Using Bollards as Part of Your Building Protection Strategy

Over the last few decades, we have become used to seeing bollards in our towns, cities, and suburban spaces. They fulfil a useful safety function to separate pedestrian paths from roads to reduce the number of road traffic accidents. Bollards are also a great way to control the flow of traffic on the road and in private parking structures. In recent years, we have also seen an increasing need to use bollards to protect private buildings and public spaces from vehicular related crime and terrorism. In this article, we will take a closer look at using security bollards as a part of your building protection strategy.

What is a Security Bollard?

A typical bollard used for directing traffic is a less substantial type of bollard used more as a reminder for the driver and a visual cue rather than a formidable obstacle. Security bollards are very different; they are designed to be strong and durable. These types of bollards are typically made of tensile steel, and they may be sunk into the surface of the road or pavement. The bollards can be filled with concrete for extra strength, and they are installed in series at a distance of around 1.5 metres. This spacing distance is important because the average width of a car is 1.6 metres, and this means that a car cannot pass between the bollards. However, a bollard forms a semi-permeable perimeter and pedestrians, parents pushing prams and wheelchair users can pass through a 1.5 metre gap easily.

Vehicular Protection for Your Location

The primary purpose of a bollard is to offer additional security at your location against vehicles. This could be a deliberate act, such as a "ram raid" against a commercial outlet or it could be an accidental collision on a car park bordering your location. When a vehicle collides with a building, it may pass over pedestrian walkways leading to injuries and then cause damage during the actual impact. Asset protection is important, but the safety of your employees, customers, and visitors should be the primary concern. When bollards are arranged in series using the correct spacing, they present a formidable barrier. An individual bollard is strong, but when two or more are hit together, their strength is added to nullify the kinetic energy of the colliding vehicle. All of this can be achieved without compromising on the aesthetic appeal of your location. There are many types and styles of bollards available, and they can be very attractive in their own right.

What About Vehicle Access?

If you create a perimeter with security bollards, there have to be some gaps to allow access. This could be an onsite garage area, or it could be an emergency exit. Access is required for a number of reasons the most important being emergency responders. For this reason, removable bollards can be placed strategically to allow or deny access as required.

If you're in the market for security bollards, get in touch with Image Bollards for expert help and advice.