Safety Barriers FAQ | 50 Expert Answers to UK Barrier Questions
Safety Barriers FAQ — 50 Expert Answers to UK Barrier Questions
Everything you need to know about safety barriers, bollards, Armco, speed bumps, crowd control barriers and more. Answers from the Barriers Co specialist team, updated for 2025.
1. Do I need planning permission to install bollards?
In most cases, no planning permission is required to install bollards on private land. Permitted development rights under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 allow installation of posts, fencing and gates on private property without requiring a full planning application, subject to height and location constraints. However, in Conservation Areas, installing bollards visible from a public highway may require prior approval from the local planning authority. Listed buildings or their curtilage may also have additional restrictions. Bollards installed on or affecting the public highway (pavement or road) always require approval from the highway authority — either the relevant local council or, for trunk roads, National Highways or Transport Scotland.
2. How deep should bollards be installed?
The required installation depth for a bollard depends on its diameter, the loads it must resist and the ground conditions. As a general guide: standard 76mm–102mm steel bollards for car park and pedestrian use should be concreted to a depth of 450mm–600mm. Anti-ram raid and higher-security bollards (168mm–219mm diameter) typically require 600mm–900mm depth with a larger diameter concrete socket. PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 certified security bollards often require 1000mm–1500mm depth foundations, engineered to the manufacturer's specific requirements to achieve the tested performance. In all cases, before drilling or driving posts, you should check for underground services using LSBUD (Linesearch Before U Dig) or commissioning a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey.
3. Can speed bumps be removed?
Yes, speed bumps can be removed. On public roads, removing a road hump installed under a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) requires the highway authority to make a new TRO to revoke or modify the existing order — a process that typically takes 6–12 months and involves public consultation. Residents or businesses can request removal by writing to their local council highways department with reasons, but there is no right to have humps removed. On private roads and private land, speed bumps can be removed by the landowner at any time without any regulatory process. Rubber speed bumps (bolt-down type) are the easiest to remove — unbolt and lift. Asphalt or thermoplastic humps require cutting out and surface reinstatement. Barriers Co can advise on and supply speed bump replacement products if you are upgrading your speed management infrastructure.
4. Are water-filled barriers as strong as concrete?
Water-filled plastic barriers are not as strong as precast concrete jersey barriers for vehicle containment, but they provide meaningful resistance that exceeds what cones or signs can offer. A standard 1m water-filled barrier, when filled to capacity (approximately 300kg), provides reasonable resistance to a slow-moving vehicle. For higher-speed vehicle impact, water-filled barriers will move and deform rather than remaining fixed like concrete. Concrete jersey barriers — weighing 900kg–1,500kg per section and linked with steel pins — provide significantly better containment. However, water-filled barriers offer considerable practical advantages: they can be deployed without a crane, repositioned easily, and are much more economical. For counter-terrorism hostile vehicle mitigation at events, NaCTSO guidance specifically endorses water-filled barriers as a practical temporary HVM measure when interlinked and properly positioned, even though they are not individually certified to PAS 68 or IWA 14-1.
5. What's the difference between a speed bump and a speed hump?
A speed bump is a short, abrupt raised section of road — typically 300mm–600mm long in the direction of travel and 50mm–100mm high — designed to cause discomfort at speeds above 5–10mph. Speed bumps are most appropriate for car parks and private roads where speeds should not exceed walking pace. A speed hump is a longer, more gradual raised section — typically 3.7m–10m long in the direction of travel — designed to be driven over more comfortably at 20–25mph but to discourage higher speeds. On public roads in the UK, the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 specify minimum dimensions for legal road humps (requiring them to be at least 900mm long, with certain ramp profiles). Short, sharp speed bumps are not legal for installation on public roads under these regulations. A speed cushion is a width-selective variant that allows wider vehicles (buses, emergency vehicles) to straddle the hump while cars must drive over it.
6. How much does it cost to install an Armco barrier?
Armco barrier installation costs in the UK (2025) vary depending on location, specification and whether the work is on private land or a public highway. Supply-only costs for standard N2 class hot-dip galvanised Armco: approximately £35–£60 per linear metre including beams, posts and fittings. Supply and installation on private land (good ground conditions, driven posts): approximately £80–£150 per linear metre. Supply and installation on a public highway (including Chapter 8 traffic management, Streetworks permits, and lane closure costs): from £200–£500+ per linear metre depending on complexity. For car park Armco (lighter duty, surface-mounted posts): £60–£120 per linear metre supply and install. Post-impact emergency replacement (replacement of damaged sections only): approximately £250–£500 per section, subject to accessibility. Factors that significantly increase cost include difficult ground conditions requiring boring rather than driving of posts, working in restricted access areas, weekend or night-time working, and proximity to live traffic on busy roads.
7. How do I fix a bollard to concrete?
There are two main methods for fixing a bollard to an existing concrete surface. The first is core drilling and grouting: drill a hole in the concrete using a core drill to the required depth (typically 450mm–600mm for standard bollards), insert the bollard and fill the annular gap with a structural epoxy resin or rapid-setting grout. Allow the resin/grout to cure before placing the area back in service. This creates a very strong, permanent installation with excellent pull-out and shear resistance. The second is surface mounting with a baseplate: the bollard is supplied with a steel baseplate welded to its base, and this baseplate is fixed to the concrete surface using chemical anchors (resin anchors) and M16 or M20 stainless steel bolts. Quicker to install and easier to remove or replace if needed, but providing lower impact resistance than an in-ground installation. For anti-ram raid and security applications, core drilling and grouting is strongly preferred over baseplate mounting.
8. What bollards stop cars?
To reliably stop a car (typically weighing 1,200kg–2,000kg) from breaking through, you need a bollard of appropriate construction and installation. Any concrete-filled steel bollard of 102mm+ diameter, installed in-ground to 450mm+ depth with a concrete socket of at least 300mm diameter, will stop an inadvertent car impact at low speeds (under 15mph). To stop a deliberate vehicle attack — a vehicle driven intentionally at the bollard at 30mph or more — you need either a PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 certified security bollard (engineered and tested to stop a specific vehicle at a specific speed), or a robust anti-ram raid bollard of 168mm–219mm diameter, concrete-filled, installed to 600mm–900mm depth with adequate concrete socket. The foundation is just as important as the bollard body — even a heavy bollard set too shallowly will be pulled out of the ground by a determined vehicle. Barriers Co can advise on the right specification for your application.
9. Are plastic bollards effective?
Plastic bollards are effective for pedestrian routing, low-speed guidance and visual delineation — but they provide essentially no resistance to vehicle impact. A standard plastic hollow bollard, even a quality one with a steel core sleeve, will be knocked over or driven through by any vehicle travelling above walking pace. For pedestrian area delineation, car park entry point marking, cycle lane delineators and low-traffic speed guidance, plastic bollards are a cost-effective and durable choice (they are highly resistant to weathering, UV and vandalism, and 'snap-back' after low-speed impacts). For any application requiring genuine vehicle containment — anti-ram-raid, security perimeter, preventing access to pedestrianised areas — steel or concrete bollards are required. Barriers Co supplies both plastic/flexible delineator bollards and steel/concrete security bollards.
10. How tall should a pedestrian barrier be?
Pedestrian barriers (also called crowd control barriers, crowd barriers or event barriers) used for routing and containing pedestrian crowds should be a minimum of 1100mm (1.1m) in height — this is the requirement specified in BS EN 13200-3 (Crowd management equipment used at spectator facilities) for crowd control barriers. At this height, the barrier top rail is above hip height for most adults, making it physically difficult to push a crowd over the barrier even under significant crowd pressure. Stage barriers — used immediately in front of music stages where crowd pressure can be intense — are typically 1100mm–1200mm in height with additional forward-leaning or A-frame configurations and egress channels to manage crowd safety. Standard 2m × 1.1m steel interlocking crowd control barriers, weighing approximately 18kg each, are the most widely used type for UK event safety applications. Barriers Co supplies event barriers meeting BS EN 13200-3 requirements.
11. What is the maximum height for a speed bump on a public road?
The maximum height for a speed bump (road hump) on a public road in England and Wales is 100mm (10cm) on roads with a speed limit of 20mph or less, and 75mm (7.5cm) on roads with a speed limit above 20mph. These limits are set by the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999. The Regulations also specify minimum and maximum ramp gradients for the approach and departure ramps of road humps. In Scotland, equivalent provisions are set by the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 and associated Regulations. Speed bumps exceeding these heights on public roads are illegal and can expose the highway authority to liability. On private roads and private land, there is no statutory height restriction, though bumps exceeding 100mm may damage low-clearance vehicles and could expose the landowner to liability claims.
12. Can I install barriers on a public road myself?
Generally, no — installing permanent barriers on a public road requires approval from and usually involvement by the highway authority. For permanent traffic management measures (bollards, barriers, speed humps) on public roads, the highway authority must either install them directly or approve a third-party contractor's installation under a Section 278 Agreement (where the private developer pays the council to carry out highway works). For temporary barriers as part of Streetworks or event management, you must have a valid Streetworks permit or event closure order, and works must be carried out by operatives with appropriate LANTRA Chapter 8 or NRSWA qualifications. Carrying out unauthorised works on the public highway is an offence under the Highways Act 1980 and can result in prosecution, and the works may be subject to removal at the offender's cost.
13. How do removable bollards work?
Removable bollards use a two-part system: an underground socket (also called a receiver or sleeve) that is permanently installed in the ground, and a bollard body that sits inside the socket but can be lifted out when access is required. The socket is typically a steel tube of slightly larger diameter than the bollard, concreted into a core-drilled hole in the ground surface. The bollard body locks into the socket using a locking mechanism — typically a quarter-turn barrel lock operated by a special key, a padlock and chain through a cross-hole, or a spring-loaded pin. When locked, the bollard resists inadvertent removal. To allow a vehicle through, an authorised person uses the key to unlock and lifts the bollard out of the socket, laying it to one side. After the vehicle passes, the bollard is replaced and re-locked. Removable bollards are commonly used at pedestrianised street entry points, car park access routes, and private road entrances where occasional large vehicle access is needed.
14. What is the difference between crowd control barriers and Heras fencing?
Crowd control barriers and Heras fencing serve different purposes despite both being used in event and site management. Crowd control barriers (also called pedestrian barriers or event barriers) are typically 2m × 1.1m steel interlocking sections designed to route, contain and manage pedestrian crowds. They have a solid lower panel preventing crowd movement beneath, and an upper rail that crowds can press against without immediate danger. They are designed for pedestrian use and provide no meaningful vehicle containment. Heras fencing (named after the Dutch manufacturer) is a mesh panel security fencing system — 2.0m × 3.5m galvanised wire mesh panels on individual feet, typically used as construction site perimeter fencing. Heras is designed to prevent unauthorised access to sites, not to manage crowds. It is not suitable as an event crowd control barrier. For construction site events, the two products are often used in combination: Heras provides site perimeter security while crowd control barriers manage pedestrian flow at entry gates and public-facing areas.
15. How many crowd barriers do I need for an event?
The number of crowd control barriers required for an event depends on the event type, total attendance, site layout and entry/exit points. A useful starting point is the Purple Guide to Health, Safety and Welfare at Music and Other Events, which provides guidance on crowd management ratios and barrier requirements. As a rough guide for outdoor music events: a perimeter barrier line needs one 2m barrier section per 2 metres of perimeter (standard spacing). Queue management barriers at entry gates need sufficient barriers to manage anticipated peak queue length — typically 10–15 barriers per entry gate per 1,000 anticipated simultaneous arrivals. Stage barriers (pit barriers) for music events need to span the full stage width plus 30% for the angled returns. A 2,000-person event with 4 entry gates, a perimeter of 300m and one stage of 10m width might require: 150 perimeter barriers + 60 queue barriers + 15 stage barriers = 225 barriers in total. Barriers Co can advise on barrier numbers for your specific event. Our team can also help with event safety documentation.
16. Are bollards a planning requirement?
Bollards are not universally required by planning law, but they may be a condition of planning permission in certain circumstances. Local planning authorities can impose planning conditions requiring bollards or vehicle restraint measures for developments where pedestrian safety is a concern — for example, in town centre retail developments, schools, hospitals or high-pedestrian-footfall areas. The NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) requires planning decisions to consider road safety, and highway authorities may recommend bollards as a condition for granting highway approval for development access. In areas designated as Crowded Places under NaCTSO guidance, local authorities and the police may advise (but cannot legally require, in most cases) the installation of vehicle security measures including bollards. For heritage areas, conservation area consent conditions may restrict bollard installation rather than requiring it. Always check with your local planning authority and the relevant highway authority if bollard installation is relevant to your development.
17. What colour should warehouse barriers be?
Warehouse safety barriers should be painted or powder coated in high-visibility yellow (RAL 1021 or similar) in accordance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on workplace traffic management and the requirements of BS EN ISO 3864-1 (safety colours and signs). Yellow is the internationally recognised safety colour for 'caution' — it signals to forklift truck drivers and pedestrians that they are approaching a hazard zone or a physical barrier. Some warehouse operators also use blue to indicate overhead obstructions, red to indicate prohibition zones, and white to mark pedestrian routes — but the barriers themselves should generally be yellow. Barriers Co supplies warehouse steel barriers in standard yellow powder coat finish as standard, with custom RAL colours available on request. Reflective tape or retroreflective strips can be added to barriers in areas where forklift operations occur in lower-light conditions, improving visibility and reducing collision risk.
18. How do I protect EV charging points from damage?
Electric vehicle (EV) charging points are increasingly being damaged by vehicles manoeuvring in car parks — a significant and growing problem as EV adoption accelerates. The most effective protection solutions are: steel bollards (76mm–102mm diameter) installed on both sides of the charging unit, typically 300mm–500mm from the unit face, acting as physical buffers; wheel stops installed in the parking bays adjacent to chargers, preventing vehicles from overrunning into the charger; Armco barriers at the rear of charger bays (where chargers are installed against a wall or fence) to prevent reverse collision; and rubber kerb-style nudge bars installed at the base of the charging post itself. For particularly exposed charging installations (e.g., end-of-row or corner bays), a three-sided steel bollard surround provides comprehensive protection. Barriers Co supplies EV charging point protection bollards in standard galvanised steel and in yellow powder coat finish. Contact us for a protection solution for your specific charger layout.
19. What barriers are used on motorways?
Several types of barriers are used on the UK motorway network. Central reservation barriers — separating opposing lanes — are most commonly flexible wire rope safety barriers (WRSB), Armco corrugated steel beam barriers, or concrete New Jersey profile barriers (on older sections of motorway). Wire rope barriers are increasingly preferred on new motorway schemes due to their low cost, low maintenance and high performance in catching errant vehicles. Safety barriers on the left-hand verge (outside edge) where there is a fall or hazard are also typically Armco or concrete systems, specified to the appropriate BS EN 1317 containment class for the design speed. On smart motorways (all-lane running), temporary moveable concrete barriers (TMCBs) are used to temporarily close lanes for maintenance and incident management — these are precast concrete jersey barrier sections linked into a continuous run that can be moved using specialist barrier transfer machines. Barriers Co supplies Armco and crash cushion components for motorway maintenance contractors working under National Highways framework agreements.
20. Are height restrictors a legal requirement in car parks?
Height restriction barriers in car parks are not a universal legal requirement — they are specified at the discretion of the car park designer and operator, based on the structural design of the car park and the access management needs of the site. However, where a multi-storey car park structure has been designed for a specific maximum vehicle height (e.g., 2.1m clearance to structural elements) and allowing taller vehicles to enter would create a risk of collision with overhead elements — sprinkler heads, lighting rigs, structural beams, ANPR cameras — then the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 effectively require the operator to prevent taller vehicles from entering as part of their duty to ensure the safety of car park users. This is typically achieved through height restriction barriers. Where height restriction barriers are installed, they must be clearly signed with the maximum permitted height in conformance with the Highway Code and relevant British Standards for safety signage.
21. How do I get a free quote for barriers?
Getting a free quote from Barriers Co is straightforward. You can contact us via the contact form on this website, by email at sales@barriersco.co.uk, or by telephone on 0330 043 4000 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5:30pm). To help us provide you with an accurate quote as quickly as possible, it's helpful to have: the type of barrier you need (Armco, bollards, crowd control, speed bumps, etc.); the approximate quantity or linear metres required; the installation location (postcode); whether you need supply only or supply and installation; and any specific standards or specifications required (e.g., BS EN 1317 class, PAS 68 rating). For complex projects, we can arrange a free site survey. Most standard supply-only quotes are provided same day. Installation projects typically require a site survey before a firm price is given.
22. Do barriers come with a warranty?
Warranties on barriers from Barriers Co vary by product type. Hot-dip galvanised steel Armco barriers: the galvanising coating is warranted under BS EN ISO 1461 for a minimum coating thickness, providing a design life of 40–50 years under typical UK highway conditions. Powder-coated steel products: the coating is typically warranted against flaking, cracking and blistering for 5 years from date of supply, subject to normal conditions of use and the product not being used in aggressive chemical environments. Plastic and rubber products (speed bumps, water-filled barriers, bollards): typically 1–3 years from date of manufacture against manufacturing defects. Security-rated products (PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 bollards): the performance certification applies to the product as tested; the physical product warranty is typically 1–5 years against manufacturing defects. Note that all warranties are void if products are used outside their intended application, if damage is caused by vehicle impact or misuse, or if unauthorised modifications are made.
23. What is galvanised steel?
Galvanised steel is steel that has been coated with a layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion. The most common method used for safety barriers and structural steel products is hot-dip galvanising — the steel is cleaned, then submerged in a bath of molten zinc at approximately 450°C. The zinc reacts with the steel surface to form a series of zinc-iron alloy layers topped with a pure zinc outer layer. This coating provides excellent corrosion resistance through two mechanisms: first, the zinc physically excludes water and oxygen from the steel surface; second, in the event of coating damage, zinc acts as a 'sacrificial anode' — it corrodes preferentially to the steel underneath, protecting the steel even where the coating is breached. Hot-dip galvanised steel components used in outdoor environments typically have design lives of 40–80+ years depending on coating thickness and exposure conditions. The characteristic grey-silver speckled appearance of galvanised steel is familiar from Armco barriers, highway sign posts and street furniture across the UK.
24. How long do Armco barriers last?
Hot-dip galvanised Armco barriers, properly installed and not severely damaged in vehicle impact events, typically last 40–50 years in normal UK highway conditions. The galvanised zinc coating — applied to a minimum thickness of 45 microns (µm) as specified by BS EN ISO 1461 — provides a well-understood, predictable level of corrosion protection. Accelerated corrosion occurs in coastal environments (within 1–2km of salt water) due to chloride exposure, in areas with road salt de-icing (common in the North of England and Scotland), and in industrial environments with chemical exposure. In these locations, the design life may be reduced to 25–35 years. Armco barriers that have been damaged in vehicle impacts should be inspected and replaced where deformed — damaged sections do not provide the energy-absorbing performance of undamaged Armco, and gaps or deformations in the barrier line create hazards. Regular inspection, at least annually for highway Armco and after any known impact incident, is recommended.
25. Can bollards be painted?
Yes, bollards can be painted, though the durability of paint compared to other coatings varies significantly. Hot-dip galvanised steel bollards can be overcoated with paint or powder coating after galvanising — this is common for heritage-style bollards in town centres where a specific colour is required. Before painting galvanised steel, the surface must be appropriately prepared (typically etched with an acid wash or primer compatible with galvanising) to ensure adhesion. Direct paint on untreated galvanised steel often peels within 1–3 years. Powder coating (electrostatically applied and oven-cured polymer powder) is a superior finish to wet paint for steel bollards — it is more durable, chip-resistant and available in any RAL colour. Barriers Co supplies steel bollards in hot-dip galvanised finish, in standard yellow powder coat (RAL 1021) for industrial use, and in custom RAL colours to order. Cast iron bollards are typically supplied in a black painted or powder-coated finish.
26. What is the difference between fixed and surface-mount bollards?
Fixed (in-ground) bollards are installed with their base set into the ground — either driven directly into soft ground, or more commonly, set in a concrete socket formed by core drilling or excavation. This creates a rigid, permanent installation with high pull-out and shear resistance. In-ground bollards generally provide much greater resistance to vehicle impact than surface-mounted equivalents of the same diameter and wall thickness. Surface-mounted bollards have a baseplate (typically 200mm–300mm square) welded to the base of the bollard, which is then bolted to the existing hard surface using chemical anchors and bolts. This allows installation without groundworks and enables future removal or relocation. However, the impact resistance of surface-mounted bollards is significantly lower than in-ground installations — the anchor bolts are in tension during a vehicle impact and may fail, allowing the bollard to be displaced without being destroyed. For security-critical applications, in-ground installation is always preferred. Surface mounting is appropriate for lower-risk applications (car park delineation, pedestrian routing) where ease of installation and potential future relocation outweigh maximum impact resistance.
27. How do I remove an old bollard?
Removing an old bollard depends on how it was installed. Surface-mounted bollards (with a baseplate) are the easiest to remove: cut the fixing bolts with an angle grinder or use a bolt extractor, and lift the bollard and plate from the surface. Fill the anchor holes with expanding mortar or similar. In-ground bollards set in concrete are more involved: the concrete socket around the bollard must be broken out, typically using a pneumatic hammer drill, jackhammer or hydraulic breaker depending on the concrete thickness. Once broken out to sufficient depth, the bollard can be lifted using a chain and vehicle or telehandler. The resulting hole should be filled with concrete to reinstate the surface. Core-drill-and-grout installations may be removed by cutting the bollard at ground level, leaving the buried section in situ (if it poses no structural or service concern) and filling the top. Always check for underground services before digging or drilling. Barriers Co does not directly provide bollard removal services, but our team can advise on the most appropriate removal method for your situation.
28. Are rubber speed bumps better than asphalt?
Rubber speed bumps and asphalt speed humps each have distinct advantages depending on the application. Rubber speed bumps (typically modular 1m sections, bolt-down, black and yellow) are faster and easier to install (no specialist plant required, surface is reopened immediately), easily removable and relocatable, available in multiple heights (50mm, 75mm, 100mm), can be installed in wet weather, and require no tarmac curing time. They are better for car parks, private roads, and temporary installations. Asphalt speed humps, built from the road surface material, are more permanent, lower-profile (better for low-clearance vehicles), less susceptible to theft or damage by heavy vehicles, and better integrated aesthetically into the road surface. They are typically preferred for public road traffic calming schemes where long-term permanence and a neat appearance are important. Asphalt humps require professional road surfacing plant to install and disrupt traffic during installation. For most private road and car park applications, rubber speed bumps from Barriers Co are the practical and cost-effective choice.
29. What is a drop kerb barrier?
A drop kerb barrier (also known as a channel barrier, dropped kerb guard, or vehicle crossing protection) is a low-profile barrier used to prevent vehicles from mounting a kerb or crossing a verge at an unauthorised location. They are typically used to prevent drivers from parking on footways, crossing grass verges or accessing private land via a dropped kerb without authorisation. Drop kerb barriers are often used by local authorities and housing associations along grass verges adjacent to roads where unauthorised parking and kerb mounting is causing damage. They may also be used on commercial premises to prevent vehicles mounting the kerb to avoid barriers at car park entrances. Options include concrete kerb blocks, rubber edge barriers, low-profile parking posts, and anti-mounting kerb ramps. Barriers Co can advise on the most suitable drop kerb protection product for your specific situation.
30. Can I hire crowd control barriers?
Yes, crowd control barriers are widely available for short-term hire from event equipment hire companies across the UK. Hire is typically the most economical option for one-off events — buying 200 barriers for a single event that will sit in storage for the rest of the year is rarely cost-effective. Typical hire rates (2025) are in the range of £3–£8 per barrier per day, reducing with longer hire periods and larger quantities. Hire usually includes delivery and collection. For event companies, venue operators, councils or businesses that use crowd barriers regularly (monthly or more frequently), purchasing barriers outright becomes more economical — typically within 6–12 months of regular hire spend. Barriers Co sells crowd control barriers for purchase. If you regularly hire barriers, contact us to compare hire costs against purchase costs — the numbers may surprise you.
31. What barriers are best for car parks?
The best barriers for car parks depend on the specific application within the car park. For ramp edge and perimeter protection (preventing vehicles falling from elevated sections): Armco W-beam steel barriers, rated for car park applications. For height restriction (excluding vans and HGVs from structured designed for cars): fixed steel height restriction bars or swing-away height restrictors. For wheel stop and bay delineation: recycled rubber wheel stops, 100mm high, bolt-down, in yellow or white. For speed control within the car park: rubber speed humps (50mm–75mm) at key locations. For pedestrian walkway protection: steel guard rail (pedestrian barrier), powder coated yellow, at 1100mm height. For pillar and column protection: steel column protectors or concrete-filled bollards at 600mm–900mm height, adjacent to structural columns. Barriers Co supplies the full range of car park barrier products — contact us with your car park layout and we can advise on a complete barrier package.
32. Do I need a surveyor to install security bollards?
For standard anti-ram raid or vehicle management bollards on private land, a formal structural surveyor is not typically required. However, for PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 certified security bollards — where the performance certification depends on the foundation design and installation being correctly executed — the manufacturer typically provides engineered foundation specifications that must be followed precisely. Some security bollard manufacturers require that the installation is inspected by an approved installer to maintain the product's performance certification. For installations in areas with complex underground services, adjacent to listed buildings or structures, or where ground conditions are uncertain, commissioning a ground investigation and having a structural engineer specify foundations appropriate to the actual ground conditions is strongly recommended. For hostile vehicle mitigation schemes at government buildings or critical infrastructure, CPNI guidance typically requires that the full HVM scheme (including bollard selection, positioning, foundation design and installation) is reviewed by a qualified security engineer.
33. What are the BS EN standards for safety barriers?
The key British and European Standards (BS EN standards) for safety barriers in the UK are: BS EN 1317 (Road Restraint Systems) — the primary standard for vehicle restraint systems on highways, covering Armco, concrete barriers, wire rope systems and terminals. Parts 1–5 cover test methods and performance classes. BS EN 13200-3 (Crowd Management Equipment used at Spectator Facilities) — covers crowd control barriers for events and spectator venues, including performance and test requirements. PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 — vehicle security barrier standards for hostile vehicle mitigation products. BS 8626 — Code of Practice for the installation of hostile vehicle mitigation measures. BS EN 12899-2 (Fixed Vertical Road Traffic Signs) — applies to highway delineator bollards and road markers. BS EN 13422 — specification for traffic cones and delineators used in temporary traffic management. BS EN 1461 — hot dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles. For specific product categories, your Barriers Co account manager can advise which standards apply and confirm the compliance status of our products.
34. How do height restriction barriers work?
Height restriction barriers work by creating a physical overhead obstacle at the maximum permitted clearance height for the restricted area. The barrier — typically a horizontal steel bar or framework suspended between two posts — is set at the exact height of the restriction (e.g., 2.1m above the road surface). Any vehicle taller than this clearance will make contact with the bar before it can enter the restricted area. This contact serves as a physical and auditory warning that the vehicle is too tall to proceed. For fixed-height areas, contact with the bar stops the vehicle (or causes minor damage sufficient to encourage the driver to reverse out). Where emergency vehicle access must be maintained, swing-away or lift-over height bars are used — the bar is normally at the restriction height but can be quickly raised by authorised personnel. For managed access (e.g., delivery vehicles of varying heights), a manually or motorised counter-balanced pivoting barrier can be raised or lowered as required. Clear signage indicating the maximum permitted height is essential — signs must be displayed before the point of no return (where a tall vehicle could get stuck if it does not reverse in time).
35. What is the British Standard for bollards?
There is not a single comprehensive British Standard solely dedicated to bollards across all applications. Different standards apply to bollards in different contexts. For highway delineator bollards (traffic guidance on roads): BS EN 12899-2 (Permanent Vertical Signs — Road Markers) and the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 2016. For security bollards and hostile vehicle mitigation: PAS 68 (now largely superseded) and IWA 14-1 (International Workshop Agreement) — published by the International Organization for Standardization with BSI involvement. For installation of hostile vehicle mitigation: BS 8626 (Code of Practice for the Installation of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Measures). For corrosion protection of steel bollards: BS EN ISO 1461 (Hot Dip Galvanized Coatings on Fabricated Iron and Steel Articles). For a specific application, Barriers Co can confirm which standards are relevant and which of our products meet those standards.
36. Are there grants for safety barriers for businesses?
There are several potential funding sources for safety barriers for businesses in the UK, though availability changes frequently. The Safer Streets Fund (administered by local Police and Crime Commissioners) has funded physical security improvements in public areas including bollards and barriers, primarily for local authorities and community organisations. The Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) sometimes coordinate collective funding for security measures including bollards for retail areas. The Shared Prosperity Fund (UK replacement for EU structural funds) has funded physical security improvements in some areas, administered through local authorities. For heritage-listed properties, Historic England grants may be available for sympathetic security improvements including heritage bollards, subject to approval. For farm businesses, the Countryside Stewardship scheme has funded access control improvements including gates and posts. We recommend contacting your local council economic development team, local BID, and Police and Crime Commissioner's office to enquire about current funding availability for safety barrier improvements in your area.
37. What is the load rating of Armco barriers?
Armco barrier load ratings under BS EN 1317 are expressed as containment classes, not as simple load values, because the dynamic energy absorption during a vehicle impact is complex and depends on impact speed, vehicle weight, angle and the specific barrier configuration. Standard containment classes and their test parameters are: N2 (Normal Containment) — tested with a 900kg car at 110km/h at 20° impact angle; H1 (High Containment) — tested with a 13,000kg rigid bus at 70km/h at 15° impact angle; H2 (High Containment) — tested with a 10,000kg HGV at 70km/h at 15° impact angle; H4a/H4b (Very High Containment) — tested with a 30,000kg tanker at 65km/h. For static loading calculations (e.g., for structural design of car park barrier systems), design guidance is typically provided in the manufacturer's technical literature and in the Institution of Structural Engineers' guidance on car park design. A typical static load assumption for car park Armco is 150kN (15 tonne) horizontal point load applied at 600mm height above the floor. Barriers Co can provide technical load data for specific Armco products.
38. Can barriers be powder coated any colour?
Yes, most steel barriers can be powder coated in virtually any RAL or BS standard colour. Powder coating is an extremely versatile finishing process that applies a dry polymer powder electrostatically to the steel surface, which is then cured in an oven at 160–200°C to form a durable, hard, protective coating. Any colour in the RAL Classic or RAL Design system can be specified — over 1,700 options. For safety barriers, the most commonly specified colours are RAL 1021 (Rape Yellow) for warehouse and industrial barriers, RAL 9005 (Jet Black) and RAL 9016 (Traffic White) for street furniture bollards, RAL 3001 (Signal Red) for hazard warning applications, and custom heritage colours (greens, deep blues) for street furniture in historic areas. Note that powder coating on hot-dip galvanised steel (duplex coating) provides superior durability — the galvanising provides cathodic protection while the powder coat provides the aesthetic and an additional barrier to moisture. Barriers Co offers custom powder coat colours on most steel barrier and bollard products — minimum order quantities may apply for bespoke colours.
39. What is a vehicle restraint system?
A vehicle restraint system (VRS) is a system designed to contain or redirect an errant vehicle that has left the intended carriageway or roadway. The term is defined in BS EN 1317 (Road Restraint Systems) and encompasses all types of safety barrier — Armco (corrugated steel beam), concrete barriers, wire rope safety barriers, bridge parapets with vehicular containment capability, and vehicle terminals (crash cushions and end terminals for barrier runs). A VRS is not the same as a vehicle security barrier — a VRS is designed to contain vehicles that have inadvertently left the road (due to driver error, mechanical failure or adverse weather), while a vehicle security barrier (PAS 68 / IWA 14-1) is designed to stop a vehicle deliberately driven at it in a hostile attack. VRS performance is assessed under BS EN 1317 by crash testing to defined containment classes (N2, H1, H2, H4). The choice of VRS and containment class for a specific location is determined by risk assessment considering road speed, traffic composition, and the consequences of vehicle excursion at that location.
40. What is the difference between safety barriers and security barriers?
The distinction between safety barriers and security barriers lies in their primary purpose and the threat they are designed to address. Safety barriers (also called vehicle restraint systems or VRS) are designed to protect against inadvertent vehicle excursion — drivers who lose control of their vehicle and leave the road unintentionally, due to driver error, a blown tyre, ice or similar. They are tested under BS EN 1317 with vehicles driven into them at angles and speeds representative of typical road accidents. They are not designed to withstand a deliberate high-speed perpendicular vehicle attack. Security barriers (hostile vehicle mitigation barriers) are designed specifically to stop a vehicle deliberately driven at them at speed — as in a vehicle-borne terrorist attack or ram raid. They are tested under PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 with vehicles driven directly at the barrier at speed, perpendicularly or at steep angles. Security barriers typically have much deeper, heavier foundations, are of substantially more robust construction, and are significantly more expensive than equivalent-looking safety barriers. Some products serve both purposes — a well-founded concrete jersey barrier, for example, provides both vehicle restraint (VRS) function and meaningful vehicle security function. In most cases, however, the two product categories are distinct.
41. How do I anchor temporary barriers?
Anchoring temporary barriers correctly is critical to their effectiveness and to worker safety in roadworks and event environments. Water-filled barriers should be linked together using the manufacturer's connecting pins, hooks or fins — a continuous linked run of water-filled barriers is significantly more resistant to displacement than individual unlinked barriers. End anchors (fixed points connecting the barrier run to a static object such as a crash attenuator, concrete block or permanent structure) should be used wherever the barrier run terminates. On public highways, Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual specifies the design of temporary barrier installations, including anchoring requirements. Unanchored temporary barriers in live traffic environments should never be used without appropriate safety assessment. For event HVM deployments, Counter Terrorism Security Advisors recommend that water-filled barriers be interlinked in continuous runs and anchored to fixed points where possible. For plastic step barriers (not water-filled), ballast bags or sandbags may be placed within the barrier feet. Barriers Co supplies connecting hardware, end anchor systems and sandbags alongside our temporary barrier range.
42. What are anti-ram raid barriers?
Anti-ram raid barriers are physical security products designed to prevent vehicles being deliberately driven through shop fronts, bank branches, petrol station kiosks, ATMs or other commercial premises to steal goods or cash machines. A ram raid typically involves driving a stolen vehicle (often a stolen 4x4 or van) at speed directly into a building to access the interior. Anti-ram raid bollards and barriers work by creating a physical obstacle that the attacking vehicle cannot overcome at the approach speeds achievable in an urban setting (typically 20–40mph). Effective anti-ram raid products include: concrete-filled steel bollards (102mm–168mm diameter, in-ground to 600mm+), hostile vehicle mitigation bollards (PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 certified), concrete jersey-profile barriers, and steel security posts at spacings of no more than 1.5m. Anti-ram raid installations are increasingly specified by insurers as a condition of contents insurance for high-value retail premises. The Metropolitan Police's Secured by Design initiative and many regional police forces advise businesses on anti-ram raid measures. Barriers Co supplies a range of anti-ram raid bollards and barriers — contact us to discuss the most appropriate solution for your premises.
43. How far apart should speed bumps be?
The spacing of speed bumps on public roads is specified in the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999, which require that road humps on the same road should be no closer than 40 metres apart and no further than 80 metres apart. This 40–80m spacing is designed to ensure that vehicles cannot accelerate between humps to a speed where the hump causes damage or discomfort — at 20mph, a vehicle travels approximately 18m per second, giving a transit time of 2.2–4.4 seconds between 40–80m spaced humps. For school zone and 20mph zone applications, spacing at 40–50m intervals is common. On private roads and private land, there is no regulatory requirement for minimum or maximum spacing — landowners can install speed bumps as closely as they judge necessary for effective speed management, though very closely spaced bumps (under 20m) may cause nuisance and vehicle damage issues. A general practical guide for private roads: space speed bumps 40–60m apart for effective 20mph speed management; 20–30m apart for 10mph zones in car parks and distribution centres.
44. What is a swing barrier?
A swing barrier (also called a swing gate barrier, swing arm barrier, or pivoting beam barrier) is a vehicle access control device consisting of a horizontal beam or arm that is hinged at one or both ends and can be pivoted (swung) to either an open or closed position to control vehicle access. Unlike rising boom barriers (which raise vertically), swing barriers pivot horizontally — the beam swings from a closed position (blocking the lane) to an open position (parallel to the lane) to permit vehicle passage. Swing barriers are used in car parks, private estate roads, industrial sites and access control points where vertical clearance above the barrier is limited (e.g., in multi-storey car parks where a rising boom arm would hit the structure above). They are also used for manual access control points where full-time attendant operation is impractical — a simple manual swing barrier with a padlock can restrict access to authorised vehicles. Motorised swing barriers are available with access control integration. Barriers Co supplies manual and motorised swing barriers — contact us for specifications and pricing.
45. Can bollards be used to prevent ram raids?
Yes, bollards are one of the most effective measures for preventing ram raids. A ram raid involves driving a vehicle into a building at speed to access the interior and steal goods or cash. To be effective against ram raids, bollards must be: of sufficient diameter (minimum 102mm, preferably 168mm+) and constructed from thick-walled or solid steel; filled with concrete for maximum resistance; installed in-ground to sufficient depth (minimum 600mm, preferably 900mm) with a large concrete socket; spaced no more than 1.5m apart (to prevent a vehicle driving between them); and positioned close enough to the building entrance to prevent a vehicle building up significant speed before impact. Simple hollow steel bollards or surface-mounted bollards will not reliably stop a determined ram raid — the bollard can be displaced or the vehicle can ride over it. Anti-ram raid installations should be assessed by a security professional and should consider the specific threats relevant to the premises. Barriers Co supplies anti-ram raid bollards in a range of specifications. Contact our security team for advice on the right product for your premises.
46. What is the lifespan of a plastic bollard?
The lifespan of a plastic bollard depends on the material, UV exposure and physical wear. High-quality HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or polyurethane flexible bollards, when used in appropriate applications (low-speed impact environment, not sustained high-impact use), typically last 5–10 years before UV degradation, colour fading and material fatigue require replacement. UV stabilisers added during manufacture can extend outdoor lifespan significantly. Cheaper plastic bollards made from standard polyethylene without UV stabilisers may become brittle and crack within 2–5 years of outdoor use. 'Lollipop' traffic marker bollards on highways — the large flexible delineator bollards used in lane separations — are designed for regular low-speed impact (vehicles grazing them in lane changes) and are typically replaced every 2–5 years as part of highway maintenance programmes. Plastic bollards are generally not expected to match the 40–50 year lifespan of galvanised steel or 20–30 year lifespan of quality painted steel bollards. For long-term applications, steel or cast iron bollards are preferred.
47. How do I specify barriers for a construction site?
Specifying barriers for a construction site involves identifying the different zones and hazards requiring barrier protection, then matching the appropriate product to each. Key considerations are: Site perimeter barriers — Heras fencing panels for pedestrian exclusion (2m high) with water-filled plastic barriers at the base for vehicle containment at road-adjacent perimeters; Chapter 8 traffic management barriers — for any barriers adjacent to public roads, Chapter 8 compliant barriers (water-filled plastic barriers, plastic step barriers) must be used with appropriate signing and lighting; Excavation edge protection — Heras fencing, barrier tape or solid barriers around open excavations, required by CDM Regulations 2015; Internal site road edge protection — Armco or concrete jersey barriers for vehicle road edges adjacent to drop risks; Pedestrian routes within site — pedestrian barriers (steel guard rail) separating pedestrian walkways from plant movement areas. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) impose duties on clients, principal designers and principal contractors to plan for health and safety — which includes appropriate barrier specification. Barriers Co can prepare a barrier schedule for typical construction site layouts. Contact us for a site-specific consultation.
48. What barriers do councils use?
Local councils in the UK use a wide range of safety barriers depending on the application. For highway traffic management: water-filled plastic barriers (Chapter 8 compliant), Armco corrugated steel barriers, concrete jersey barriers, and rubber step barriers. For pedestrianised areas and town centres: steel bollards (often heritage cast iron or decorative designs), retractable bollards at pedestrianised zone entry points, and removable bollards for emergency vehicle access. For speed management: rubber speed humps and speed cushions (on private estate roads) and asphalt-built road humps (on adopted highway roads), installed under Traffic Regulation Orders. For events: steel interlocking crowd control barriers, water-filled barriers for event HVM, and pedestrian guidance barriers. For car parks: height restriction barriers, wheel stops, Armco ramp protection, and parking management bollards. Councils typically procure barriers through framework agreements (e.g., Crown Commercial Service frameworks, YPO, Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation, or their own DPS arrangements). Barriers Co supplies to multiple councils across the UK, both through framework agreements and direct purchase orders.
49. Are safety barriers VAT exempt?
No, safety barriers are not VAT exempt in the UK. They are standard-rated goods subject to 20% VAT (as of 2025). VAT exemptions apply to specific categories such as food, children's clothing, books, passenger transport and certain medical supplies — manufactured goods like safety barriers do not fall within these exempt categories. However, if you are a VAT-registered business, you can reclaim input VAT on safety barrier purchases as a business expense in the normal way through your VAT return, provided the barriers are purchased for business purposes. Sole traders, non-profit organisations and charities that are not VAT registered cannot reclaim VAT but may be able to claim the full cost (including VAT) as a tax-deductible business expense. Local councils and other public bodies that are partly VAT-exempt may be able to reclaim some or all of the VAT on safety barrier purchases under Section 33 of the VAT Act 1994 (refunds to local authorities). Barriers Co charges VAT at the standard rate on all goods. Prices shown on our website may be shown ex-VAT (+ VAT) or inc-VAT — check individual product listings.
50. How do I contact Barriers Co for a quote?
You can contact Barriers Co for a free, no-obligation quote in several ways. By phone: call us on 0330 043 4000, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:30pm. By email: send your requirements to sales@barriersco.co.uk and we'll respond within 2 hours during business hours. Via our website contact form: fill in the form on our Contact page at barriersco.co.uk/pages/contact — include as much detail as possible about the type of barrier, quantity, location and any specific standards required. For complex projects, we offer free site surveys across the UK — our technical team will visit your site, assess requirements and provide a detailed specification and quotation. Most standard supply-only quotations are provided the same business day. Installation project quotations typically require a site survey first. Barriers Co supplies to the entire UK — from Scotland and Northern Ireland to the South of England — with next-day delivery available on many in-stock products.
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