Bollards and Barriers

Bollards, barriers and other dividers are sorted into categories based on their function and where they’re used.

The most common purpose for these products in New Zealand is parking bollards. They can be used to prevent parking, protect your driveway and set boundaries for specific spaces. Automatic driveway bollards can control vehicle access at an entrance while maintaining a clear boundary between the driveway and adjacent areas. An in ground bollard is fixed below the surface, so its position needs to be planned around vehicle access and any underground services.

Security bollards are visual deterrents and protection against damage. They’re usually made of strong materials, such as steel, to take the impact of a collision from vehicles or machinery.

A road barrier has a specific purpose. It’s located by the side of the road when there’s a nearby hazard or obstacle, such as a ditch or fast oncoming traffic. A safety barrier can help separate road users from hazards where a clear, continuous edge protection is required.

A bridge barrier is similar to a road barrier but is used to mark the edge of a bridge. It warns people or vehicles not to get too close and stops them from going over.

A wheel stop or chock prevents a car’s tyre from moving forward. They’re often used at the end of parking spaces or in areas that vehicles shouldn’t access.

Some bollards are designed for several purposes. As well as demarcating an area, they can provide a space for bikes to be left and locked securely. Bollard fencing extends a boundary beyond individual posts, with panels or rails providing a more continuous division.

High-quality bollards and barriers are essential to keeping roads and walkways in New Zealand safe. The best products are highly-visible, signalling to drivers where they can and can’t go. They are also aesthetically designed, improving the appearance of the space. Beyond how they appear, bollards also need to be made of strong materials in case of a collision. Steel is often used, as it’s durable and can handle the impact of a vehicle while protecting pedestrians, buildings or equipment. Safety bollards are suited to locations where vehicle impact protection and a visible boundary are both required. Stainless bollards and aluminium bollards can be assessed against the site’s impact requirements, exposure and preferred finish.

Your first decision when finding the right product is to know whether you need a bollard or a barrier. You’ll need bollards if you need to show that vehicle access is not permitted and to protect people or structures. When you need a continuous line of protection next to a road or a bridge, then a barrier will work better. If vehicles are involved, you’ll want a sturdy material. Steel is often used at the roadside, whereas wood works well for demarcating areas for pedestrians and is a little warmer in its aesthetic. Stylistically, the look should also be considered as you don’t want it to detract from the space that it’s in. Many urban planners look to coordinate the look of these products with others in the area like public rubbish bins as a way to create a bit of visual cohesion.