Retractable bollards
When most people think of bollards, they think of static pieces of metal that block vehicles from entering a particular area. These bollards are usually permanent structures, however as technology has improved and retractable bollards have come into use, automatic rising bollards have become a popular type of access control.
Their popularity lies in their efficiency and effectiveness as a type of access control system, and is simpler and more cost-effective to set up than a security gate fitted with access systems. Retractable bollards are most frequently used for when only certain vehicles are granted access to an area or zone on a property, and thus can easily gain access with a code or the press of a button.
This means that civilian vehicles or unauthorised vehicles are kept out of potentially hazardous areas, or zones meant specifically for emergency use can be restricted so that they are free for use as and when needed. This is a common scenario at hospitals when emergency vehicles need access to drop off patients or need priority passage, and this area can be sectioned off for use, as it frequently occurs that public motorists often park accidentally in restricted areas, by being either unaware of the restrictions, distracted or under stress.
Fold-down bollards
Folding security posts are another great security option, and they are normally much cheaper than retractable bollards. These types of bollards have a number of uses, including access control as with the retractable bollards above, but they also are frequently used for reserving car parking spaces, adding restricted access zones to driveways and acting as a visual deterrent for increased security.
Fold down bollards work by folding the post upright and securing in place with a lock, so compared to a retractable post, they are much simpler in technology, and this means they come at a much more reasonable in price. At Chiltern Door Systems we mainly supply fold-down bollards as they are cheaper and much faster to install, but there are other options out there for you if you wish.
Both fold down bollards and retractable are exceptionally robust options for traffic control, and more secure than a security barrier which is more flimsy and subject to damage.
This increase in strength and durability is rooted in the fact that both bollard types are secured in a foundation of concrete, and fold-down bollards are also secured in by 4 heavy duty bolts.
Our fold-down bollard comes in a bold, yellow finish which helps ensure high visibility, while most retractable bollards come in plain silver.
To Conclude
Both are excellent choices for adding some security to your property, and as access control systems both work well, depending on your need. For frequent access, you will want to consider a retractable option since a fold-down bollard may be inconvenient, however for most options a fold-down is the cheaper and better bollard choice. Simple to use and install, and not reliant on technology (which, while it can be great, can also be prone to malfunctions) – find out more about our traffic control products here.
If you have any questions, you can ask us over at our Contact Us Page.