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Effective Bollard Spacing for Maximum Security
installing security bollards Effective Bollard Spacing for Maximum Security 1

Effective Bollard Spacing for Maximum Security

When most people think about pedestrian and security bollards, they probably don’t pay too much attention to the space between them. Good bollard spacing is very important; too wide and they’re no good- too narrow, and they’re an annoyance! The exact standards may vary depending on the application, but the spacing is always an underlying factor and is often a legal requirement. Let’s take a closer look at bollard spacing.

installing security bollards

The Spacing Must Promote Safety

One of the main reasons why a series of bollards may be needed in an area is to promote public safety. This could be to delineate a perimeter for pedestrian paths and roads or to act as part of a traffic calming system. Whatever the application, the bollard needs to add to the public’s safety and never detract from it. In the past, there were occasions where the well-intentioned placement of bollards was disastrous due to poor planning and incorrect spacing. For example, in the US, a series of bollards was set up to delineate between a path and a cycle lane, and a loose staggered configuration was used. The cyclists were forced to weave between the bollards to avoid pedestrians, which caused collisions and injuries, some even fatal.

Emergency Responder Access Considerations

In the event of an accident or a crime, the emergency responders need to be able to reach any casualties quickly. If a series of bollards are in the area, there needs to be adequate space for a first responder to carry emergency equipment to get through. In many areas, this is why the bollard spacing is set at around 2.4m. This spacing would be very suitable for any type of public park, pedestrianised shopping precinct or any low-crime area in general. This may seem like a large gap, but it’s important to think about access for stretchers, jaws of life and other emergency equipment that could be needed to save a life.

Tighter Spacing is More Secure

If the security bollards are in a sensitive location that could be targeted by criminals or terrorists, then the spacing should be tighter. Some counter-terrorism experts recommend a spacing of 2.1m, but around high-profile targets, this could be even narrower, maybe even 1m in extreme cases. This is required to provide better protection against vehicular threats, such as car bombs, cars running over pedestrians and ram raids. The tighter spacing will allow for more bollards to be deployed, and they can absorb more kinetic force from vehicle impacts.

Inappropriate Bollard Spacing Concerns

It’s important to understand that in the event of an accident, any inappropriate bollard spacing will be scrutinized. Public and private property owners could be open to prosecution, and this should be carefully considered before the bollard installation goes ahead. If you’re in any doubt about how to proceed, it’s a good idea to concern an expert company such as Image Extra early in the process.

Perth-based business owners and project managers should contact Image Extra for expert advice if they are looking for security bollards.