What Is a Bollard?
A bollard is a short, sturdy vertical post installed to control or direct road traffic, protect buildings and pedestrians, or demarcate boundaries across the UK. They range from simple plastic parking posts to high-security steel cylinders capable of stopping a 7.5-tonne vehicle at speed. This complete guide covers every type of bollard available, their typical applications, and what to look for when buying.
Types of Bollards
Fixed Bollards
Permanently installed and cannot be removed without tools or specialist equipment. Materials include steel (hollow or solid, galvanised or powder-coated), cast iron (traditional heritage look), concrete (heavy and extremely durable), and stainless steel for modern commercial settings.
Removable Bollards
Feature a locking base socket installed in the ground. The bollard can be lifted out with a key, allowing vehicle access when needed. Popular for controlled-access car parks, delivery areas, and shared spaces.
Telescopic and Retractable Bollards
Retract into the ground using a mechanical or hydraulic mechanism. When lowered, vehicles can pass freely. Used extensively at city centre pedestrian zones and council-managed areas.
Automatic Rising Bollards
Fully automated systems controlled via ANPR cameras, key fobs, or access cards. Suitable for high-traffic environments requiring frequent opening and closing, such as hospital entrances and office parks.
Flexible Impact-Recovery Bollards
Made from polyurethane or similar materials, these bollards bend on impact and return to shape. Ideal for car parks where low-speed collisions are common and the goal is guidance rather than security.
Common Uses for Bollards in the UK
- Protecting shopfronts from ram raids and vehicle incursions
- Defining pedestrian zones and shared spaces
- Managing car park access and preventing pavement parking
- Protecting street furniture, trees, and utility cabinets
- Creating safe school drop-off zones
- Securing critical infrastructure and government buildings
- Demarcating cycle paths and bus lanes
Key Standards and Certifications
For high-security applications, bollards in the UK are often tested to PAS 68 or IWA 14-1 standards, which certify their ability to stop vehicles of a specified weight at a specified speed. For lower-risk applications, BS EN standards covering materials and installation are typically sufficient.
Choosing the Right Bollard
- Security level: Is vehicle impact resistance critical, or is visual demarcation sufficient?
- Access requirements: Do authorised vehicles need periodic access?
- Aesthetics: Does the installation need to complement the surrounding environment?
- Ground conditions: Surface and sub-surface conditions affect installation method
- Budget: Prices range from under £20 for plastic posts to £5,000+ for automatic rising bollard systems
Installation Overview
Most bollards require core-drilling or excavating a foundation hole, then setting in concrete. Surface-mount options are available for situations where ground works are impractical. Always check for underground services before excavating using a CAT scanner and by contacting Linesearch Before U Dig (LSBUD).
Buying Bollards in the UK
Bollards are available from specialist suppliers like Barriers Co, who stock an extensive range suitable for all applications. Look for suppliers who can advise on the correct specification, provide proper product data sheets, and offer UK-based technical support.