unsafe behaviour.

Emergency Access Control:

Bollards can be used to control emergency vehicle access, ensuring that designated routes remain clear and accessible during emergencies.

Types of Parking Bollards With Their Uses

There is a diverse range of parking bollards available, each designed to address specific needs and conditions. Some common types include:

Fixed Bollards:

These are immovable structures firmly anchored into the ground, serving as a permanent deterrent to unauthorised vehicles.
Fixed bollards are mostly made with steel and concrete. They are often used in areas where consistent traffic control is necessary, such as pedestrian zones, bus lanes, or around critical infrastructure.

Removable Bollards:

Removable bollards provide flexibility, allowing authorities to control access temporarily.
These are made of mostly steel and aluminium and are commonly used in areas where occasional access is required, such as emergency vehicle entry points or event spaces.

Retractable Bollards:

These bollards can be raised or lowered as needed, providing a dynamic solution for managing access.
Retractable bollards are made of stainless steel and are often motorised, allowing for remote operation and integration with access control systems.

Collapsible Bollards:

Collapsible bollards are hinged or collapsible, enabling them to be folded down when not in use.
They are made of durable rubber or moulding plastic and are suitable for spaces where a more discreet solution is preferred or where a temporary barrier is needed.

Decorative Bollards:

Designed with aesthetics in mind, decorative bollards are mostly manufactured with cast iron and polyurethane. They enhance the visual appeal of urban spaces while still serving practical functions.
These bollards are often used in historical or architectural areas.

Benefits of Parking Bollards

The widespread use of parking poles is justified by the range of benefits they offer to both urban planners and the general public:

Enhanced Safety:

Parking bollards contribute significantly to pedestrian safety by preventing vehicles from breaking into walkways and public spaces.
They reduce the risk of accidents by clearly defining traffic lanes and preventing unauthorised vehicle access.

Security Measures:

Fixed bollards act as a formidable barrier against criminal activities such as ram-raiding, enhancing security for both property and individuals.
The visible presence of bollards can act as a deterrent, turning away potential offenders.

Traffic Flow Management:

Strategically placed bollards help control and manage the flow of traffic, reducing congestion and optimising the use of road space.
This is particularly vital in busy urban areas with high pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Parking Optimization:

Bollards regulate parking spaces, ensuring that only permitted vehicles can park in designated areas.
This helps prevent illegal parking and ensures the efficient utilisation of parking spaces.

Flexibility and Adaptability:

The availability of various bollard types, such as removable and retractable ones, provides flexibility in managing access based on specific requirements.
This adaptability is crucial for areas with changing needs, such as event spaces or emergency access points.

General Standards for Parking Bollards

Parking bollards must comply with specific standards and regulations related to their size, placement, and visibility. These standards are designed to ensure safety and effectiveness of bollards in their intended use. Some of the general guidelines and standards are:

Material:

Bollards are typically made of durable materials such as steel, stainless steel, or concrete.
Materials should be resistant to corrosion and damage from environmental conditions.

Height and Visibility:

Bollard height is often specified to ensure visibility and effectiveness. Standard heights range from about 3 to 4 feet above ground level.
The top of the poles is usually designed to be visible, either through bright colours, reflective tape, or other high-visibility markings.

Diameter:

The diameter of the bollard is an important factor in its strength and ability to resist impact.
Standard diameters can vary but are often in the range of 4 to 8 inches.

Spacing:

Bollards should be spaced appropriately to prevent vehicles from passing through. As per UK regulations, there should be 1.2m space between each post.
The spacing will depend on the specific purpose and the desired level of security. For example, bollards used for perimeter security may be spaced more closely than those defining parking spaces.

Mounting:

Bollards can be surface-mounted or embedded in the ground.
The mounting method should provide sufficient stability and resistance to impact.

Colour and Markings:

Bollards may be painted in high-visibility colours or equipped with reflective tape to enhance visibility, especially in low-light conditions.

Conclusion:

Parking-bollards, with their diverse types, regulatory and testing standards, and numerous benefits, stand as essential elements in urban settings. From managing traffic to enhancing security measures, these sturdy poles contribute significantly to the overall functionality of public areas.