A bollard is a short yet sturdy post-like structure that acts as a visual and a physical barrier. It is mostly used for safety and security purposes. They are not only used to guide and control the traffic but they are also used to mark boundaries when you want to restrict access in a specific area.
The Road Traffic Regulation Act of 1967 & 1984, both contain specific sections addressing the use of bollards in the UK and managing other types of obstructions.
According to UK rules and regulations, you can install traffic bollards or security posts only on your property. If you wish to install them on land you do not own, you must first obtain authorization from the landowner.
Bollard Applications
Bollards have become an essential part of modern architecture. They are used for both vehicular and pedestrian safety on the roads. Bollards are available in a variety of designs, styles, materials, and types. In this way, they have a wide variety of applications that are described below:
1. Traffic Guidance
One of the most common applications of parking bollards is the guidance of traffic. They are used to align traffic so that pedestrian safety can be maintained. They are used to guide traffic to specific areas and restrict them from going towards prohibited areas. They are made visually deterrent to enhance the functionality. They are also used to create space between traffic lines so that the traffic flow can be streamlined.
2. Pedestrian Safety
Bollards are installed along roadsides or in parking lots to ensure pedestrian safety. Bollards are installed in such a way as to guide pedestrians to stay on the walkways only. In this way, both the flow of traffic and pedestrian safety can be ensured. Proper bollard installation makes sure that the foot traffic is guided properly about where to walk and what is the clear path for them.
3. Safety around the Construction Site
Bollards are also used to prevent vehicles from coming near the construction site and to guide people about being cautious near such locations. This helps to protect the work area from ordinary traffic. Plastic bollards are mostly used for this purpose. They are adorned with brightly coloured tape to make them visually prominent. They are placed close to each other to provide a continuous visual barrier for the incoming traffic.
4. Bike Lane Separation
To minimise driver’s stress on the road, it is suggested to separate bike lanes from the other vehicular traffic lanes. This also helps to provide safety for cyclists and encourages more cyclists on the roads. However, the bike lane separating bollards should be made of heavy-duty material to prevent overspeeding vehicles from entering the bike lane.
5. Protection of Important Building Components
Bollards are also installed outside the building to prevent the important components, for example, gas or electricity metres, etc. They are used to restrict unauthorised access to these components thus providing security for these building components. They are also used to provide security to the building by restricting access in case of accidents or thefts.
6. Ram-Raid Prevention
Ram raid is a type of ‘smash and grab’ type of theft practice. In ram raids, the burglars come with heavy vehicles and smash into the doors or windows of shops. In this way, they can take away many valuables in a short time and can run away without any hindrance. Bollards prevent such theft practices by providing a strong barrier to restrict vehicular access near the doors or windows. They are usually made of steel or concrete but are covered with decorative covers to enhance the visual appearance or to match the building’s architecture.
Bollard Designs & Styles
Bollards come in a variety of designs and styles which you can choose according to your preferences and the building architecture, etc.
● Traditional Design
Most of the bollards are available in traditional designs that are formal looking. They easily complement the architecture of most buildings. Traditional bollard designs are mostly made of iron and are black-coloured. Even if they are not made of some strong material, they give a sturdy appearance. In this way, they pose a good visual deterrent thus providing better safety.
● Modern Design
Bollards come in a variety of colors, lengths, materials, widths, etc to match the contemporary architecture of modern buildings. These modern bollards are available in a variety of designs to match the modern architecture.
● Lighted Bollards
Lighted bollards are another style of bollard that is used in places where the lighting is low. They are lighted with the help of a solar panel or are directly attached to the electrical grid. They are mostly used to light up pedestrian pathways.
● Artistic Bollards
They are a design of bollards that are built to complement the modern architecture. They are designed to create extra impact for example, bollards that look like children are placed in school zones to enhance the impact.
● Low Impact Bollards
These bollards are not made of heavy material and cannot resist the vehicles. They are mostly used as visual barriers rather than the physical ones. They are installed in areas with fewer traffic concerns. If a car collides with a low-impact bollard at normal speed, there will not be much vehicular damage.
● High Impact Bollards
These bollards are designed to restrict or stop the vehicle that crashes into them. They are made of heavy material to create a strong resistance against the crash. Though the vehicular damage is very high in these cases, these bollards provide high-end security.
Conclusion
Bollards are a useful tool when it comes to traffic guidance, security, and safety purposes. They are also available in decorative designs and styles to complement both contemporary and traditional architecture.
Photo Credit: Terracast Products
