Height restriction barriers are one of the most effective ways to control vehicle access and prevent damage caused by over-height vehicles.

From supermarket car parks and retail parks to industrial estates and warehouse entrances, these barriers help stop vans, HGVs and other tall vehicles entering areas where overhead clearance is limited.

In this guide we explain everything you need to know about height restriction barriers including common barrier heights, where they are used, and how to choose the right barrier for your site.

What Is a Height Restriction Barrier?

A height restriction barrier is a steel structure installed at the entrance to a car park, yard or access road to prevent vehicles exceeding a certain height from entering.

These barriers typically consist of two vertical steel posts supporting a horizontal beam set at a defined clearance height.

Vehicles taller than the specified height will be unable to pass beneath the barrier, preventing them from entering the restricted area.

Height barriers are commonly used to protect:

• Multi-storey car parks
• Low clearance structures
• Warehouse entrances
• Underground parking areas
• Commercial buildings

Common Height Restriction Barrier Heights

The height of the barrier determines which vehicles can access the site.

Typical UK barrier heights include:

2.0m height barrier
Used for residential car parks and small commercial parking areas.

2.1m height barrier
The most common UK car park restriction height.

2.2m height barrier
Used where limited van access is required.

2.4m height barrier
Allows most vans but restricts larger commercial vehicles.

Where Height Restriction Barriers Are Installed

Height barriers are installed across a wide range of commercial and industrial locations.

Typical installations include:

• Retail park car parks
• Supermarket parking areas
• Warehouse entrances
• Industrial estates
• Hospital car parks
• Logistics depots

Many sites combine height barriers with steel bollards and Armco crash barriers to improve vehicle safety and traffic control.

Galvanised vs Powder Coated Height Barriers

Steel height restriction barriers are normally manufactured using hot dip galvanised steel.

Galvanising protects the steel from corrosion and significantly extends the lifespan of the barrier.

Powder coating is often applied over the galvanised finish to improve visibility and appearance.

High visibility colours such as safety yellow (RAL 1021) are commonly used to ensure approaching drivers can clearly see the barrier.

Swing Arm Height Restriction Barriers

Some locations require occasional access for taller vehicles such as delivery trucks or maintenance vehicles.

Swing arm height restriction barriers allow authorised users to open the barrier when required while maintaining height restrictions during normal operation.

These are commonly used in:

• Service yards
• Industrial access roads
• Logistics facilities
• Warehouse entrances

Why Install Height Restriction Barriers?

Installing a height restrictor barrier provides several benefits:

• Prevents structural damage caused by tall vehicles
• Improves traffic management on busy sites
• Reduces repair costs caused by vehicle impacts
• Protects buildings and infrastructure
• Improves site safety for pedestrians and vehicles

Choosing the Right Height Barrier

When selecting a height restriction barrier you should consider:

• Vehicle types accessing the site
• Clearance height required
• Width of the access road
• Visibility requirements
• Frequency of authorised access

A correctly specified height barrier will control access effectively without restricting permitted vehicles.

UK Manufactured Height Restriction Barriers

At Aremco Barriers, we manufacture heavy duty steel height restriction barriers designed for long-term performance in commercial and industrial environments.

Our barriers are manufactured using structural steel sections and finished with hot dip galvanising and optional powder coating.

Custom sizes and configurations are available to suit individual site requirements.

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If you require advice or a quotation for height restriction barriers, our team will be happy to help.

Contact Aremco Barriers today to discuss your requirements.