Explore our expert answers to the most common driveway security questions. From protecting cars against theft to choosing the right telescopic or fold-down post, we cover everything you need to know before buying or installing driveway bollards. All Aremco Barriers products are UK-made, insurance-approved, and built to last — providing homeowners with reliable protection and total peace of mind.
Vehicle theft is on the rise across the UK, and securing your driveway is one of the most effective ways to protect your car. Physical barriers like telescopic or removable bollards provide visible, reliable protection that criminals can’t easily bypass.
Install Physical Security Bollards –
🔒 The strongest deterrent against car theft and driveway break-ins
⚙️ Telescopic bollards lock in place to block unauthorised access
💪 Choose galvanised and powder-coated steel for maximum strength and rust protection
Add Additional Security Layers –
📹 Fit motion-sensor CCTV cameras or a smart doorbell with video alerts
💡 Install bright LED floodlights that activate automatically at night
🔑 Use steering locks or wheel clamps for extra visible deterrence
Secure Driveway Access Points –
🚗 Keep gates closed and locked when not in use
🧱 Avoid leaving spare keys in visible or easy-to-reach places
🏡 Combine physical and electronic security for full protection
At Aremco Barriers, we manufacture UK-made telescopic, removable, and fold-down bollards designed specifically for driveway and vehicle protection. Built from heavy-duty galvanised steel, our products create a strong physical barrier — stopping thieves before they even try.
The best type of bollard for a home driveway depends on how often you need vehicle access, the level of security required, and your preferred appearance. Most homeowners choose telescopic or fold-down bollards for daily convenience and strong theft protection.
Telescopic (Retractable) Bollards –
🔒 Offer the highest level of driveway security and visual deterrence
⚙️ Lock securely in the raised or lowered position for easy daily use
💪 Ideal for driveways where you need frequent access without clutter
Fold-Down (Lay-Flat) Bollards –
🧱 Simple and budget-friendly for residential use
🔐 Quick to unlock and fold flat when access is required
🚗 Perfect for smaller driveways, reserved spaces, or light-duty use
Removable Bollards –
✅ Best for occasional access areas such as shared or gated driveways
🔧 Lift completely out when needed and lock back in place
🧩 Leave a flush cover when removed, reducing trip hazards
At Aremco Barriers, all UK-manufactured bollards are made from galvanised and powder-coated steel for long-term corrosion resistance and strength. Whether you want high-security telescopic bollards or simple fold-down posts, we’ll help you choose the best solution for your home.
In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to install driveway security posts or bollards on your own private property — as long as they don’t obstruct public access or exceed certain height or location limits.
When You Don’t Need Permission –
✅ Installing within your own driveway or private land
🏡 Posts are under 1 metre high (standard for residential bollards)
🚗 They don’t block public pavements, footpaths, or visibility at junctions
When You Might Need Permission –
⚙️ If your driveway joins directly onto a public highway or pavement
🏗️ If your property is listed, in a conservation area, or has restrictive covenants
📏 If you’re installing multiple posts along a boundary or near a public right of way
Best Practice –
📞 Always check with your local planning department if unsure
🧱 Make sure posts are installed fully within your boundary
💡 Keep at least 1 metre distance from public pathways or utilities
At Aremco Barriers, we manufacture UK-compliant driveway bollards and security posts suitable for most domestic installations — with no planning permission required in the majority of cases. Our team can help you select a setup that meets local regulations and delivers complete driveway protection.
Many insurance providers recognise telescopic bollards as an approved physical security measure for preventing car theft — especially when they’re installed correctly and made from heavy-duty materials. While there’s no single UK-wide “insurance standard,” bollards can help reduce premiums and support insurance claims by proving proactive vehicle protection.
Why Insurers Approve Them –
🔒 Strong, visible deterrent against vehicle theft and driveway access
💪 Built from thick galvanised steel for proven impact resistance
🧰 Locked into the ground to stop vehicles being driven or towed away
What Insurers Look For –
✅ Bollards made from quality steel and securely concreted into the ground
🔐 A built-in locking system (not just a padlock)
📋 Evidence of professional installation or manufacturer specifications
Extra Benefits –
💷 May lower insurance premiums for high-value or frequently targeted vehicles
🏡 Helps prove “reasonable security measures” if you ever need to make a claim
⚙️ Works well alongside CCTV, alarms, and wheel locks for layered protection
Yes — driveway bollards are one of the most effective ways to stop keyless car theft. While thieves can clone or relay your car’s electronic signal, they can’t bypass a physical steel barrier blocking the vehicle from being driven away.
Why Bollards Stop Keyless Theft –
🔒 A solid, visible obstacle prevents cars from leaving the driveway — even if started remotely
🚫 Thieves can’t tow or push the vehicle with bollards locked upright
💡 Works as both a physical and psychological deterrent against opportunistic theft
Best Bollards for Keyless Theft Protection –
⚙️ Telescopic (Retractable) bollards – Lock securely into the ground for everyday use
🧱 Removable bollards – Lift completely out for occasional access
💪 Fold-down bollards – Quick, cost-effective deterrent for lighter-duty protection
Extra Security Tips –
📶 Keep key fobs in a signal-blocking pouch or metal box indoors
🔔 Combine bollards with CCTV, alarms, and steering locks for layered protection
🏡 Fit bollards close to the front of your car to block all movement paths
At Aremco Barriers, our UK-manufactured telescopic and removable bollards are built from heavy-duty mild steel — delivering physical protection that keyless car thieves simply can’t bypass.
You can install some types of driveway bollards yourself — especially bolt-down or fold-down models — but for telescopic or removable bollards, it’s usually best to use a professional installer. Correct installation ensures the posts work smoothly, stay secure, and last for years.
DIY Installation – Suitable For:
🧰 Bolt-down or surface-mounted bollards on concrete or tarmac
🪛 Fold-down posts with simple fixings and no ground excavation
💡 Ideal for confident DIYers with basic tools and a level surface
Professional Installation – Recommended For:
🏗️ Telescopic or removable bollards that require concrete foundations
⚙️ Ensures accurate depth, alignment, and drainage to prevent jamming
🔐 Provides a stronger, longer-lasting, insurance-compliant finish
Why Professional Fitting Helps –
✅ Guarantees smooth operation and proper locking alignment
🌧️ Prevents water build-up or corrosion in the ground sleeve
📋 Usually includes warranty support and installation certification
At Aremco Barriers, we can supply bollards for DIY fitting or recommend trusted installers across the UK. Every bollard we manufacture is built from galvanised and powder-coated steel, designed for easy fitting and long-term reliability — whether installed by you or a professional.