Importance and Types of Bollards: Why Bollards are used at Different Places?

If we say it in simple words, then a bollard is a vertical post that is strong and sturdy. However, if we go into detail, then we can say that a bollard is a post used for security and safety purposes. It is used to put around buildings or areas to secure them from any unauthorized access. They are also used for managing and controlling traffic.

The main objective of putting a bollard is the safety and security of the building and its premises. With the advancement in everyday life products, bollards have also evolved. They have now become stronger and they come in many types to serve the different needs of different customers.

Types of Bollards

We know that there are many different ways in which a bollard can be utilized. That is why companies design and create different types of bollards to serve different customer requirements. Some of the main types are given below.

1. Security Bollards

Security bollards are used to prevent heavy vehicle crashes at storefronts. The crash also involves the ‘smash and grab’ robberies. In these types of theft, burglars enter the store by smashing the glass doors and windows in a heavy vehicle, looting the items, and running away in the vehicle instantly. This makes it easy for them as a lot of time is also saved through this approach. However, bollards prevent such incidents by creating hindrances against the crash.

2. Security Bollards

Safety bollards are mostly used for the protection of storefronts from crashes. Crashes that can happen at any time can damage you and your business. These crashes are of lower impact. It can also involve an injured customer which will lead to more complex situations. That is why; store owners find safety bollards very useful to tackle this issue.

3. Pedestrian Guiding Bollards

This type of bollard is used to guide pedestrians about a particular pathway. They are mostly used for decorative purposes only. They are used to guide the pedestrian where the walkway is. They can also be used to warn the traffic from coming into the pedestrian’s lane.

4. Protective Bollards

These bollards are designed to protect the components of a building for example a gas or electric meter. They are used to protect these components from any kind of accidents and to also protect the building components from theft or unauthorized access.

5. Bicycle Parking Bollards

These bollards help in traffic management and also provide convenience for bicycle owners. Previously, when there were no specified places for bicycle parking, people used to park their cycles anywhere on roadsides which was unsafe due to theft risk and it was a problem for the flow of traffic as well. The installation of bicycle parking bollards at different areas of the road or outside storefronts has provided them with a secure way of parking without disturbing the flow of traffic.

6. Bollards for Asset Protection

These bollards are to be used inside the stores. They are used to guard different assets of the store, for example, refrigerators, electronic items, or delicate crockery, etc. it helps to prevent the collision of the shopping cart with any such item and helps to prevent any damage to the store assets.

Why Bollards are a Necessity?

Bollards have many different uses in different scenarios and different venues. Some of these uses are described below to explain the importance and necessity of bollards.

1. Alert the Drivers

One of the main purposes of bollards placed in high-traffic areas is to alert and warn drivers of any hindrance coming on their way. They are placed perfectly at specific heights so that they will alert the driver but do not propose any hindrance in the driver’s line of sight. These bollards are placed along road boundaries with perfect height and specific intervals so that they will guide the drivers about certain conditions but not obstruct their vision or disturb their driving.

2. Manage the Traffic

One of the most obvious purposes of a bollard placed along the roadsides is to manage the traffic. These bollards are placed to ensure and encourage safe and conscientious driving practices in busy areas and near pedestrians.

3. Security of a Building

These bollards are used to protect and secure buildings from any kind of impact, theft, or terrorist activities. Bollards help to prevent the access of any vehicle near the building but it also helps to manage the flow of pedestrians. They are also useful as they prevent confusion around storefronts.

Whether it is through an accident or a deliberate act to do damage, a building can be severely damaged through crashes by vehicles. Bollard installation, however, makes it easy for the building owners to protect their property against such accidents.

4. Prevention of Unauthorized Parking

Many people have a habit of parking their cars anywhere they see an empty space. However, to prevent your building or property premises from such unauthorized parking practices, the use of solar bollards is an ideal solution.

5. Division of walkways and parking Areas

Bollards are not only for vehicular traffic management. They can also be used to guide pedestrians on how they should behave while they are on the road. Bollards are placed in a row to physically divide parking areas from pedestrian walkways. It provides a clear visual distinction between the two areas so that pedestrians know where their boundary ends.

Concluding Comments

With the increasing traffic flow on the road and the ratio of accidents increasing day by day, bollards are no doubt a very beneficial product to manage traffic. They also provide safety and security for buildings and private properties.