Traffic Bollards

Traffic bollards are installed in a variety of locations, from car parks to traffic islands, roundabouts, and junctions. They are available in a range of styles and with different sign faces directing traffic in different directions depending on their location. The most common traffic bollards on the road are the keep-left bollards, featuring a blue circle with a white arrow pointing left. These inform motorists which direction they should pass the obstruction. Installation is easy, and fitting kits are readily available.

About Traffic Bollards

Protecting pedestrians and motorists is an essential aspect of urban planning when designing and constructing new roads. With the correct bollards installed in vulnerable places, hazards such as pedestrian crossings and unexpected changes in the road can be made more visible, making them safer for pedestrians and motorists alike. Bollards for traffic will often display a sign to motorists, like “bear left”, for example, informing and instructing them about the nature of the upcoming hazard and how to navigate it.

A visible traffic bollard is the only solution for marking areas of the road that need to be highlighted to motorists. These traffic bollards come in a wide range of styles, with the most common types being the illuminated flexible types of bollards that bend on a narrow base and the more old-school, cuboid “postbox” style illuminated bollards.

You can often find a traffic bollard with signage on a pedestrian island, as these bollards can provide dual functions. Below, we have outlined some of the more popular types of traffic bollard.

Illuminated Traffic Bollards

The majority of traffic bollards are illuminated, as this significantly increases the visibility of the hazard and reduces accidents. However, many different styles with distinct features exist (such as signage and flexibility). Today, some illuminated bollards are solar-powered, but many other power sources exist.

Flexible Traffic Bollards

A modern style of bollard quickly gaining in popularity in the UK, flexible bollards are usually wide at the top and built to a narrow pivot at their base. This allows them to absorb many high-speed shocks over their lifetime and bounce neatly back into shape, making them a highly durable solution.

Automatic Traffic Bollards

Like retractable bollards, automatic bollards are common in urban areas with varying access needs, such as city centres that restrict vehicle access during weekends or events and bus priority lanes to prevent unauthorised use. They also replace barrier gates at locations like parking garages, rail crossings, and toll booths, offering the same function with added security.

Key Considerations When Buying Traffic Bollards

Due to their nature of being used to reduce and mitigate vehicular accidents, traffic bollards are expected to experience several collisions over their lifetime. It is, therefore, essential to choose a style with the correct features to reduce accidents in the area that it is intended to be installed. Consider the following:

Maintenance

How often will the bollard need to be maintained and cleaned? Evaluate the bollard’s maintenance needs based on the durability of the chosen material and its resistance to vandalism and grime in order to prolong its lifespan.. Think especially about parts like lights and automated systems. Durable materials with corrosion-resistant finishes (like galvanised steel) will reduce upkeep and ensure longevity.

Environment

What kind of environment will the bollard be installed in? Consider environmental factors that might affect the bollard's daily wear. If installed in an area with high air salinity, consider stainless steel bollards. If installed in an area with high foot traffic, consider a parking bollard that is structurally robust to avoid vandalism and easy to clean (or hard to mark) to counter dirt and grime deposited by passersby.

Impact Resistance

Do you need something that will flex when hit? Consider a flexible design that can bend and regain its form once struck, improving durability and reducing damage to the safety bollard and to the vehicle. Also, consider the type and strength of fixing being used.

Reflective

Do you need a pedestrian bollard that can be seen at night? Consider an illuminated bollard or one with reflective strips for greater visibility at night.

Fixing Type

How long will your bollard need to remain in place? A cast-in bollard will provide a more permanent fix; however, depending on the type of cast-in fixing and the type of bollard itself, it may cause more damage to the ground in the case of collisions.

Durability

When choosing a bollard to install for traffic calming measures, they will be hit several times over their lifetime. Consider the payback for buying a quality product that will last longer and take more hits over a cheaper one up front that will take fewer hits over its lifetime. Often with traffic bollards, selecting a more expensive product up front, will provide you with a more durable long-term saving.

Signage

Do you need a product with signage that can be seen from both directions of the road? Consider a double-sided bollard.

Need help finding the right product?

Give our trained sales team a call on +44 (0)1905 794875, they will help you in choosing a suitable system for your needs and will also be happy to discuss discounts for bulk quantity requirements and special delivery need.

Why buy from Start Safety?

We have the full range shown above in stock on the shelf ready to ship out next day, we offer special delivery services and can even arrange same day delivery on many products.