Local councils are responsible for a wide range of facilities, amenities and services, including transport, planning and infrastructure. To help create a safe environment, many councils utilise bollards and security posts to restrict access to certain spaces, prevent unauthorised vehicle access to restricted areas and protect pedestrian-only pathways.

When Should Councils Use Bollards?

Councils can install bollards or security measures, such as posts and gates, on any land that they own or manage. Common council-run sites that benefit from security bollards include:

Pavements and Pedestrian-Only Pathways

Pedestrians can face unnecessary danger in areas where there is heavy vehicular traffic. Although it is a clear breach of regulation for vehicles to mount the pavement, it’s not uncommon for impatient drivers to attempt this when there is a high volume of traffic on the roads. Equally, terrorist attacks using vehicles as weapons have become a serious concern in public spaces

Fixed and static bollards are ideal for situations in which vehicles should never attempt to access these spaces. Bollards that are capable of withstanding serious impact, like the RB 101 Galvanised Steel Bollard, can be highly effective when pavements are situated close to fast-flowing traffic, for example.

Parks and Playgrounds

Preventing unauthorised vehicle access to parks and playgrounds is essential to maintain the environment, prevent unwanted damage and keep people safe. Bollards for councils are one of the easiest ways for local authorities to ensure vehicles cannot access these recreational spaces.

While fixed bollards are well-suited for permanently preventing access, retractable bollards and/or swing gates can also be used to enable approved vehicles to access the area. If council workers need to gain access to maintain the space, for example, they can simply retract the bollards and drive into the park or playground.

Alternatively, a heavy duty swing gate or manual rising arm barrier can be installed to permit authorised vehicles to gain entry to the space.

Car Parks

Councils are often responsible for public and private car parks, and security bollards can be advantageous in both types of parking facilities. In public car parks, bollards provide a clear demarcation that tells drivers how much space they should take up and which areas they are permitted to use.

In private car parks, such as adjacent to council-owned buildings, parking bollards can be used to ensure staff have access to parking facilities. Furthermore, retractable or fold-down bollards can be installed to increase security and prevent the theft of vehicles.

Areas with Heavy Foot Traffic

In areas with a high volume of foot traffic, it’s important that pedestrians are safely guided through the space. Often, bollards and security posts are used to prevent overcrowding and to propel people along designated walkways.

When bollards are used for this purpose, councils can use the posts to enhance the aesthetic of the space, as well as for functional purposes. A mitre top stainless steel fixed bollard gives the space a contemporary feel, for example, while the Hehxham polyurethane bollard has a traditional and timeless design.

Nuisance Parking on Public Roads and Pavements

Nuisance parking is the cause of many disputes and is a major issue for many local councils. Whether it’s neighbours arguing with one another about on-road parking or congestion around schools at drop-off and pick-up times, inconsiderate parking can quickly escalate into a more serious issue.

Due to the safety risks posed by nuisance parking, councils tend to take a strict approach to prevention and enforcement and bollards are a key part of this strategy. By installing bollards on grass verges and pavements, for example, councils can prevent drivers from parking on the pavement or mounting the kerb.

In addition to increasing pedestrian safety, this can also help to preserve the local environment and prevent unnecessary damage occurring.

High Security Locations

Most council areas contain one or more high-security locations, such as government buildings, tourist attractions and high-profile monuments. To deter and prevent potential attacks, many councils incorporate bollards into their security strategies.

For example, the XPass 800 K4 anti-terrorism automatic bollard combines optimal security with flexibility to mitigate threats and safeguard well-populated areas.

Bollards designed for hostile vehicle mitigation, like the Defender HM3009, play a vital role in protecting vulnerable public spaces and ensuring compliance with evolving security standards, such as Martyn’s Law.

Additional resource: A Guide to Anti-Terrorism Bollards

Nature Reserves and Woodland

If a council is responsible for maintaining or securing local nature reserves and woodlands, it’s vital that they consider every possible type of threat or safety concern. From preventing unwanted vehicles from driving across the land to helping people navigate the terrain safely, there are many objectives to achieve.

In natural environments, timber bollards can be a fantastic way to restrict access and provide markers for walkers. As well as having a functional role, these bollards can blend into the environment without interrupting the natural aesthetic.

Optimal Bollard Installation Methods

The installation method used to affix a bollard to the ground can have a significant impact on its performance. If a bollard isn’t placed deep enough into the ground, for example, it will be unable to provide maximum protection if it is hit or struck.

Alternatively, a bollard could become loose or succumb to environmental damage if proper drainage channels aren’t incorporated during the installation process. As well as limiting the durability and lifespan of the bollard, this could have serious legal consequences too.

Councils must also comply with relevant bollard regulations to ensure installations meet safety standards and legal requirements.

If a bollard isn’t properly installed or maintained, it could pose a safety risk to members of the public. Furthermore, if someone is hurt due to a poorly maintained bollard, the council could be liable for the injuries they’ve suffered.

Fortunately, councils can reduce the risk of bollards posing a safety threat and protect their liability by using our professional installation services to affix new bollards to the ground. From concrete foundations to extra depth below ground, our expert team is on hand to provide custom installation services in any environment.

Learn more about the cost of bollard installation services.

Contact Bison Security Today

Bison Security has supplied security bollards to various councils across the UK.

To find out more about the best bollards for council-operated areas or to discuss installation, contact our expert team now on 01708 956833 or send us a message via our contact form.