How to Choose Wheel Chocks for Your Site

Any business manager or site manager that has heavier vehicles or trailers on their property needs to consider using wheel chocks. These are crucial for preventing vehicle roll overs at designated stopping points and can be used for inclined parking. These kinds of stops can be made in a variety of different materials and choosing the chock that’s right for your needs can be confusing. Here are a few tips to help you in choosing the right kind of wheel chock to meet the needs of your site and business.

Wheel Chock Construction:

Some sites use steel Wheel chocks to ensure that larger vehicles both stop and have a secure obstacle to rest against. This is a perfectly respectable choice, but in recent years it has fallen out of favour for a few crucial reasons. Firstly, steel truck wheel chocks can cause damage to the wheel if the impact is too severe and on larger vehicles, this could be expensive. Secondly, steel chocks will become damage over time and could start to corrode, which would necessitate a replacement. Lastly, steel is an expensive material, and a steel chock can be expensive to install. The most popular choice these day is a far more friendly alternative, recycled rubber.

Recycled Rubber Chocks:

The use of recycled rubber in all kinds of road related products, such as wheel ramps, truck chocks, and kerb ramps, has become popular for a number of good reasons. Firstly, recycled rubber is a green product that is a good choice for the environmentally conscious business owner. Secondly, recycled rubber is kinder on tyres and wheels of all kinds of vehicles. Less than ideal impacts may give the driver a bit of a bounce to remind them to take care, but the vehicle will not be damaged. Finally, recycled rubber doesn’t chip, corrode or warp in the sun, and rubber wheel chocks are cheaper to buy and simple to install.

Situating Wheel Chocks:

Professional safety experts, recommend getting a wheel chock that is a quarter of the height of the tyre using it. It’s usually a good idea on areas that are accommodating larger vehicles to install more than one chock. This is especially true if the chock will be used to provide parking stability on an incline, in this case, one wheel chock per tyre is recommended. If you’re in any doubt about how to plan for a wheel chock installation, get in touch with a professional, and they will be able to offer valuable input.

If you’re in the market for truck wheel chocks for your site, contact us here at Image Bollards. We can supply and install a diverse selection of security and safety equipment, including rubber wheel chocks. All of our product range is manufactured to extremely high tolerances and in full compliance with Australian rules and regulations. Our sales team is looking forward to discussing your needs in greater detail and answering any remaining questions you have.

Should Your Bollards be Made from Stainless Steel - Perth Site Manager Questions Answered

There are many different types of bollards available today, and it’s easy for a busy business owner or site manager to become confused. One of the best options that has really become popular in recent years is the removable stainless steel bollard. This kind of bollard has a number of advantages and is extremely flexible to use. Let’s take a closer look at some of these advantages so that you can make an informed decision on whether they are a good fit for your location.

Stainless Steel:

The construction material used in any kind of bollard largely determines its suitability in its given role. As an example: a plastic bollard would be a poor choice to protect a pedestrian area in a busy warehouse loading bay area. The beauty of stainless steel is that it is extremely tough, but it is also corrosion resistant and very attractive to look at. This makes the Stainless steel bollard a fantastic choice to increase safety and security without spoiling the aesthetics of your site. When you run a site where looks are extremely important, it’s a great advantage to have a bollard that can perform as required and look great at the same time.

Removable Bollards:

The removable bollard is a very flexible solution for your site for both safety and security. Access to certain areas for vehicular traffic can be granted or denied as required. This can be handy for special events, to meet demands at certain times of the day or even in emergency situations. Spaces can be contracted or expanded as required and security is improved. These kinds of bollards are locked in place when deployed, to ensure that only those authorised to move them can do so. A removable bollard can also have reflective surfaces, making them a great solution for sites that have access at night or in low light conditions.

Stainless Steel Bollards in Use:

There are some great advantages to using Stainless steel removable bollards on a day to day basis. Firstly, because of their stainless steel manufacture, they are resistant to corrosion and extreme weather conditions. They are quite easy to install and may be cheaper to install than permanent bollards. Finally, they add a stylish modern look to your site, which makes them a popular choice for site managers concerned with appearances.

If you’re interested in using a stainless steel bollard product on your site, contact us. At Image Bollards, we supply, and we can install a wide selection of safety and security products, we even sell stainless steel bins. All of our range is manufactured to high standards and is fully compliant with Australian standards. Our sales team is standing by to discuss your needs in detail, and they will be happy to address any remaining questions you may have.

Everything You Need to Know About Dugite Bollards

If you’re a safety focused property owner or site manager, you may already have heard about dugite bollards. Dugite is a brand name for a tough galvanised steel that is used in our security bollards. This bollard is ideal for boosting security in areas that could be prone to ram raiding and for preventing damage to your property. These bollards are permanently situated, available in a variety of sizes and fitted with a reflective band. Let’s take a closer look at the care and maintenance of this security bollard.

Washing Dugite Bollards:

We all like our commercial sites to look as presentable as possible to attract clients and customers. Despite being a security product, dugite bollards look business like and tidy, but like any exterior feature, they can get dirty. As a galvanized steel product they need to be cleaned without using abrasives. If an abrasive cleaning product or rough scrubbing pad is used to clean them, the protective patina coating will be damaged and degraded in effectiveness. This patina is a zinc anti corrosion surface, and its removal could make the steel more susceptible to corrosion and rust. When cleaning these kinds of bollards, use a soft cloth or sponge and an alkaline based cleaner with a pH level of 12 or lower. Afterward, rinse with clean water and the bollards will look as good as new.

Corrosive Environments:

It’s not recommended that you use galvanised products in an area that is very corrosive. This could be any area where the pH level would be below 6 and above 12. When the atmosphere or splashed liquids are too alkaline or acidic, galvanized surfaces can be damaged. If the dugite bollards have been exposed to this kind of material they need to be washed down with potable water to remove the corrosive material. This is especially important if the exposure has taken place indoors, where the is no chance of rainwater washing the material away and the exposure levels will be more concentrated.

Repairing Galvanized Surfaces:

When a product is galvanized, it has extra protection from the elements to resist corrosion. However, if the surface is damaged the protection will be compromised at the site where the impact occurred. In order, to retain the corrosion protection, the damaged area will need to be repaired. The repair should be conducted in accordance with AS/NZS 4680, or if the damage is too extensive to repair, the bollard should be replaced.

If you’re in the market for Dugite security bollards and car park stoppers, contact us. Here at Image Bollards we supply and even in install if required, a wide selection of safety and security equipment. All of our product range is manufactured to high standards and are fully compliant with Australian standards. Our sales team is standing by to discuss your needs in more detail and to answer any questions you may have.

Some Useful Applications for Traffic Cones

As a busy business owner, site manager or safety professional, you may already be using traffic cones as part of a safety strategy. They are a fantastic way to manage and redirect traffic in a safe manner. Their portability, ease of storage and quick deployment make them a great addition for any safety conscious area management. However, the humble road cone can also be used to great effect in other areas of concern. Let’s take a closer look at some lesser known ways to use cones on your site or property.

Educational Facilities:

A school or college is a location where a flexible high visibility traffic cone could be very useful. When temporary events, such as sports days, parents evenings, career fairs and graduation days, are held additional areas will need to be managed. In this case, traffic cones could be used to mark out temporary parking areas, access points and create additional vehicle free zones. The flexibility of cones is a great boon here, as they can be deployed quickly and stored away again after the event has ended. This ensures that things can get back to normal after the event easily.

Working Areas:

When people are working in areas that are normally subjected to high pedestrian or vehicular traffic, there are problems. A worker cannot concentrate on the task at hand if they have to worry about people being injured or being injured themselves. This could be road related work, such as line painting, verge maintenance, and repair lighting. It could also be indoor work, such as deep cleaning, stock taking, and maintenance in a commercial location. When an area needs to be shut off from regular foot and vehicular traffic a cone can help.

Car Parks:

We’ve already touched on this, but traffic cones are a really useful addition to a car park. They can be used to shut down part of a car park for maintenance or because it is full. A road cone is made of plastic and rubber, so it won’t cause damage to car doors or hurt pedestrians. They are highly visible, so they work well at night or in low light conditions, such as underground parking structures. They don’t corrode, chip or crumble and this makes them a low maintenance safety solution.

At Image Bollards, we supply and even install a wide selection of safety and security equipment. We have high visibility traffic cones available for sale, including heavy duty traffic cones with a 6kg rubber base. All of our product range is manufactured to high standards and are fully compliant with all Australian standards. Our sales team is standing by to discuss your needs in greater detail and to answer any other questions you may have.

3 Reason to Use Automated Access Gates

When you own or run a small business, it can be easier to know who is on your site and where they are. However, as your company grows into a larger entity, it can be a lot harder to keep track of access. Larger numbers of employees and visitors inevitably can lead to confusion and an opportunity for undesirable elements. Restricting access at this point is the first line of defence in beefing up security and having a better idea of who is actually on your premises. A common solution seen at many sites are manual or more commonly automated access gates. Australia based businesses have taken to using automated gates in large numbers and here are three good reasons why you may consider joining them.

1. Increasing Safety and Security:

As we have already mentioned, this is probably the single greatest reason to install an access gate. It defines an access point, and it’s a declaration of intent that says “this area is for authorised people only” and that is a powerful statement. A criminal is far less likely to wander onto a site that has fences and/or access gates. The geared motors on an automatic access gate are very difficult to damage and hard to force open.

2. An Added Convenience:

The employees at your site want to know that their cars are safe whilst they are working. Visitors also like to feel safe and increased security lets them know that they are dealing with a professional business. However, this goodwill can be undone if the access gate is a pain to use and causes unnecessary delays. This is typically the case with manual Access Gates that need a person to operate them. A manual gate may be a good option in a high security setting or government installation where identification is scrutinised, but for most businesses that would be overkill. A better option is an automatic access gate that can be easily used by authorised personnel and overridden remotely for visitors.

3. Increased Durability:

Automated access gates are usually made from aluminium or stainless steel. They are strong and extremely resistant to environmental damage and corrosion. The gearing is well protected from criminals, and this also protects the internal components from the elements. Automated access gates don’t break down very often, they last a long time, and they represent an excellent investment in the future security of your business.

If they are looking for manual or automated access gates, Perth based business owners and site managers should contact us. Here at Image Bollards we supply and can install a wide selection of high quality security and safety equipment. All of our products are manufactured to be compliant with Australian rules and legislation. Our sales team is standing by to discuss your needs in detail and to answer any other questions you may have.

3 Interesting Uses for Safety Barrier Rails

Steel barriers and bollards are an excellent way to improve safety and security on a temporary or more permanent basis. When we think about these kinds of barriers, we usually envision them in place in areas, such as factories, warehouses, and car parks. However, this equipment is extremely useful in other areas where safety is a concern. Some of these applications may be new to you, and there may be many others that you can think of. Let’s take a closer look at three of these less known areas where barrier rails may be installed.

1. Playground Areas:

We all want our children to be as safe as possible, and this is especially the case when using a playground. As these areas have been designated for children's play, we expect them to be inherently safer. We would expect that the chances of any kind of vehicular accident would not even be possible. This has been taken into account by smart planners in many locations, especially where car parks and playgrounds are in close proximity. Upon closer inspection, you will probably notice traffic bollards stationed at entry points and perhaps barriers located along perimeters shared with roads and car parks.

2. On Biking Trails:

At entrances to biking trails, it isn’t uncommon to see a traffic bollard to prevent cars from accessing the trail. It is also common to see barriers located along some dangerous trails and sections of related roads. These barriers are installed to prevent falls from higher gradients and offer and easy to follow perimeter to encourage safer riding.

3. Construction Sites:

If construction is being conducted along a busy road that is still in use, it is very common to see bollards and/or Safety Barriers. When construction crews are working in close proximity to traffic the chances of an accident occurring are raised significantly. In these circumstances, a humble traffic cone is simply not sufficient and offers no protection. This is especially true if a major construction project is underway and will be around for a long period of time. It may be necessary to protect pedestrians as they are moved around the perimeter of the site using signage and steel barriers.

If you’re a site manager or business owner looking for steel barrier rails for your location, contact us. At Image Bollards, we can supply and install an extensive selection of safety and security equipment, including safety barrier rails. All of our equipment is manufactured to high standards and is fully compliant with Australian regulations. Our sales team is here and standing by to discuss your requirements in further detail and answer any remaining questions you may have.

Understanding Wheel Stops: Australia Business Site Information

If you’re a business owner or site manager with a lot of vehicular traffic on your site, it can be a headache. Wherever vehicles (particularly large vehicles) and pedestrians come into proximity with each other accidents become more likely. This is why authorities on public roads invest so much money into accident prevention and traffic calming measures. Accidents can affect morale, productivity, and your insurance status and preventing them wherever possible should be a priority.

An excellent method for raising driver awareness and lower vehicle speeds is the tried and trusted wheel stop. A wheel stop is a raised area on the road that forces vehicles to lower their speed using low impact resistance. A wheel stop installation may also have a high visibility element, which will act as a visual deterrent for lowering speeds on your site. Let’s take a look at this traffic calming measure, the different kind available and the pros and cons of each one.

Rubber Stops:

These are a popular option for many site owners; they are economical, easy to install and available in high visibility colours. They are also quite a green choice as they are usually constructed using recycled rubber. When these rubber black and yellow panels are installed on your site, they are easy to see even in low light conditions. Because they are made of rubber, there is no chance that the vehicle travelling over them can be damaged. They are suitable for use in a wide variety of locations, such as factories, warehouses, and car parking facilities.

Plastic Stops:

These are a very economical choice, but obviously not a green one for your business. They are also easy to install; they don’t chip or break as they are made from high impact plastic. One could think of them as a cheaper and perhaps more dispensable alternative to some of the more expensive wheel stop types. Typical applications include car parks, smaller warehouses, and factories with light traffic.

Concrete Stops:

These types of stops have higher durability than rubber or plastic stops, but they have some issues. Although concrete stops are not vulnerable to corrosion or weather damage, they can chip over time as heavier traffic passes over them. They are made of precast concrete, and they are most suited to areas where heavier traffic is operating, such as loading bays, busy warehouses, and heavy industrial areas.

If they are looking for Wheel stops, Australia based business owners and site managers should contact us. Here at Image Bollards, we supply and install a large selection of safety and security equipment, including recycled plastic wheel stops. All of our equipment is manufactured to a high standard and fully compliant with Australian regulations. Our sales team is here and standing by to discuss your needs in greater detail and to answer any questions you may have.

3 Ways Removable Steel Bollards Can Protect Employees

As a business owner or busy site manager, it can be difficult to accurately assess the level of danger on your site. There are many considerations to take into account and areas where the likelihood of an accident is high. This is especially true, in areas where pedestrians may come into contact with traffic or other equipment. One good way to deal with this problem is to install removable or static steel bollards in areas of potential danger. Let’s take a look at three ways that removable stainless bollards can help to keep your employees and visitors safe.

1. A Physical Barrier:

A single bollard on its own offers a modicum of protection, but when Removable Steel Bollards are used together, they represent a significant barrier. They can easily be used to create a physical barrier to protect pedestrian employees and visitors from sources of danger. This could be an access road, a busy area in your warehouse or even a parking area. The bollards we supply can be basic and functional or for an area where you want to impress they can be an attractive addition to your business premises landscape. In either scenario, steel bollards used in concert are very effective at nullifying kinetic force. Because these bollards are also removable, they are very flexible in use, and you can open up or close off an area as required.

2. A Deterrent:

A safety bollard is a powerful deterrent for vandalism and careless behaviour that could damage your site. It is a visual reminder that the site is being looked after and establishes a firm perimeter. When used to designate a border between a traffic area and a pedestrian area they make people pay attention to their surroundings. This lowers the chance of an accident occurring due to inattention or reckless behaviour.

3. Channeling Traffic:

A series of bollards can be used to channel both foot and vehicular traffic away from sensitive places. This separation could take place in a number of areas, such as bike paths, access roads, car parks, pedestrian walkways and building entrances. Keeping pedestrians and vehicles apart as much as possible is a sure way to improve safety on your site and bollards are the best way to achieve this.

If you’re a site manager or business owner looking to improve safety and security on your site contact us. At Image Bollards, we can supply and install a wide selection of safety and security equipment, including a removable steel bollard range. All of our products are manufactured to the highest standards and fully compliant with Australian regulations. Our sales team is ready and standing by to discuss your needs in greater detail and answer any remaining questions you may have.

Avoid Store Front Crashes with Wheel Stops

It sounds like a scene that many of us have seen in a Hollywood car chase movie, but drivers do drive their cars into shop windows. This is not an uncommon occurrence, and it happens more often than you would believe. Of course this kind of accident can cause an incredible amount of damage, but more importantly, customers and staff can be injured. A business could also be out of action for a considerable amount of time as the property will have to be repaired and made ready for business again. One simple solution to this problem that many businesses are using is wheel stops.

What is a Wheel Stop?

Many of us are probably most familiar with wheel stops at the supermarket or in other areas that have car parks. Vehicle wheel stops can be made from a variety of materials, such as new or recycled rubber, high impact plastic or concrete. Each type of wheel stop has different characteristics that make it suitable for certain applications. As an example: a concrete wheel stop would be more useful in an area that has heavy duty traffic like a loading dock or a warehouse.

For lighter duty applications, such as a parking area at the front of a retail outlet, a rubber or plastic wheel stop should fit the bill. The wheel stop acts as a physical reminder to the driver that they have met the end of the area where they can park. In order to go over the barrier at low speeds, the driver would have ignore the warning completely. The barrier will not damage the vehicle at lower speeds, but it is high enough to be an obvious deterrent.

Why is a Wheel Stop Necessary?

I’m sure that many of us have been or have seen someone become distracted. We live in a society where there are a lot of demands on our attention, and inevitably mistakes occur. Another phenomenon that occurs on a regular basis is pedal error. This happens when a driver returns to their car, puts the car into drive instead of reverse and then looks to the rear thinking they are going to reverse out of a space. They then press the accelerator, and it takes them too long to notice they are travelling in the opposite direction. This can become even more dangerous if the driver then presses the accelerator harder rather than hitting the brakes.

If they are interested in using wheel stops, Australia based business owners and property managers should contact us. At Image Bollards, we stock a wide variety of high quality safety and security equipment, including wheel stops. All of our range is manufactured to meet Australian standards. We look forward to discussing your needs in further detail and answering any questions you may have.

Managing Foot Traffic with Expanding Barriers

Areas with high volumes of foot traffic can be hard to manage at the best of times. If there are extenuating circumstances, this can become even more difficult. On top of this, throw in a situation where flexibility is needed, or access is required for certain people, and the task becomes virtually impossible without huge numbers of staff. This is where barriers come into their own as a way to direct pedestrians effectively. However, a static barrier may lack the flexibility that many property managers need and that is when expanding barriers become an attractive alternative.

What is an Expanding Barrier?

This is a barrier that is usually made from a tough nylon belt material that retracts into a post. The posts can be made from a number of different materials and finishes. A popular choice for many professional businesses is a classic chrome or polished stainless steel finish. The bottom of the post is weighted to give it stability, and there may be a material underneath to prevent scratching on floors. Installed in the top of the post there is a clever system to feed the belt out to the next post. The poles are strung together to create any kind of barrier that you may need to manage pedestrian movement.

Effective Queue Management:

The primary purpose that most people would use an expandingbarrier for would be for queue management. The ideal situation for any area where queueing would be taking place is to ensure that a smooth, orderly line is maintained. In the past, this would have been achieved using some poles and rope, but that will not cut it in the modern age. Any kind of queueing can be accommodated in even a fairly small space, and the system is very easy to set up.

Area Denial Functionality:

Another common use for this kind of barrier is to cordon off an internal building area. Premises such as art galleries exhibitions, museums display areas, and limited access libraries all use these kinds of systems. They are functional and more aesthetic than plastic barriers that would be used outdoor at a music festival or similar event. Another advantage is that as events change, it is simple to alter the flow of foot traffic and alter access. Employees that need to enter areas can do so simply without ducking under or stepping over rope barriers that could cause an accident.

If you’re interested in using an expandable safety barrier on your property, contact us. At Image Bollards, we stock a wide variety of high quality safety and security equipment, including expanding safety barriers. All the items in our product range is manufactured to meet Australian standards. If you need more information, we would be happy to discuss your needs in greater detail.

The Different Kinds of Removable Bollards

Urban spaces are becoming busier all the time, and car ownership is at an all time high. This can put a lot of strain on infrastructure that caters to car drivers and pedestrians. It has become necessary to take measures to increase safety while remaining secure. Many property managers are already aware of how useful bollards can be in both of these roles. However, the static and unyielding nature of a standard bollard is not very flexible if your property and visitors have different needs at various times of the day.

Using Removable Bollards:

The flexible solution to address many issues that may arise on a busy site are removable steel bollards. Using these devices allows you to have all the safety and security that you need in place when it is required. These kinds of bollards are still tough enough to stand up to most vehicular collisions, they can also be lit and/or have high visibility colours for using at night and in low light conditions, However, when you need to grant access to a particular area or change the direction of traffic flow you can do that easily. There are three main methods that are used to remove the bollards if they are not needed.

1. The Hinged Padlock Bollard:

This is the simplest removable bollard that can be used, it has a hinge at the base and be folded flat when not in use. When it is upright or folded, it is secured with a padlock. The bollard is surface mounted, and it’s easy to install on virtually any surface. However, it’s slightly weaker because it is surface mounted, poorer quality padlocks can be removed, and the bollard is still in place when not in use, making it a possible hazard.

2. Socket Mounted Bollards:

This kind of bollard is slightly more expensive as it is mounted in a sleeve that is sunk into the ground. A coating inside the socket sleeve prevents the surrounding earth from damage if a direct collision occurred. Placing the bollard and removing it is easy and a key locking system is used to secure the bollard in place. The only real disadvantage to this system is that it requires an employee to place and remove bollards manually.

3. Electrically Lowered Bollards:

This is the ultimate solution for many people. The bollard is mounted on the surface, but it can be raised or lowered electronically. This uses a hydraulic or electrical system, and it is a very efficient way of altering the space in a short period of time. It’s a more expensive option, but it requires less manpower to use.

If you’re interested in removable bollards products and other safety equipment, contact us. Here at Image Bollards, we have a wide range of security and safety solutions available. All of our high quality equipment is manufactured to Australian standards. If you would like more information, we will be happy to answer your questions.

Understanding Bollards: Perth Security Solutions

When most people think about bollards, they usually focus on their use as a safety device. The humble bollard is very effective at relieving traffic problems and protecting pedestrians. However, bollards are also a good way to improve security at your home or business. There are two main different kinds of bollards available, but within those, there are a lot of designs and choices to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at security bollards and discover if they could be the right choice for you.

Security Bollard Basics:

It is not that unusual to find security bollards on an industrial site or at a retail park. These bollards provide a solid structure that can protect sensitive areas from deliberate ramming and accidental collisions. Most serious bollards are constructed from stainless steel, and they can be broadly categorised into two types, they are: non crash resistant bollards and crash resistant bollards. When you look at security bollards for sale, you will notice that the stronger models with additional features usually cost more. A bollard can be installed by fixing it to the surface, but for maximum strength, the bollard should be sunk into the ground.

Non Crash Resistant:

These kinds of bollards are used in areas to service a multi purpose function. This could be because the area to be protected needs to have traffic or pedestrian flow at various times of the day. It is usually the case that these bollards are in place during after hours periods. The flexibility of these devices makes them a popular choice, but they are still strong enough to provide a decent level of protection. The bollards can be locked in place when in use and then unlocked and removed when they are not needed. A bollard of this kind can be folded flat, sunk into the ground or removed entirely when it is not in use.

Crash Resistant:

These kinds of bollards are stronger models that are used to protect sensitive areas full time. Many military facilities use these bollards to prevent vehicular attacks, and they are also used by business owners that carry expensive inventory. A series of crash resistant bollards are extremely effective at preventing crimes were vehicles are driven into stores and used for a getaway. They are very tough, made from solid stainless steel and sunk into the ground. When they are installed together, they add their strength together to stop vehicle impacts that are greater than they could prevent alone.

If they are looking for security bollards for sale, Perth business owners and property managers should contact us. At Image Bollards, we have a vast selection of high quality security and safety equipment for sale. All of our product range is manufactured to be compliant with Australian standards. Get in touch with us today, and we would be happy to discuss your needs in greater detail.

Five Considerations When Choosing Security Bollards

Bollards play a vital role in security and public safety. However, there are a number of different models to choose from. This means that in order to determine which is the best suited to your needs, there are several factors to assess. Here are five of the most important considerations you should think about before making a decision.

Is Your Location a Target for Criminals?

If your location is the target for trespassers or vandals, or the more serious threat of thieves and terrorists, you may wish to think about additional security. There are heavy duty security bollards that can be incorporated into your landscaping or property plan that are not only a  good deterrent but can provide additional protection.

Is Access Required at Certain Times of the Day?

If you need the flexibility to allow you to permit vehicle access at certain times of the day or week, then this will influence your choice of security bollards. Fortunately, there are a number of retractable and removable options that provide excellent security, but also allow authorised vehicles to gain access to pedestrian or restricted areas.

Is it a Prominent Area?

If the location is in view of the general public, your choice of bollards will differ from if you want to protect an out of the way area. While you can expect to pay a little more for more ornate bollards, these are likely to look more in keeping with the aesthetics of your property. However, if the area is remote, appearance is to be far less of a priority.

Are There Weather or Geographical Conditions That May Affect the Bollard?

For example, if you live in an area which receives high levels of snow or rain, then you are likely to require a bollard that offers maximum visibility. Areas with hills, high winds or other weather conditions may cause certain types of bollard to deteriorate and lose functionality. For example, bollards may be vulnerable to abrasion from grit and other debris in high winds. In this scenario, you are likely to need a toughened material that can be treated to withstand these harsh conditions.

Are There Consequences if the Bollard is Ignored?

This question can have a number of answers depending on the type of your location. If there is a risk of serious injury for those who ignore a bollard or others in the area, you may need to consider additional traffic calming measures. For example, while a security bollard may be the final barrier, you may need speed humps to slow vehicles and warn them of a potential hazard ahead.

If you are considering bollards, security measures and other traffic calming measures, you should speak to us. The Image Bollards team can offer guidance on our vast product range to help you determine which solution is best suited to your particular needs. 

Could Retractable Bollards be the Solution to Your Parking Problems

Many businesses now consider unauthorised parking to be a growing issue and have need of a solution. Fortunately, there is a wide selection of traffic calming and restricting measures including bollards that can offer a resolution for this issue. However, how do you know which method is the most suitable for your property? We will explore this topic further to provide you with the details you need to make an informed decision.

Identify Your Needs:

The first step of determining if retractable bollards could solve your parking problems is to identify your specific needs. Are you looking to stop vehicles parking in unauthorised areas or provide pedestrian protection? Do you still require access to the building for service vehicles, staff parking and deliveries? Each of these scenarios will have a solution that is more well suited to the specific needs. However, retractable or removable bollards do provide the greatest flexibility. They allow you to cordon off areas to prevent unauthorised vehicles, but still retain the possibility of access as and when required.

Retractable or Removable?

Of the vast range of bollards for sale, retractable and removable models tend to be the most popular. As mentioned above, they offer the greatest flexibility, but you may be unsure which is the better option for you. To determine this, you need to understand the differences between these two models. While both operate on the same principle, a removable bollard requires the bollard to be lifted out of the housing and moved elsewhere to allow access. Retractable models have a housing which is mounted below the ground surface that allows the bollard to be lowered, permitting access without creating a trip hazard.

Removable models tend to be cheaper, but this can quickly be dismissed if you face the frustration of needing to move a bollard pole several times a day. If access is seldom required, this is likely to be the more economical option. On the other hand, if you require access frequently, a retractable model is the logical choice.

Manual or Automatic?

Once you have determined that a retractable model is the right choice for your requirements, you face a final decision of whether to choose a manual or automatic option. Again, this comes down to convenience. If access is very frequently required, an automatic bollard removes the need to physically trigger the retraction. This can prove very convenient as staff can simply check if a vehicle is authorised and lower the barrier as from inside the premises as and when required. However, these models tend to be far more costly, so you will also need to consider your budget.

If you would like to know more about your options of retractable bollard, Perth property owners should contact us. The Image Bollards team would be happy to provide guidance on the bollard model best suited to your needs.

A Brief Guide to Parking Bollards and Other Physical Access Control Methods

Physical access control is simply the method of selectively restricting access to a particular area or space. While a locked door is a sufficient method for controlling pedestrian access, this is simply not viable for areas which may need to permit vehicle access. For this reason, companies rely on bollards, barriers and other controls to control traffic flow and access. Here we will explore these options to provide insight into which method may be best suited to your requirements.

Concrete Barriers:

This is perhaps one of the most frequently seen methods of physical access control. This type of barrier can be used to protect paved areas from vehicle traffic. However, this method offers a very low rate of adaptability. The weight of the material means that they are impractical unless long term control is necessary.

Plastic Barriers:

This type of barrier is often filled with water and offers a solution where a permanent installation is not viable. While there is still a low adaptability, these barriers are more portable and can be used to create pedestrian only spaces or a temporary work zone. Since the full weight is only applied when they are filled, this type of barrier can be used in situations where security is a greater priority.

Removable Parking Bollards:

This type of parking bollards allows for easy access using a key. This can provide an economical option for those areas requiring access control in the long term. The bollard post will allow cyclists and pedestrians to pass unimpeded, but vehicle traffic is only permitted when granted access. This means that in the event of an emergency or event, vehicles can be allowed to pass into areas which are usually designated pedestrian only.

Retractable Parking Security Bollards:

Retractablebollards operate on the same principle as a removable bollard. When access is required the bollard is lowered into the ground to a concealed receiver rather than being physically removed. This type of self storing option can be more convenient as there is no need to lift or transport a potentially heavy post. Most models of retractable bollard are mounted, so the receiver is flush with the ground to avoid creating a trip hazard when access has been granted.

The preferred method of physical access control will depend on a number of factors. You will need to consider whether access would be required or if the barrier should be a permanent solution. Budget, aesthetics and other practicality factors will also need to be considered.

If you would like assistance determining the method of physical access control best suited to your property, you should speak to us. Image Bollards is one of the area’s leading parking bollard suppliers. Our sales team would be happy to discuss your requirements and help you to determine the most suitable solution. 

Do Parking Bollards Need to Stop a Car?

When many people think of parking bollards, they consider whether they actually have the capacity to stop a moving car. In most cases, these bollards appear to lack this capacity, but does this compromise their functionality? While you may need anti ram barriers to protect your storefront from a smash and grab robbery, but if all you are seeking is to control traffic flow and ensure orderly parking, your chosen bollard may not need to be impact resistant.

The Value of Non Impact Resistant Bollards:

From flexible bollards to the lightweight automatic parking bollards, non impact resistant varieties of bollards are all around us. We see them in property developments and retail parks in towns and cities across the country. While these bollards are not likely to halt a speeding car, this does not mean that they lack value. In many cases, these barriers provide a perceived impediment for access, which will prevent most people from entering a restricted area. Although there is no ability to prevent vehicle encroachment physically, most drivers unconsciously operate on a civility culture which means that for psychological reasons they will not cross a barrier. While there are those who are intent on causing damage, most drivers are law abiding and will immediately understand that their vehicle is not permitted to enter the designated area.

Is Impact Resistance Necessary to Call it a Bollard?

Some would argue that in order for a barrier to be classified as a bollard, it should provide anti ram resistance and be embedded in place. However, this is not the case. There is a vast array of bollard designs and materials available to suit a range of purposes. Bollards can be used to highlight the architectural features of a site or direct pedestrian traffic. If a bollard is used for an architectural or decorative application, it is not likely that it will need impact resistance. This type of bollard is needed for its aesthetic value rather than its physicality. The bollards are chosen to enhance the ambiance of the property, creating a visual perimeter or defining a space.

Bollard models that do not offer impact resistance can provide a number of helpful functions in your outdoor space. From lane delineation to highlighting architectural features or even providing safety lighting, a non impact bollard could play a vital role in your property design. None of these functions require the ability to stop a car in order to fulfil their role, so they should not be overlooked.

If you would like to learn more about decorative or parking bollards, Perth property owners should speak to us. We have a massive selection of bollard designs including those offering impact resistance or decorative models. The Image Bollards sales team is ready to discuss your needs and offer a solution that is best suited to your requirements. 

Should You Install Speed Humps or Speed Bumps?

If you are considering installing traffic calming measures, you may have wondered whether you should choose speed humps or speed bumps. Contrary to popular belief, these two terms do not refer to the same thing. There are some very subtle differences that make them suitable for different circumstances.

The Basics of Speed Humps:

Whether you choose concrete or rubber speed humps, they will share certain characteristics. Speed humps have a gradually raised area that extends across the whole roadway. These are usually approximately seven or eight centimetres in height and can be several metres wide, depending on their positioning.

Speed humps were designed to create a gentle rocking motion in the vehicle, so drivers will slow down to 20 to 30 kph. They can also be painted to indicate a change in the roadway or to act as a pedestrian crossing.

The Basics of Speed Bumps:

Speed bumps are far more abrupt than speed humps. They tend to be much taller, reaching up to 15 centimetres in height. This larger size means that drivers will experience significant discomfort if they fail to slow down dramatically before going over the bump. These may be considered to be an increased liability as there is also the possibility of vehicle damage if the driver is not alert and fails to slow down sufficiently. For this reason, many planners prefer to use speed humps as a traffic calming measure.

Making the Choice:

Unless you require vehicles to come to a complete stop to enter your property, the best option is likely to be speed humps. Perth property owners will reduce the risk of complaints from drivers while ensuring effective traffic management. If there is a significant risk of danger, you could use a combination of traffic calming measures such as speed humps in conjunction with rumble strips.

Rubber speed humps are highly visible and provide an effective method of slowing down vehicles with minimal risk of vehicle damage. While a driver may experience a little jolt if they fail to slow down sufficiently, they are not likely to damage the exhaust or bumper on their vehicle. In most cases, the reduction in speed resulting from installing speed humps will increase driver awareness and improve vehicle safety on your property.

If vehicles speeding around your property are causing safety issues, there may be a temptation to rush into installing speed bumps. However, this may not be the right choice for your requirements. Even if the issue is pressing, it is important to take a little time to assess your needs and determine the right choice. You may find that the less severe speed humps will provide an adequate solution with less liability and stress in the long term.

If you are considering installing speed humps, Perth property owners should speak to us. We have a wide selection of traffic calming measures including speed humps and rumble strips. The Image Bollards team is available to discuss your requirements and assist you in determining the solution best suited to your needs.

Removable Bollards to Make Controlling Traffic Easy

While permanently placed concrete bollards have some very good uses, they are not alway the most practical choice. In fact, for some aspects of traffic control, removable bollards are actually the best option. This type of bollard allows for temporary changes to create better access control.

Reinforcing Road Rules:

In a Utopian society, no one speeds, and having an “Emergency Vehicles Only” sign or a road marked “No Entrance” would be sufficient to keep restricted areas free of unwanted vehicles. In reality, there are always some drivers, who either accidentally or intentionally cause chaos in off limits areas. This can cause delays and problems for emergency or maintenance vehicles. There is nothing more frustrating than these vehicles being stuck behind an illegally parked vehicle or someone driving at ten kph while they figure out where they can make a U turn. With removable bollards, Perth property owners can reinforce the road rules where and when they need it. They can allow you to prevent access by unauthorised vehicles without restricting access completely.

Traffic Control When You Need It:

Whether you need to control vehicle access to certain areas seasonally or every day removable or retractable bollards can provide the answer. This type of bollard is easy to move, which means that you can prevent vehicle access, but allow it for authorised vehicles when you need it. For example, you may not want vehicles driving onto your property when you have forklift trucks and other heavy machinery operating in the yard. However, if you are expecting a delivery or there is some kind of emergency on site, you can remove the bollard to allow access.

You can also use retractable or removable bollards to control traffic flow around your property. For example, if you have delivery slots for vans to collect goods at certain despatch times, you may want to close off areas to additional traffic.

Avoid Parking Issues:

If your business premises are located in a busy area, you may find that shoppers and other visitors sneak onto your carpark and occupy valuable parking slots. This can be remarkably frustrating, particularly if you have team members who have flexible working hours. However, you can use removable or retractable bollards on each space to ensure that there are no unauthorised visitors in your carpark. Alternatively, if your team has set working hours, you could use a removable bollard at the carpark entrance as soon as everyone has arrived to completely restrict access.

Removablebollards offer high visibility, and while they may not withstand a high impact collision, they can be an excellent method of controlling traffic and ensuring pedestrian and vehicle safety on your property.

If you would like to find out more about the benefits of installing a removable bollard, Perth property owners should speak to us. We are an established removable steel bollard supplier with a range of retractable and removable bollards. The Image Bollards team is also available to answer any queries you may have about any of the items in our product range.