Lifting Barrier

Lifting Barriers are rarely found on the actual road network, Their most common use is instead to control traffic entering a car park or private premises. However, they are also used within Toll booths on roads. Lifting Barriers are also used on Level Crossings and Moving Bridges, although in this instance the 'normal' position is for the barrier to be raised, rather than dropped.

The basic principle of a lifting barrier is that traffic cannot pass without interacting with either a machine or person. A variety of processes can be undertaken to get the barrier lifted - payment of a toll or fee into a machine, the acceptance of a ticket for payment before leaving (a car park), providing a member of staff with payment or providing evidence that you have a right of entry into a controlled site. Barriers on Level Crossings are often remotely or automatically controlled.

The barriers themselves are normally designed to be lightweight, so should a vehicle choose to drive through without waiting, minimal damage is caused. The barriers are primarily installed as a visual warning rather than a physical barrier to traffic, although the repercussions of ignoring them can be varied, from a fine to death if hit by a train.

Most barriers rotate on a post, with a counterbalance to allow them to swing with the minimum or effort. This originates from them having been operated by hand in the past, so speed and ease of use was important. Many are painted red and white to make them stand out, and often incorporate a Stop sign or similar to further emphasise their presence.