Automatic Bollard

An Automatic Bollard (also known as a Rising Bollard) is a type of bollard that generally prohibits access by motor vehicles, except in very specific circumstances. Typical installations are to allow delivery vehicles to access shops in otherwise pedestrianised areas, to allow a specific class of vehicle through, usually buses, or to provide an alternative solution to a gate or barrier on a private road.

Automatic bollards may be controlled by:

• Timed hours of operation
• Transponder-equipped vehicles
• ANPR Cameras which recognise authorised vehicles
• Key-pad systems

Automatic Bollards have proven to be controversial, as if one raises when a vehicle is passing through, it can cause irreparable damage to it and write it off. Those supporting the use of the bollards state this is due to malicious use, such as a driver tailgating a bus through a restricted access lane, while those opposing it state that collisions were legitimate accidents due to poor signage and guidance.