Bollards are sturdy posts of varied heights that can be found in all corners of the globe. Whether they are made of simple materials like wood or more modern ones like stainless steel, one thing is certain—they are popular, and they work. Bollards are installed in specific areas as simple but powerful tools for enhancing safety in public and commercial spaces. By creating a visible barrier, bollards prevent vehicles from accidentally or intentionally entering pedestrian zones or restricted areas.
Bollards work well in a myriad of environments, but there are some locations that we consider essential. Bollards placed there significantly improve safety and security and ensure that vital public spaces always function optimally and with a minimum of accidents. These are our top five locations where bollards are essential.
Schools and Educational Facilities
Schools are high-traffic areas with both children and vehicles, making safety paramount. The heightened safety concerns apply to all educational institutions, but they are even more important in places like daycare centres and schools with younger children, where kids are still unable to asses danger very well and can sometimes run off even when there are adults present. This makes traffic calming and safety measures a necessity.
Bollards installed near entrances, sidewalks, playgrounds, and drop-off zones prevent vehicles from veering into pedestrian paths, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. They also create a clear, visible boundary to guide traffic flow around school zones, particularly during high-traffic periods like morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups. This not only protects students but also ensures a smoother experience for parents and staff navigating the area.
Benefits: Enhanced protection for children and staff, defined vehicle and pedestrian boundaries, reduced traffic risks, and a safer, more organised environment for all.
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are the last places you want to go to and have an accident. There is a constant flow of ambulances, private vehicles, and pedestrian traffic, making careful space management crucial. To add to that, many pedestrians might need help moving around, be slower when crossing, or be in a wheelchair – all of which adds to the need to protect them from traffic.
Bollards installed around emergency entrances, drop-off points, and pedestrian pathways prevent accidental vehicle intrusion while allowing space for emergency access. These barriers enhance patient and visitor safety and help maintain clear emergency routes for medical staff and ambulances. Furthermore, bollards can aid in directing vehicles efficiently in busy hospital parking lots, reducing congestion and minimising the risk of accidents.
Benefits: Controlled access for emergency vehicles, added safety for patients and visitors, clear pathways in high-traffic zones, and improved traffic flow management to ensure smooth hospital operations.
Shopping Centres and Malls
Shopping centres are bustling areas with high foot traffic and frequent vehicle movement. They are also places often frequented by families with young kids or teenagers without adult supervision. Malls and retail parks typically also include indoor and outdoor parking areas, meaning vehicles and pedestrians will inevitably cross paths.
Bollards placed at entrances and around pedestrian areas act as physical barriers, preventing cars from entering sidewalks or colliding with storefronts. They also serve as traffic control devices in parking lots, ensuring smooth movement and minimising pedestrian-vehicle interactions. Additionally, placing bollards strategically can protect buildings, shopping centre property, and other vehicles from impact.
Benefits: Improved pedestrian safety, prevention of storefront crashes, safer navigation for drivers and pedestrians alike, and protection of property and other vehicles from collisions.
Urban Spaces and Public Squares
Public squares and sidewalks are essential gathering places in cities and busy urban centres. They are often enhanced with benches, planters, and other decorative features that make them even more attractive to people. However, they are also often located near busy roads with a lot of traffic.
Bollards protect these areas by creating a boundary between vehicles and pedestrians. They provide a physical barrier that discourages unauthorised vehicle access while ensuring pedestrian zones remain safe and secure. Especially in areas with high population density, bollards can prevent unauthorised vehicle entry, secure large events, and reduce the risk of vehicle-ramming incidents. Additionally, their strategic placement helps maintain aesthetic appeal, complementing the urban design without disrupting the overall flow of the space.
Benefits: Increased pedestrian safety, effective crowd control, added security during public events, enhanced urban aesthetics, and prevention of unauthorised vehicular access.
Commercial and Office Buildings
Office buildings often have mixed-use spaces like parking garages, outdoor plazas, and loading zones, which can pose safety challenges. All of these might require a combination of measures to ensure smooth operations and safety for pedestrians and property. Effective safety planning often involves both physical barriers and clear signage, with bollards being a critical component.
Bollards near building entrances, parking structures, and loading docks help maintain a safe distance between vehicles and pedestrians. They also safeguard building facades from accidental collisions, protecting both the property and its occupants. Furthermore, bollards can enhance security by preventing unauthorised vehicle access to restricted areas, such as service docks or private driveways. Their presence can also contribute to efficient traffic flow, guiding vehicles while ensuring that pedestrian walkways remain unobstructed.
Benefits: Protection of building infrastructure, safer pedestrian access, improved property aesthetics by delineating vehicle and pedestrian zones, and enhanced security through controlled vehicle access.
Bollards are indispensable safety tools that enhance security and functionality in diverse settings. From schools and healthcare facilities to shopping centres, urban spaces, and commercial buildings, their presence ensures the protection of pedestrians, property, and infrastructure. By creating clear boundaries and controlling vehicle access, bollards play a vital role in mitigating risks, preventing accidents, and maintaining the smooth operation of public and private spaces. Their versatility and strategic placement make them an essential component of modern urban planning and safety measures.