How to Install Bollards UK: Complete Installation Guide 2026 | BarriersCo

Q: How deep should a bollard be concreted in?

For a standard 100mm diameter steel bollard, the buried depth should be at least 600mm in stable ground and up to 900mm in softer soil. As a rule of thumb, bury at least one-third of the total bollard length. For security-rated bollards compliant with PAS 68, the specification will define exact embedment depth — typically 900mm to 1,200mm in reinforced concrete.

Q: Do I need planning permission to install bollards?

On private land, bollards are generally permitted development and do not require planning permission unless the site is in a conservation area, is a listed building, or the bollards would obstruct a public right of way. On the public highway, installation requires consent from the highway authority. Always check with your local council if unsure.

Q: What is the standard spacing between bollards?

Standard spacing depends on the application. For pedestrian access control (blocking vehicles but allowing people through), 900mm to 1,200mm clear spacing between bollards is recommended. For full vehicle exclusion (blocking all vehicles), 1,000mm to 1,400mm spacing allows most cars to pass but prevents lorries. For security applications, maximum 1,000mm spacing is typical to prevent vehicle intrusion.

Q: What is the difference between PAS 68 and IWA 14?

PAS 68 is a UK standard (now withdrawn and superseded) that defined test methods for vehicle security barriers. IWA 14-1 is the current international equivalent, published by ISO. Both standards test bollards against impact from a 7,500kg vehicle at specified speeds. IWA 14-1 classifications include V/7200[N2]/48/90:1.0 — indicating vehicle weight, speed, test angle and penetration distance. For new security installations, IWA 14-1 certified products are preferred.

Q: Can I install a bollard in block paving?

Yes. For bolt-down bollards, the base plate is fixed through the block paving into the concrete sub-base below using resin anchor bolts. For concrete-in installation, a section of block paving must be removed, a hole excavated, the bollard set in concrete, and the blocks relaid around the finished installation. Block paving installations are achievable but require more preparation than tarmac.

Q: How long does it take to install a bollard?

A bolt-down bollard installation on existing tarmac or concrete typically takes 30-60 minutes per bollard, including drilling, cleaning, resin curing and torquing up. A concrete-in installation requires excavation and a minimum 24-48 hour curing time before the bollard can bear impact loads. Allow a full day for a concrete-in installation including reinstatement.

Q: What tools do I need to install bollards?

For bolt-down installation: rotary hammer drill with SDS bit (same diameter as anchor bolt), resin anchor compound, caulking gun, socket set, torque wrench, and PPE. For concrete-in installation: post-hole borer or road breaker, spirit level, temporary props, ready-mix or site-batched concrete, and formwork if needed.

Q: Can fold-down bollards be installed by a non-specialist?

Yes, most fold-down (hinged) parking bollards and lock-down bollards can be installed by a competent DIYer or groundworker using the bolt-down method. The installation process is the same as a fixed bollard. Removable core bollards require a sleeve to be concreted in, after which the bollard core can be inserted and locked by the user without tools.

Last updated: May 2026. Written by the BarriersCo technical team.

Bollards are one of the most versatile and widely used traffic management and security products in the UK. From preventing unauthorised parking in residential streets to protecting storefronts from vehicle ram-raids, the right bollard correctly installed can make a significant difference to safety, security, and pedestrian experience.

This guide covers all installation methods — bolt-down, concrete-in, surface mount, removable, fold-down, and automatic retractable — with step-by-step instructions, tool lists, and advice on spacing, planning permission, and relevant UK standards including PAS 68 and IWA 14.

Types of Bollard Installation Methods

There are four primary methods for installing bollards in the UK, each suited to different bollard types, surface conditions, and security requirements.

1. Bolt-Down (Surface Mount) Installation

The most common installation method for standard parking and traffic management bollards. The bollard has a flanged base plate that is bolted directly to the existing surface using resin anchor bolts or mechanical expansion anchors. This method is fast, does not require excavation, and is fully reversible.

Best for: Parking bollards, anti-parking posts, decorative bollards, lightweight security bollards

Limitations: The base plate is exposed and vulnerable to impact; not suitable for high-security vehicle exclusion

2. Core-Drill and Concrete-In Installation

The bollard sleeve or core is embedded into a concrete foundation, either by excavating a hole and casting concrete around the sleeve, or by core-drilling into existing concrete and setting the bollard in rapid-set resin. This method provides far greater resistance to vehicle impact and is required for all security-rated bollard installations.

Best for: High-security applications, PAS 68/IWA 14 installations, perimeter protection

3. Driven Installation

Steel tube bollards can be driven directly into soft or prepared ground using a mechanical post driver. This method is fast and cost-effective on grass or prepared sub-base, but is not suitable for tarmac or concrete surfaces and does not provide the same resistance as a concreted installation.

Best for: Temporary applications, field perimeter marking, green spaces

4. Removable Sleeve System

A ground sleeve is permanently installed using the concrete-in method. The bollard core slides into the sleeve and is locked in place with a key-operated mechanism. When not required, the bollard core can be removed and the sleeve covered with a flush lid. This provides flexibility without compromising installation quality.

Best for: Access control where occasional vehicle access is needed (delivery areas, emergency access)

Tools and Materials You Will Need

For Bolt-Down Installation

Rotary hammer drill (SDS) with appropriate drill bit (typically 12-16mm)
Resin anchor compound (two-part cartridge) and caulking gun
Wire brush and compressed air for hole cleaning
Socket set and torque wrench
Spirit level
Chalk or marker pen
PPE: safety glasses, gloves

For Concrete-In Installation

Post-hole borer (manual or mechanical) or road breaker and spade
Tape measure and builder's line
Spirit level (or laser level for multiple bollard alignments)
Temporary timber props or jig to hold bollard plumb while concrete cures
Concrete: either ready-mix (ordered by truck for large installations) or fast-setting bagged concrete (for individual bollards)
Bucket and mixing paddle or concrete mixer
Formwork or temporary shuttering (if hole is larger than required)
Permanent marker to indicate bolt hole positions

Bolt-Down Bollard Installation — Step-by-Step

This section covers the detailed installation process for the most common method used in the UK — fixing a flanged base-plate bollard to an existing tarmac or concrete surface.

Step 1: Position and Mark the Bollard

Place the bollard in the desired position. Check it is correctly located relative to kerbs, drainage channels, and neighbouring bollards (see spacing guidelines below). Use chalk or a marker pen to trace around the base plate, then mark each anchor bolt hole position through the pre-drilled holes in the base plate.

Step 2: Check for Underground Services

Before drilling, use a cable avoidance tool (CAT scanner, available from hire centres) to scan for buried electricity, gas, water, or telecoms services. This step is mandatory — failure to check risks serious injury and significant costs from utility damage.

Step 3: Drill Anchor Holes

Using the rotary hammer drill with the correct SDS bit (typically M12 = 12mm bit, M16 = 16mm bit), drill each hole to the specified depth. Most base plate bollards use M12 x 130mm or M16 x 150mm resin anchor bolts. Drill perpendicular to the surface — angled holes reduce the pull-out resistance of the anchor significantly.

Step 4: Clean the Holes

Use the wire brush to clean the walls of each drilled hole, removing all loose material and dust. Blow out the holes thoroughly with compressed air. This step is critical — drill dust left in the hole prevents the resin from bonding properly to the concrete substrate, and can result in bolt pull-out at far lower loads than specified.

Step 5: Inject Resin and Insert Bolts

Fit the mixer nozzle to the resin cartridge. Dispense and discard the first 5-10ml of resin (this clears unblended material from the nozzle tip). Insert the nozzle fully into the first hole and inject resin while slowly withdrawing the nozzle — fill from the bottom upwards to avoid air pockets. Fill to approximately 2/3 of the hole depth. Immediately insert the anchor bolt with a rotating motion, pushing it fully to the specified depth. Wipe away any excess resin. Repeat for all holes. Allow resin to cure fully before proceeding — gel time is typically 4-8 minutes at 20°C, but do not apply load until full cure (typically 20-30 minutes). In cold weather, cure times increase significantly: at 5°C, allow at least 60 minutes for full cure.

Step 6: Fit the Bollard and Tighten

Lower the bollard base plate over the cured anchor bolts. Fit flat washers and locking nuts to each bolt. Hand-tighten all nuts evenly to seat the base plate flat, then use a torque wrench to tighten to the manufacturer's specified torque — typically 50-80 Nm for M12 bolts in a four-bolt pattern. Check the bollard is plumb using a spirit level and adjust before final tightening if required.

Anchor Bolt Pattern Reference

Base Plate Size	Typical Bolt Pattern	Bolt Size	Hole Depth
150mm × 150mm	4 bolts, 1 per corner	M10	75mm
200mm × 200mm	4 bolts, 1 per corner	M12	100mm
250mm × 250mm	4 bolts, 1 per corner	M12	120mm
300mm × 300mm	4 bolts or 6 bolts	M16	150mm

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Concrete-In Bollard Installation

Concrete-in installation provides a significantly stronger and more impact-resistant result than bolt-down fixing, and is required for all high-security and vehicle exclusion applications.

Step 1: Excavate the Foundation

Mark the exact centre position of the bollard. Excavate a hole of the dimensions specified by the bollard manufacturer — typically a minimum of 200mm diameter and 600-900mm deep for a standard steel bollard. For security-rated bollards, follow the specific foundation specification provided with the product, which may require a larger excavation and reinforced concrete.

In tarmac or concrete surfaces, use a road breaker or core drill to penetrate the surface layer before excavating the sub-base. Remove all arisings from the excavation.

Step 2: Set the Bollard

Lower the bollard (or ground sleeve, if using a removable system) into the excavation. Use a builder's line or laser level to check the bollard is correctly aligned with the intended bollard line. Insert temporary timber props to hold the bollard plumb and at the correct height above finished surface level.

Step 3: Cast Concrete

Pour concrete into the excavation in layers, tamping each layer to remove air voids. For a single bollard, fast-setting bagged concrete (e.g., Postcrete) is convenient — mix to the manufacturer's specification and pour around the bollard, checking plumb as the pour progresses. Allow a minimum of 48 hours before removing props and 7 days before applying any significant load or impact force.

For multiple bollards, consider ordering ready-mixed concrete — it is more cost-effective for quantities above approximately 0.25m³ (roughly 3-4 bollard foundations).

Step 4: Reinstate the Surface

Once the concrete has cured, reinstate the surface around the bollard using hot-lay or cold-lay tarmac, block paving, or flagstones as appropriate. Ensure the reinstatement is compacted and finished flush with the surrounding surface.

Removable and Fold-Down Bollard Installation

Removable (Key-Operated) Bollards

Removable bollards use a two-part system: a ground sleeve that is permanently concreted in, and a removable bollard post that locks into the sleeve. The sleeve installation follows the concrete-in method described above. The sleeve is typically 150-200mm shorter than the finished above-ground bollard height.

Key installation points for removable systems:

The top of the sleeve must be set precisely at finished surface level — if too high it creates a trip hazard; if too low the bollard will rock in the sleeve
Use a temporary plug or cover plate in the sleeve opening during concrete curing to prevent debris contamination
Lubricate the sleeve interior with a waterproof grease before first use, and annually thereafter

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Fold-Down (Hinged) Bollards

Fold-down bollards are fixed permanently to the ground at their base using either bolt-down or concrete-in fixing, with a hinged mechanism that allows the post to be folded flat when vehicle access is required. Most fold-down bollards are secured in the upright position by a padlock or key-operated lock.

Installation follows the bolt-down procedure for the base plate. The critical additional consideration is that the hinge must be oriented so the bollard folds in the correct direction — typically parallel to the kerb or road edge, away from pedestrian walkways.

Automatic/Retractable Bollard Installation

Automatic rising bollards are hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical systems that raise and lower automatically in response to access control signals (keypads, fobs, ANPR cameras, or remote control). They provide the highest level of access control and security.

When to Use a Specialist Contractor

Automatic bollard installation involves:

Excavation for the bollard housing (typically 800-1,200mm deep)
Installation of ducting for power cables
Electrical connection to mains supply (requires a qualified electrician)
Integration with access control systems (keypads, ANPR, barriers)
Commissioning and testing of the operating system

While competent groundworkers can perform the civil works, the electrical and access control elements require specialist contractors. Most automatic bollard suppliers offer a full supply-and-install service.

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Bollard Spacing Guidelines

Application	Recommended Clear Gap	Notes
Pedestrian access (no vehicles)	900mm–1,200mm	Allows wheelchairs, prams; prevents motorcycles
Cycle access (no motor vehicles)	1,200mm–1,500mm	Allows cycles and cargo bikes
Vehicle exclusion (all vehicles)	Max 1,000mm	Prevents standard cars (width approx. 1,750mm)
Security perimeter	Max 1,000mm, preferably 800mm	Prevents vehicle intrusion; check IWA 14 spec
Decorative / visual only	1,500mm–2,000mm	No meaningful vehicle deterrent

Important: BS PD 6571 (Pedestrian guardrail systems) and security bollard product specifications should always be consulted for specific applications.

Planning Permission — When Is It Required?

Private Land

In most cases, bollard installation on private land is permitted development and does not require planning permission. However, exceptions include:

Conservation areas: Any structure that materially affects the external appearance of a building in a conservation area may require consent. Check with the local planning authority before proceeding.
Listed buildings: Any works affecting the setting of a listed building — including hard landscaping and street furniture — may require listed building consent.
Article 4 Directions: Some local authorities have removed permitted development rights for certain types of development in specific areas. Always check with your local council.

Public Highway

Any bollard installation on or adjacent to the public highway requires consent from the highway authority under the Highways Act 1980. The highway authority (typically the county or unitary council) must agree to the installation, and works may need to be carried out by an approved contractor under a Section 278 agreement or similar arrangement.

PAS 68 and IWA 14 Certified Installations

For high-security applications — particularly those protecting premises from vehicle-borne threats (hostile vehicle mitigation, or HVM) — bollards should meet international impact test standards.

IWA 14-1 (Current Standard)

IWA 14-1 is the current international standard for vehicle security barriers, replacing the now-withdrawn PAS 68. Bollards tested to IWA 14-1 are classified using a notation such as:

V/7200[N2]/48/90:1.0

V: Vehicle security barrier type
7200: Test vehicle mass (7,200kg = a 7.5-tonne lorry)
[N2]: Vehicle category
48: Impact speed (48 km/h)
90: Impact angle (90° = perpendicular)
1.0: Maximum penetration distance in metres

Critical Installation Note

A bollard product that is IWA 14-1 certified only achieves its rated performance when installed exactly according to the manufacturer's certified installation specification. This includes precise foundation dimensions, concrete specification, reinforcement details, and backfill specification. Deviation from the certified installation method invalidates the security rating. For all HVM applications, use a specialist installer and obtain a certificate of installation.

Bollard Installation Cost Guide 2026

Bollard Type	Supply Cost (Per Unit)	Installation Labour	Total Approx.
Plastic parking bollard (bolt-down)	£20–£60	£30–£50	£50–£110
Steel parking bollard (bolt-down)	£60–£150	£50–£80	£110–£230
Steel bollard (concrete-in)	£80–£200	£100–£200	£180–£400
Removable key-lock bollard	£100–£250	£100–£200	£200–£450
Fold-down parking post	£50–£150	£50–£100	£100–£250
Automatic rising bollard (single)	£800–£3,000	£500–£1,500	£1,300–£4,500
IWA 14-1 certified bollard (concrete-in)	£500–£2,000	£300–£600	£800–£2,600

Prices are indicative and exclude VAT. Labour costs vary significantly by region and site conditions.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance extends bollard life and maintains their visual deterrent effect. A simple maintenance programme should include:

Monthly: Visual inspection for impact damage, leaning, corrosion, and vandalism. Check bolt-down fixings for tightness.
Quarterly: Clean bollard surfaces with appropriate cleaner (mild detergent for plastic and powder-coated steel; avoid acid-based cleaners on galvanised surfaces). Check reflective banding for fading.
Annually: Apply touch-up paint to any bare metal on steel bollards to prevent rust ingress. Check concrete-in installations for frost heave damage in winter. Lubricate hinges on fold-down bollards with waterproof grease. Test key operation on removable bollards.
After any vehicle impact: Take the bollard out of service until structurally assessed. Even a minor impact can compromise a concrete-in bollard's ability to resist further impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full FAQ is encoded in the structured data schema above. For further technical questions on bollard selection and installation, contact the BarriersCo technical team.

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