How Do Retractable Bollards Work?

Security and traffic control are ever-evolving needs, retractable bollards have emerged as a versatile and efficient solution. These convenient vehicle barriers can be raised or lowered into the ground, providing a means to control vehicular access while allowing unimpeded pedestrian movement. Due to their telescopic mechanism, they offered enhanced flexibility and convenience compared to their fixed and removable counterparts.

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There are three main types of retractable security bollards: manual, semi-automatic and automatic bollards. In this guide, we’ll explain how each type of retractable bollard works and how they contribute to enhancing security and traffic control. We’ll also describe their key applications and benefits in a range of environments.

What Are Retractable Bollards?

Retractable bollards, also known as telescopic bollards or rising bollards, are vertical vehicle security barriers that can be extended above ground or lowered beneath it. They offer more flexibility than fixed bollards, which are permanently installed, and a higher level of convenience than removable bollards.

Their adjustable nature makes telescopic bollards an efficient solution for controlling vehicular access while maintaining pedestrian mobility at all times. This versatility has made retractable bollards an increasingly common sight in residential, public and commercial spaces alike.

Types of Retractable Bollards and How They Work

Retractable bollards can range from simple manual designs to more sophisticated automatic systems. While their operation can vary depending on the specific type, all retractable bollards share the same basic principle – they can be retracted or extended as needed, allowing authorised vehicles to pass through unimpeded.

Manual Telescopic Bollards

Manual telescopic bollards are the simplest form of retractable bollards. They require physical strength to lift them up from their socket, or to lower them back into the ground. A built-in locking mechanism ensures that the bollard stays in its upright or down position, preventing the post from being tampered with.

As they require manual operation, manual rising bollards are typically used in settings where authorised vehicles require only infrequent access. For example, they may be used to cordon off pedestrian zones in city centres, allowing construction or service vehicles to enter occasionally.

Semi-Automatic Bollards

Semi-automatic bollards, or lift-assisted bollards, work on a similar principle to manual ones. However, they are built with a gas-powered spring mechanism that reduces the operational weight, helping the user to lift the rising bollard more easily.

This can make them a more user-friendly option, especially for locations where more frequent access changes are required. They still need manual input, but the process is less physically demanding and time-consuming.

Automatic Bollards

Automatic rising bollards, also known as electric bollards or automatic retractable bollards, offer the highest level of convenience and functionality. They can be raised or lowered at the push of a button thanks to an internal hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism, eliminating the need to manually lift the bollard. They are wired in and linked up to a control system, allowing the bollard to be operated remotely via a keypad, fob or similar.

An automatic bollard system would be particularly useful in high-traffic areas such as public car parks. They are typically more expensive than manual and semi-automatic models, but are ideal for settings where access needs change frequently.

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Benefits and Applications of Retractable Bollards

Retractable bollards offer a convenient and effective means of access control, theft prevention, traffic management and hostile vehicle mitigation. Their key benefits include:

• Flexible access control: Retractable bollards can be lowered as needed, making them adaptable to various applications where regular or occasional access is required.
• Ease of use: Especially with automatic bollards, raising and lowering the post is quicker and easier than uninstalling it from its setting, as is required with removable bollards.
• Space efficiency: When retracted, these bollards do not obstruct pedestrian pathways or hinder environmental aesthetics.
• Enhanced security: Many retractable bollard models have crash test ratings and offer robust impact protection against vehicular attacks and collisions.
• Variety: Manual, semi-automatic and automatic bollards are available in many distinct sizes, materials, colours and finishes, allowing designers to choose the ideal model for their needs and budget.

In the UK, retractable bollards can be found in a wide variety of settings. They may be used on residential driveways, in commercial car parks, pedestrian zones and outside high-security buildings such as government facilities. Their ability to adapt to changing access needs make them an invaluable tool for maintaining safety and order in public and private spaces alike.

MACs Bollards: Trusted Suppliers of Manual and Automatic Retractable Bollards (UK)

Are you looking for manual telescopic, semi-automatic or automatic retractable bollards? If so, MACs Bollards can help. With more than 15 years’ experience in supplying high-quality bollards for residential, commercial and public use, we have the expertise necessary to match you with the perfect vehicle security solution.

Visit our website today to browse a wide selection of fixed, removable, manual and automatic rising bollards for sale. Our range includes parking, traffic-calming and HVM crash-rated models in a variety of sizes and specifications to suit all applications and budgets.

Contact MACs Bollards today to speak to our helpful team for a free personalised quote. Fill in our enquiry form, email enquiries@macs-bollards.com or call us on 0161 320 6463.

Macs Automated Bollard Systems Ltd specialise in the nationwide supply of automatic rising bollards. Our experts keep the Macs Bollards blog updated with all the latest bollard news!

What are Bollards?

Bollards are metal posts designed to catch the attention of drivers in order to prevent crashes around designated areas. More than likely, you have seen bollards but may not have known what they were called—bollards are all around us. These bollard barriers are often installed outside of airports, banks, malls, schools or other popular locations. Commonly composed of steel, bollards provide the physical strength needed to deter unwanted vehicular traffic and keep sites safe. Bollards are available in fixed, removable and collapsible models, yet they all offer protection from low- and high-speed crashes.

Why Do You Need Bollards?

If you own property, you can benefit from the safeguarding bollards provide. However, people often purchase bollards for three main reasons:

• Security/safety

  The No. 1 purpose of bollards is to make sure your property is safe and secure. Whether drivers are on the highway, in a parking lot or some place else, they can often become distracted, or they may lose control of their vehicles while driving. Other drivers, known as ram raiders, may intentionally crash into a property in order to steal valuable goods. Whatever the case, security posts provide the heavy-duty protection require that prevent cars from crashing and causing catastrophic damage.

• Controlling site access

  When it comes to access for your property, you may find instances in which you want to restrict any entry to the site. Still, for other times, you may want to allow vehicles to drive through—even for just a short period of time. Barrier posts work excellently in both situations. While embedded bollards block traffic permanently, collapsible and removable bollards can allow drivers access when needed.

• Aesthetic value

  Many people are increasingly using bollards to enhance their property sites to be more attractive. Architectural bollards are a common choice among business and property owners who are seeking a way to protect their site while still maintaining a sleek, appealing appearance. Other property owners enjoy the traditional look of bright yellow bollards. Some people even use bollards as a canvas on which they can create art.

 

Types of Bollards

While the main purpose of bollards is to thwart any incoming traffic, oftentimes property owners will have specific needs for their barrier posts. Some may want continuous protection, while others want a more adaptable option that allows vehicular traffic when needed. As you decide which type of bollard will be best for your given space, you will be able to choose from three types. See which one best suits your protection needs.

• Permanent

  • Best for: Long-term security

Site owners who know they will want barrier posts in place for years to come often utilize permanent bollards. Because fixed bollards are installed directly into the ground, they can prevent accidental and intentional crashes on sites well into the future.  Permanent bollards are ideal for areas that frequently have heavy traffic where security is constantly required.

• Collapsible

  • Best for: Flexible site protection

Whereas permanent bollards provide security at all times, collapsible bollards give property owners the option to have access to the site when needed. When owners want to allow vehicular or foot traffic to a site, they can simply fold these bollards down, creating safe clearance for driving.

• Removable

  • Best for: Controlled site access

Similar to collapsible bollards, removable barrier posts allow site owners the flexibility for site entrance. Many people use removable bollards in locations where they want to prevent people or drivers from entering. To remove these bollards, owners can simply unlock and lift them from their installation site, storing the barrier posts until they next need it.

Materials and Coatings Used for Bollards

As you’re searching for your vehicle protection devices, you’ll want to find ones comprised of the leading materials and exceptional final touches. Make sure your barrier posts have the following incorporated into their design:

• Stainless steel

  The best bollards are constructed from stainless steel for long lasting protection against harsh impacts, even from multiple crashes.

• Rust/corrosion resistant finish

  Rust could compromise the lifespan of your bollard. To ensure they can withstand environmental conditions, you will want bollards that have a coating to prevent damaging corrosion.

• Bright finish

  Bollards are designed to protect against accidental crashes. Still, you will want to make sure your bollards are noticeable enough to grab the attention of distracted drivers. Search for bollards in eye-catching colors, such as bold yellow, to add visual security for your site or building.

• Reflective tape

  In addition to a bright finish, bollards should have a reflective tape coating. Barrier posts coated in this eye-catching tape are noticeable to even the most inattentive drivers.

• Locking system

  One of bollards’ most attractive features to property owners is the manageable security they provide. When choosing a removable or collapsible bollard, you will want to find a style that offers a locking system. This provides you with flexibility when you do or don’t want the bollards to be in place, and it can give you peace of mind that your bollards are protected from outside tampering.

 

Uses for Bollards

Bollards can be used for virtually any application where a buildings or property sites needs protection. Most commonly, people utilize bollards to safeguard:

• Schools and universities

  The entrances of schools and universities are often vulnerable areas. If an accident occurred here, the damage would be catastrophic. To protect schools, officials can have heavy-duty vehicle protection devices installed throughout. Universities also have high levels of congested traffic that could potentially cause accidents, especially during sporting events, concerts or other special gatherings. Bollards can dictate which areas vehicles are allowed to enter. They can also guide foot traffic.

• Government buildings

  The government commonly utilizes bollards for a variety of areas, including courthouses, air force bases, capitol buildings, prisons, fire stations, police stations, post offices and more. Because these are such highly valued facilities—and any damage could be costly for taxpayers—physical barrier posts can keep them protected.

• Site perimeters

  Those who frequent your property should feel safe and not have to worry about any accidental or intentional crashes onto your site. To keep them safe, property owners often install fixed bollards. Site perimeters are especially useful for protecting public property areas, like parks, that invite heavy foot traffic.

• Bike lanes

  As biking has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation, bicyclists need protection from vehicles on the road. To properly mark lanes, cities commonly add permanent or removable bollards. These vehicle protection devices are highly visible, warning drivers of cyclists in their lanes. If a driver does accidentally serve into the bike lanes, bollards will thwart the car from hurting the bikers.

• Storefronts/general ram raiding activity

  Stores, including boutiques or mall fronts, often display their most attractive, valuable goods in the front of the building to draw in customers. Unfortunately, without barrier posts in place, they are vulnerable to thieves who may partake in ram raiding activity. To protect their storefronts, business owners can install permanent bollards to block ram-raiders.

• Residential areas

  While less common than storefront, perimeter or parking bollards, many homeowners have been utilizing bollards to protect their property. Bollard devices are also common fixtures near apartment complexes to prevent unauthorized traffic from entering.

• Industrial facilities

  Fixed or removable bollards are common fixtures inside warehouse facilities. These areas house expensive equipment, as well as power supplies, that, if damaged, could cause accidents and destruction. Bollards installed near vulnerable areas can ensure warehouses and other industrial facilities can continue their day-to-day operations smoothly.

• Water and electrical boxes

  Water and electricity are vital components to a city’s layout. If a driver crashes into a water or electrical box, he or she could cause serious damages that could affect the whole city. To ensure citizens receive their electricity and water as needed, many cities install permanent bollards in a bright yellow finish around these locations to prevent accidental or intentional crashes.

• Parking lots/garages

  Because they are highly frequented spots with heavy traffic, parking lots are one of the most hectic areas for drivers.  Whether people are searching for spots or leaving the lot, they are often driving around quickly and are thus more likely to be in an accident. To keep parking lots running smoothly, many parking lot owners install vehicle protection devices to section off specific spots or restricted driving areas. For special events, such as concerts, parking lot owners will install removable or collapsible bollards to control the different times they allow traffic to enter.

To learn more about bollards and the many applications in which they can be used, check back in with the TrafficGuard blog or

The specialists at TrafficGuard Direct can help you choose the appropriate bollard for your needs. If you own any kind of property or building, your site may benefit from the addition of protective bollards. Follow this guide to learn more about bollards, including the various models available, what they’re composed of, as well as the various applications for which you can use these vehicle protection devices.Bollards are metal posts designed to catch the attention of drivers in order to prevent crashes around designated areas. More than likely, you have seen bollards but may not have known what they were called—bollards are all around us. These bollard barriers are often installed outside of airports, banks, malls, schools or other popular locations. Commonly composed of steel, bollards provide the physical strength needed to deter unwanted vehicular traffic and keep sites safe. Bollards are available in fixed, removable and collapsible models, yet they all offer protection from low- and high-speed crashes.If you own property, you can benefit from the safeguarding bollards provide. However, people often purchase bollards for three main reasons:While the main purpose of bollards is to thwart any incoming traffic, oftentimes property owners will have specific needs for their barrier posts. Some may want continuous protection, while others want a more adaptable option that allows vehicular traffic when needed. As you decide which type of bollard will be best for your given space, you will be able to choose from three types. See which one best suits your protection needs.Site owners who know they will want barrier posts in place for years to come often utilize permanent bollards. Because fixed bollards are installed directly into the ground, they can prevent accidental and intentional crashes on sites well into the future. Permanent bollards are ideal for areas that frequently have heavy traffic where security is constantly required.Whereas permanent bollards provide security at all times, collapsible bollards give property owners the option to have access to the site when needed. When owners want to allow vehicular or foot traffic to a site, they can simply fold these bollards down, creating safe clearance for driving.Similar to collapsible bollards, removable barrier posts allow site owners the flexibility for site entrance. Many people use removable bollards in locations where they want to prevent people or drivers from entering. To remove these bollards, owners can simply unlock and lift them from their installation site, storing the barrier posts until they next need it.As you’re searching for your vehicle protection devices, you’ll want to find ones comprised of the leading materials and exceptional final touches. Make sure your barrier posts have the following incorporated into their design:Bollards can be used for virtually any application where a buildings or property sites needs protection. Most commonly, people utilize bollards to safeguard:To learn more about bollards and the many applications in which they can be used, check back in with the TrafficGuard blog or visit the Facebook page

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