Bollards

A bollard is a post that typically measures 36” to 52” high, is made from strong materials such as steel, concrete, timber, or polymer, and can be removable or fixed. If the bollard is fixed, this means once installed it cannot be easily removed. In some circumstances, to prevent removal of the bollard and add security, it is embedded in concrete substrate. If a bollard is removable or operable, then typically it is lowered into a crevice in the ground, or unlocked using a key and removed from the premises.

Since a bollard can be made from a variety of materials and can be fixed or removable, they are not universal in composition. They are, however, universally seen as being a protectant of property, pedestrians, and roads. This is why they can be found guarding storefronts, pathways, and parking lots, with more recently being added to city plazas, along major tourist roadsides, and used within mixed-use public spaces.

With recent events unfolding around the world, including vehicular attacks in pedestrian centric locations, cities are responding by installing bollards in high traffic areas. Though the main reason we are seeing more bollards being implemented is an effort in counter-terrorism, there are multiple other reasons for them as well:

Preventing unauthorized parking

Whether it’s a festival in a park or an event happening downtown, when parking becomes limited, individuals usually turn to parking in an unauthorized manner. This includes parking on curbs, grass, or other areas where parking is not permitted. One way to avoid this from happening is by installing bollards in spaces prone to illegal parking so that cars are prevented from parking in the blocked area.

Reinforce curbs

In addition to preventing unauthorized parking, bollards around premises also act as a way to protect pedestrians from cars that attempt to mount the curb, regardless of whether or not their reason for mounting the curb was intentional. Since safety at intersections is compromised by cars that can mount unprotected curbs, you’re likely to find bollards at major intersections of cities. They will act as a way to protect the pedestrians that are near an intersection or approaching one.

Manage automobile traffic

While bollards are mostly seen as a way to protect, they also act as an informal policing mechanism. When installed along streets, bollards give the illusion of the street being narrower. Motorists are said to become more cautious in tighter spaces, which gives bollards the indirect ability to then manage the speed of traffic.