Bollards

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

Bollards — Robust Vehicle & Pedestrian Control

Bollards are the cornerstone of effective traffic management, perimeter protection, and pedestrian zone enforcement across the UK. Whether you're securing a retail car park, protecting a building facade, or defining a pedestrian-only street, the right bollard delivers both physical deterrence and visual clarity. Our range covers every application — from high-impact steel security bollards to lightweight plastic demarcation posts — all manufactured to current UK and European standards.

Types of Bollards & Their Applications

Steel & Cast Iron Bollards

Heavy-duty steel and cast iron bollards form the backbone of vehicle exclusion and perimeter security. Typically installed with a concrete foundation, these units offer exceptional impact resistance. Key applications include:

• Retail and commercial car park perimeter control
• Protecting storefronts and building facades from vehicle incursion
• Pedestrian zone enforcement on high streets and town centres
• ATM and cash machine protection
• Industrial and warehouse bay marking

Plastic & HDPE Bollards

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and recycled plastic bollards offer a cost-effective, low-maintenance alternative where visual demarcation is the primary goal. UV-stabilised and weatherproof, they suit:

• Car park lane guidance and space delineation
• Cycle lane protection
• Temporary or semi-permanent pedestrian routing
• School and healthcare site demarcation

Flexible Rubber & Polyurethane Bollards

Flexible bollards deflect on impact and return to their original position, making them ideal for areas with frequent low-speed vehicle contact. They protect both infrastructure and vehicles:

• Multi-storey car park columns and corners
• Drive-through lanes and fuel station forecourts
• Indoor logistics and warehouse routing

Technical Specifications

• Typical heights: 600 mm – 1,200 mm above ground
• Typical diameters: 76 mm – 275 mm
• Foundation depths: 300 mm – 600 mm (depending on load rating)
• Finish options: Hot-dip galvanised, powder-coated (RAL palette), stainless steel, high-visibility yellow
• Reflective banding: Class RA2 retroreflective tape available on selected models
• Base options: Surface-mount (bolt-down), core-drilled ground socket, direct burial

UK Standards & Compliance

Bollards installed on or near the public highway must comply with relevant UK guidance and standards. Key references include:

• BS EN 1317 — Crash-tested bollards for high-security applications
• PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 — Vehicle security barriers and hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) rated bollards
• Highways Act 1980 — Governs any installation affecting the public highway; local authority approval required
• Manual for Streets (MfS) — Guidance on pedestrian environment and street furniture placement
• Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 2016 — Relevant where bollards carry mandatory traffic signs

For private land, no statutory approval is required, but adherence to BS and PAS standards remains best practice for insurance and liability purposes.

Installation Guidance

Correct installation is critical to bollard performance. Surface-mount bolt-down bollards are suitable for moderate pedestrian or low-speed vehicle deterrence. For vehicle exclusion applications, core-drilled socket or direct-burial methods with C25 concrete infill are recommended. Always check for underground services before drilling. Reflective bands and integrated lighting improve visibility in low-light conditions and are strongly recommended for any public-facing installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a security bollard and a standard bollard?

A security bollard — sometimes called an anti-ram or HVM bollard — is crash-tested to a recognised standard (PAS 68 or IWA 14-1) and is designed to stop vehicles travelling at speed. Standard demarcation or visual bollards are not rated for impact resistance and should not be used for perimeter security against deliberate vehicle attack.

Do I need planning permission to install bollards?

On private land, bollards generally fall within permitted development rights and do not require planning permission, though listed building or conservation area restrictions may apply. On or adjacent to the public highway, you will need approval from the local highways authority under the Highways Act 1980. Always confirm with your local authority before installation.

How do I choose the right bollard height?

The standard effective bollard height for vehicle deterrence is 900 mm – 1,000 mm above ground level, which intercepts the bumper and lower body of most cars and LCVs. For pedestrian demarcation only, 600 mm – 750 mm is sufficient. For HGV deterrence, taller and wider-diameter units are required — consult the product's impact test certification for rated vehicle types and speeds.

Can bollards be installed on block paving or tarmac?

Yes. Bolt-down surface-mount bollards can be fixed to most hard surfaces using anchor bolts into the substrate. For tarmac or block paving, sleeve/socket systems allow the bollard to be removed for maintenance without breaking the surface. For security-rated applications, the foundation must be reinforced concrete — surface finishes alone cannot provide the required anchorage.