Many buildings that are more prone to flow of traffic have strict rules for traffic to avoid any inconvenient situations. For example, churches, hospitals, parking lots, children park etc. These are some of the places where flow of traffic should be restricted in order to avoid mishaps and accidents. A bollard is actually a product that is designed to ensure safety and control the traffic by creating hindrance.

A bollard is a vertical post like structure that is used to restrict the traffic from entering prohibited places or prevent vehicles from entering places that can cause problem for both the cars and the people present at those public areas. It is also used for the safety of both the pedestrians and businesses. Security bollards serve different purposes. Bollards are different types depending on where they’re going and what they’re for. 

Different types of bollards are used for different places. Therefore, it is important to understand what type of bollard will suit you according to your requirements.

Types of Bollards & Places to Mount Them

Bollards come in many different shapes, sizes and materials. Each one of them serves a different purpose. You have to first get knowledge about the various types of bollards to select the one that best fulfills your requirements.

  1. Embedded or Fixed Bollard

This type of bollard is also known as permanent bollard. The important feature of this bollard is that it is permanently fixed in the ground with the help of concrete. Fixing in the ground makes the bollard sturdier and more durable. Embedded or fixed bollards are made of materials like steel, concrete or wood but because it is fixed in the ground, therefore it is stronger and more durable.

The type of material used for the making of bollard also plays a vital role to decide the purpose of bollard. For example, a bollard made of steel and mounted on the ground will be for security purpose. While the wooden one standing temporarily in the sand, would only serve decorative purpose.

Fixed or embedded bollards are mounted on places with high security requirements or places with restricted access. These bollards serve the best purpose for controlling access and creating hindrance.

  • Automatic Bollards

These bollards are automatic as the name implies. They are retractable. When needed, they came out of the ground to stop the traffic and after serving the purpose they draw back in the ground to allow the traffic. They are quick as they came out in seconds when they sense the vehicle near them. After the purpose is fulfilled, they draw back inside the ground quickly. Automatic bollards are a proficient way to manage the traffic and providing safety to the pedestrians.

Automatic bollards are usually made of stainless steel. Sensors are installed inside to function properly. These bollards are usually mounted on mall entrances, shopping plaza entrances, and zoo or museum entrance to avoid entrance of vehicles after a defined time and improve the system of parking ticket.

  •  Decorative Bollards

Decorative bollards are used to make the walkways, road sides or building fronts look beautiful. Although decorative bollards can also be used for traffic management or guidance purpose but in a limited way. They are not made to restrict heavy traffic but they can be used to guide vehicles to enter certain area etc. Therefore, decorative bollards are used at places where the main purpose is aesthetics and not restriction or hindrance creation.

Decorative bollards are not as strong as fixed bollards but they are highly customizable. They can be made with a variety of materials like wood, aluminum and steel. They can be mounted on places like old historical buildings, walkway in a public park or road sideways to guide the pedestrians.

  • Lighted Bollards

Lighted bollards can be made in many different materials and serve different purposes. They can be fixed or surface mounted. The special characteristic of these bollards that give them a distinguish feature from other bollards is that they come with lighting. They are used mostly for decorative purpose but can also be used for guiding people to specific places. The light placed in these bollards varies in color and intensity. Decorative bollards are mostly made of aluminum or steel. They are usually mounted at places where guidance of people is needed in the night time for example, walkway in a park.

  • Manual Bollards

Manual bollards work the same way as automatic bollards. They came out of the ground to stop the vehicle and then go back into the ground to allow the vehicle to pass. The only difference between automatic and manual bollards is that automatic bollards are operated through electricity or hydraulics. Whereas, manual bollards are operated by the security guard or parking lot attendant by pressing the button or through a remote control.

Manual bollards are made of stainless steel or carbon steel. They are mounted at places where operation control is not required at frequent intervals.

Concluding Thoughts

Bollards are a great source of protection and care against accidents and mishaps. They provide safety to bike riders, cyclists and pedestrians. Different types of bollards offer different variety, flexibility and durability. To choose the type of bollard that can best serve the purpose you need to fulfill, you have to select the bollard carefully. The above content provides a deep insight in the types of bollards and the places they are suitable to be mounted.

By Manali