Buying barriers, bollards and gates – what you need to know Buying security barriers, bollards or gates often raises practical questions, especially when factors such as ground conditions, access requirements, finishes, installation methods and long-term durability need to be considered. This General & Buying FAQ section answers common questions customers ask when sourcing UK-made barriers, bollards, height restriction barriers and security gates. It covers topics such as planning considerations, product suitability, installation options, maintenance expectations and how to choose the right solution for your site. These FAQs are designed to help homeowners, contractors, local authorities and commercial customers make informed decisions when purchasing physical access control products. Whether you’re comparing options, preparing a specification or looking for guidance before requesting a quote, this section provides clear, practical information to support your project. If you need further advice or site-specific guidance, our team is always happy to help.
Planning permission is not always required for barriers, bollards or security gates, particularly where installations are removable, temporary or low in height. However, requirements can vary depending on location, land ownership and local authority guidance.
If your project is in a sensitive area or public setting, it’s best to confirm requirements before installation. This is especially relevant when specifying permanent security barriers or height restriction barriers.
The main difference between bollard types is how access is managed:
Choosing the right bollard depends on access frequency, location and security requirements. More detail can be found on our bollards product pages.
Yes. Many of our steel barriers and bollards are supplied hot-dip galvanised, making them suitable for coastal, high-corrosion and exposed environments. Galvanising provides long-term protection against rust and weathering.
For particularly harsh locations, additional finishes can be discussed at quotation stage to extend service life further.
In most cases, yes. Barriers, bollards and gates can be installed on uneven or sloping ground using suitable foundation designs or adjusted fixing methods.
Providing basic site details or photos during the enquiry stage helps ensure the correct installation approach is recommended from the outset.
When selecting a height restriction barrier, important considerations include:
Choosing the correct height barrier design helps reduce accidental strikes and improves long-term reliability. Additional guidance is available on our height restriction barrier pages.
Some products are suitable for temporary or semi-permanent installations, particularly removable bollards, demountable barriers or surface-mounted solutions.
If a barrier or bollard may need to be relocated in the future, this should be discussed early so the correct fixing method is specified.
Minor vehicle impacts may result in cosmetic damage only, particularly with galvanised steel products. More significant impacts may require repair or replacement depending on vehicle speed and weight.
We can advise on suitable replacement components or alternative solutions if repeated impacts are a concern.
Physical access control measures can help demonstrate that reasonable steps have been taken to manage vehicle access risks, particularly in public or commercial settings.
Barriers and bollards are commonly used as part of a wider site safety or security strategy alongside procedures and staff awareness.
Yes. All our barriers, bollards and gates are manufactured in the UK, allowing us to maintain quality control, consistency and reliable lead times.
UK manufacturing also enables bespoke solutions where standard products may not suit a site’s requirements.
Yes. Many customers purchase products on a supply-only basis and arrange installation separately. Installation guidance can be provided where required to support correct fitting.
This approach is common for contractors and site managers with their own installation teams.
With correct installation and appropriate finishing, steel barriers and bollards are designed for long-term use and can provide many years of service with minimal maintenance.
Regular visual checks and basic upkeep can help extend lifespan further.
To provide an accurate quotation, it helps to know:
Providing this information early helps ensure the most suitable barrier, bollard or gate is specified.
