Over the last ten years or so, there has been a notable increase in the use of bollards for security reasons. Their popularity might be due to the fact that these solid posts are simple and cost effective to use. They serve as anti-crashing perimeter defence which are not all too distracting to look at. They are even available now as decorative posts so the buildings that they are guarding will not look like a bunker. Bollards are also commonly used as traffic posts for better control in the roadway. Some homeowners are now using these posts for their gardens due to their decorative features. This makes them essential in landscaping too.

Common Uses

When people see bollards in the streets or near buildings, they usually mean “do not enter.” They limit access to premises. They also sometimes communicate messages such as do not drive, walk, park or bike in a certain area. For security reasons, bollards are used to protect a building, its properties and the people in it from crime or accidents.

Other common functions for bollards are for holding security cameras, lighting, bicycle parking, and the like. They are favoured by architects and designers especially now that these posts’ appearance can easily change when their covers are replaced.

Popularity of Fixed Bollards

There are fixed, removable, retractable and flexible bollards, but the most commonly used posts are the fixed ones. They are usually available as non-decorative steel posts with a height that ranges from 36 to 48 inches. But more manufacturers are now making these sturdy security posts into more decorative types. There are fixed bollards with cylindrical or rectangular cross sections with flat, angled or domed cap.

Common Types

Here are the most common types of fixed bollards that are sold in the marketplace now:

– Steel bollard. This is the post that shares the most similarity to the original bollard. It favours safety over style though it still has several colours.

– Stainless steel bollard. This is still made of steel but with a bright finish, giving it a professional look.

– Illuminated bollard. This is good for directing vehicles to the right place and providing their path with enough light. This type of post is best used at home and in driveways.

– Ornamental bollard. This gives any property that it surrounded a more classical appeal.

– Direction bollard. This is capable of helping other drivers by giving instructions in the roadways, in every turn and junction and even in small islands. To successfully instruct drivers, direction bollards usually have illuminated boards and arrows.

– Wood bollard. This is usually used as a border between the woodland or garden and the road. It is still an attractive bollard but it is not as sturdy as the concrete and metal posts. This is best used for landscaping.

These bollards are considered as street furniture but they are also slowly making their way to residential places now, more particularly in the gardens and yards as lighting and landscaping fixtures.

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John from http://www.ypl-streetfurniture.co.uk

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