Sachin

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a bollard is a short vertical post that is used to prevent traffic from entering an area. They have a number of uses in public spaces, but their main aim in almost every case is to prevent entry and to provide protection. If you aren’t sure whether you require bollards or fencing, please read on; we are sure that this article will help you to determine which will best suit your requirements.

· Streets

Strategically placed bollards (on pathways, driveways and parking areas, for example) will successfully prevent the access of unauthorised vehicles and traffic. Some councils may also place them around outdoor seating, rubbish bins and barbeque areas to help improve safety. They can, basically, be used anywhere that vehicles are moving at dangerous speeds to improve the safety of the area.

· Parks

Did you know that bollards are as important to your local park as rubbish bins, benches and barbeque areas? They often act as signposts (giving drivers, cyclists and pedestrians directions) and can be fitted with lights (to illuminate walkways, pathways and around seating). They are also used in parking areas to prevent vehicles from getting too close to the road or walkways, which helps to minimise accidents.

· Outdoors

There has been a significant increase in bicycle use across Australia; bollards will not only keep traffic out of bike lanes, it provides cyclists with a safe area to lock up their bike. Removable or lowering bollards are often used to provide fire engines, ambulances and police cars with easy access. They are often placed around fire hydrants (for example) to ensure that there is access in the case of an emergency.

· Schools

There are actually a number of uses for bollards around schools. They are used in the playground to show out of bounds areas, they are placed around seating as a safety precaution, and they are placed in parking areas to prevent cars from getting too close. It is becoming increasingly common for child-shaped ones to be placed in school zones; this is part of an operation that is designed to slow down speeding drivers.

· Commercially

When it comes to commercial businesses and the like, bollards also have their uses. They are placed in car parks to deter drivers from getting too close to walls and causing damage; in shopping centres to prevent trolleys from getting too close to vehicles; and in employee work areas to provide visual awareness and physical security. In some cases, they are used in conjunction with reflective strips and warning lights.

As you can see, there are many practical uses for bollards in the public areas around our homes. They not only prevent unauthorised access to areas that are dangerous or reserved for specific personnel, they can also be used to improve safety. If you believe that bollards will suit your purpose much better than fencing, we encourage you to look into the many different options available and to not be afraid to speak with an expert for more information.