Can You Put a Bollard on a Grass Verge?

Grass verges quickly become muddy or scruffy if drivers use them as a parking spot, or if they drive onto the edge of the grass by mistake. Bollards and markers can minimise these problems - but can you put a bollard on a grass verge?

In this article, we’ll find out the answer and explore the types of bollard you might want to use for safety and security.

Why would you need a bollard on a grass verge?

There are several different reasons why you might look to install bollards or markers on grass verges:

• Improve visibility: Reflective bollards help drivers to see the edge of the road and keep away from the verge, which reduces the risk of accidents and also minimises damage to the grass.

• Prevent unauthorised parking: Bollards stop people from parking on a grass verge and turning it into a mud pit. They are a better choice than rocks, which are hard to see at night - if a driver hits a rock, it may end up in the road and could even cause a fatality if it were to be "flicked up" into traffic.

• Increase security: Bollards also prevent people from driving across verges to access your property or steal a vehicle.

Can I put a bollard on a grass verge?

Yes - in principle. If you wish to install bollards on a grass verge for any reason, the number one rule is that you must have permission from whoever owns the land.

Bollards such as reflective verge markers at the roadside are often installed by contractors at the request of a local council or highways authority. 

But if you’re a property owner or a member of the public, you'll have to check who actually owns the verge in question. For example, you might assume that a grass verge outside your home or premises belongs to you - but that may not be the case.

Check the rules carefully before you spend any money on bollards or installation, and remember that extra conditions sometimes apply to certain portions of land, such as within conservation areas. 

If you think there’s a safety issue with a council-owned verge, you can contact the local authority and suggest that they consider installing bollards.

What type of bollard should I use?

Once you’ve established that you do have permission to install bollards, you’ll have to decide which type to go for. 

Verge markers

Verge markers are perfect for highlighting soft verges and bends in the road. They are typically made from plastic, with reflective panels on both sides (one red and one white). These may be stickers or integrally-moulded plastic reflectors.

Often striped in black and white for increased visibility, these bollards are made from durable spring-back or shatter-proof plastic so they won’t incur damage if a vehicle hits them at speed.

They’re also easy to install - the Wychwood model just needs to be pushed or malleted into the ground, while the Churchill requires only a small excavation and backfilling with soil or concrete.

IMPORTANT: People often get confused over the correct way to install verge markers. In the UK, they need to be placed so that the red reflector is on the LEFT of oncoming traffic. As they approach, drivers should see red reflectors to their left and white reflectors to their right.

Fixed bollards

If your aim is to prevent people from driving across a verge or using it as a parking space, you can use a traditional bollard made from metal or wood. Ideally, these shouldn’t be installed right next to a road, as they can be dangerous if drivers hit them accidentally.

Click the link for more information on how to install a bollard.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, you can indeed put a bollard on a grass verge - as long as you have permission. It’s important to choose the right type of bollard or marker for the location, and to install it safely.

You'll find the right choice within our wide range of bollards, or you can contact the friendly sales team for extra help.