In many cities around the world, vehicle attacks had become familiar news. From Barcelona to Berlin, Paris, London and Stockholm, the incident often causes a lot of damages when it happens. And that’s why many people are making proactive commitment towards the use security bollards for protection against vehicle attacks.
Obviously, the use of bollards varies from one context to another. In some cases it could be a corporate business, private homes, public office or non-profit. And now, going by the nature of terror attacks around the world, even religious worship centers are becoming interested in the use of security bollards.
Depending on the context of your own peculiar needs, there are different types of bollards in the market. But in this article, we’ll be focusing specifically on the ones suited for protection against vehicle attacks.
Hence, there are different uses cases for bollards other than vehicle protection.
Different Types of Bollards
At this point, it is important to understand the different types of bollards and their possible applications. This will give you a better idea of what type to choose for your current or future needs. Before proceeding, mind you that prevention is better than cure. So don’t go for the cheapest offer.
In fact, price shouldn’t be the most important deciding factor when it comes to things related to security of lives and expensive properties.
- Fixed Or Embeded Bollard
In some cases, this could be referred to as permanent bollards. This is a type of bollard that is fixed strongly on the ground. And it is usually meant to last long. While this type could be made of steel, wood or even concrete, it takes a deep standing on the ground. Based on my findings, this is better fixed on concrete floors. For fixed security bollards, the cost often varies with regard to installation on unpaved area or concrete yard.
- Lighted Bollards
For some reasons, this one could be referred to as hybrid bollards as well based on the make and use cases. Beside the materials it is usually made of, they can be fixed or retractable. And you can mount them on the surface as well. It all depends on your choice. However, one thing that makes it outstanding is the aesthetic element of lighting.
Among the best use cases, lighted bollards serves really well for landscaping and decorative purposes. In this angle, it helps to guide people along pedestrian paths especially at night.
At other times, it can be used to guide night traffic along some busy or secluded areas.
- Removable Bollards
For temporal or extended control of traffic, crowd and entrance points, removable bollards seem to be the best. This is what security guards use to grant and deny access to some people in controlled environments. The fact here is that if you are not allowed by the guards, whether by walking or driving in, the bollards will be used as a deterrent and signal.
In contexts like this, removable bollards are used to deny authorised vehicle entrance. Now, think about your own need and see if this is the type that will serve you.
- Rebounding Bollards
Just as the name sound, this one rebounds and stands back in its position after being hit by a human or vehicle. Practically, this is meant to prevent damages from unintentional hitting of the bollard. Like some of the ones mentioned above, rebounding bollards can be used to control vehicle traffic. And it doesn’t have to be manned by a security guard in most cases.
Common Uses of Security Bollards
Business Use
Depending on the size of your business and type of parking space, security bollards help to protect cars, properties and lives of employees and customers alike. One glaring fact is that no one can predict where, when or how the next vehicle attack will happen. So instead of waiting for a damage to prompt you first, you can take proactive steps to make provision for strong protective bollards in your business premises.
Moreover, a hybrid bollard as described earlier could add colorful lighting in your business premises especially at night. This is also important in an area without enough street light reflections.
Educational Buildings
In an area that is usually crowded like schools where, bollards can be used to protect students and staff walking in pedestrian spaces. The obvious reason is because vehicle attacks could happen around educational building and parking lot as well. Within such environments, use of security bollards could also help guards to detect irregular movement of vehicles. And that will give them opportunity for prompt protective actions. For this specific context, consider the type of bollard that will suit your needs perfectly.
Government Buildings
Government offices operating within a city often command a lot of vehicle and human traffic. And that makes their building prone to vehicle attacks. To get the maximum protection, consider installation of different types of bollards. At some points, there may be areas that visitors won’t be allowed to gain foot or vehicle entrance in the day, using bollards will give you both protection and peace of mind.
Based on the size of establishment, there may be need to use both permanently fixed and removable bollards in some case. Rebounding bollards may also serve as deterrent and guidance in some other case.
Beside the need for protection, bollards may also help to organise the flow of traffic in and out of premises. Probably, this won’t cost as much in comparison to the security value you and your organisation will get from it at the end of the day.
Conclusion
As you have seen from the above points, there are different types of bollards. The one you choose will depend on your peculiar use cases. Fortunately, this guide will give you foundation on how to get the one that will suit and serve you for a long time. For installation and further advice please consider engagement with an expert within your area.
