Choosing the right bollard for your car park is about more than aesthetics. The wrong choice leads to vehicle damage, pedestrian injury, and costly replacements. This guide covers every type available in the UK, their applications, and how to specify correctly.
Types of Car Park Bollard
| Type | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Bollards | Permanent perimeter protection | £30–£150 |
| Removable Bollards | Access control — removable for deliveries | £60–£200 |
| Fold-Down Bollards | Reserved parking bays | £50–£180 |
| Telescopic Bollards | Flush-mount access control | £80–£300 |
| Anti-Ram Bollards | High-security sites, shopfronts | £200–£800+ |
Fixed Bollards
Fixed bollards are permanently installed into the ground. They're the most cost-effective option for perimeter protection, pedestrian zone demarcation, and preventing vehicles from mounting kerbs.
Best for: Supermarket car parks, retail parks, school entrances, hospital grounds.
Materials: Galvanised steel, stainless steel, or cast iron. Steel with reflective bands is most popular for UK car parks.
Removable and Fold-Down Bollards
When you need access control rather than permanent blocking, removable bollards lift out of a ground socket using a key, while fold-down models hinge flat.
Common uses: Delivery access points, emergency routes, reserved parking, pedestrianised areas needing occasional vehicle access.
Key Specifications
Height: Standard 900mm–1000mm above ground. Below 600mm, bollards become trip hazards.
Diameter: 76mm–168mm standard. 114mm+ offers greater impact resistance.
Visibility: Always specify reflective bands for car parks. White or yellow tape ensures headlight visibility.
Finish: Galvanised steel resists corrosion 15–25 years. Powder coating adds colour. Stainless steel is maintenance-free.
Installation Methods
Root-fixed: Strongest option. 300–500mm root in concrete. Essential for anti-ram applications.
Bolt-down: Bolted to existing surfaces using expansion anchors. Faster, no excavation.
Socket-mount: Ground socket installed first, bollard drops in and locks. Best for flexible access.
Bollard Spacing
Standard spacing: 1.2–1.5 metres between centres. This prevents vehicle access while allowing pedestrians through. For a 50m perimeter, you need approximately 39–40 bollards.
UK Standards
BS EN 12767: Passive safety of support structures near roads.
PAS 68/IWA 14-1: Security rating for hostile vehicle mitigation bollards.
Equality Act 2010: Maintain minimum 1.2m passage between bollards for disabled access.
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