FAQs

There’s no single nationwide legal height limit for car parks in the UK, but most local authorities and private operators follow standard guidance to ensure safe access for vehicles while preventing larger vans or lorries from entering.

Typical UK Height Limits –
📏 Around 2.0 to 2.1 metres (6ft 6in to 6ft 10in) is the most common clearance
🚗 Suitable for standard cars, SUVs, and small vans
🏗️ Helps protect overhead structures, lighting, and sprinklers in multi-storeys

When Lower Limits Are Used –
⚙️ In restricted-access or residential car parks to block high vehicles
🔒 On private land where height restriction barriers prevent misuse by tall vans
🧱 At commercial or council sites to control unauthorised overnight parking

Best Practice –
✅ Always display clear height signage at the car park entrance
📋 Ensure the barrier or structure complies with BS EN safety standards
🌧️ Maintain reflective or illuminated warning signs for visibility at night

At Aremco Barriers, we manufacture custom height restriction barriers to meet UK car park standards — available in fixed, swing, or combination models. All are UK-made from galvanised and powder-coated steel, built to your exact clearance height for safety and compliance.

The recommended spacing between bollards depends on what you’re protecting and the type of traffic you want to control. Getting the spacing right ensures effective security and safe pedestrian access.

Typical Spacing Guidelines –
📏 1.2 to 1.5 metres (centre-to-centre) for most vehicle control points
🚶 Allows easy pedestrian movement while stopping cars and vans
🚗 Prevents vehicles from driving or reversing between bollards

High-Security or Anti-Ram Applications –
🔒 Reduce spacing to 1.0 to 1.2 metres for stronger vehicle impact protection
💪 Closer spacing increases stopping power and perimeter strength
🏗️ Often used at shopfronts, car parks, or industrial entrances

Pedestrian-Only or Decorative Areas –
🌳 Wider spacing up to 1.8 metres for visual guidance and light control
🧱 Used for pathways, plazas, or parks where aesthetics matter most
💡 Can combine with chain links or rails for clearer boundaries

At Aremco Barriers, we’ll help you determine the ideal bollard spacing based on your site layout, vehicle types, and safety requirements. All our UK-manufactured steel bollards are made to order, ensuring consistent alignment and maximum protection.

In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to install fixed barriers or manual gates on private land — as long as they’re within your boundary and meet basic height and safety rules. However, there are exceptions depending on the gate type, height, and location.

When You Don’t Need Planning Permission –
✅ Barriers or gates are below 2 metres high and inside your property line
🏡 The installation doesn’t open onto a public highway or pavement
🔒 The site isn’t a listed building or within a conservation area

When You Might Need Permission –
⚙️ If the barrier or gate is over 1 metre high and next to a public road
🏗️ If you’re fitting powered or automated gates (may need safety certification)
📋 For properties with special restrictions, e.g., shared access or leasehold rules

Best Practice –
📞 Check with your local planning authority before installing large structures
💡 Ensure visibility for drivers and pedestrians is not obstructed
🧱 Keep safety markings and reflective signs on height barriers visible at all times

Car park gates and barriers in the UK must comply with specific health, safety, and machinery regulations to protect users and meet legal standards. These rules ensure all barriers, especially powered ones, operate safely and reliably.

Key Safety Regulations –
⚙️ Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (UKCA equivalent) – Applies to powered or automated barriers and gates, requiring CE/UKCA marking and full safety compliance
📋 BS EN 12453:2017 – Sets out safety requirements for powered gates, including motion detection and force limitation
🏗️ BS EN 13241:2003 – Covers the performance and installation of industrial, commercial, and garage doors and gates

Manual Barriers and Gates –
✅ Must be installed securely and correctly balanced
💡 Should include visible markings and reflectors for driver awareness
🧱 Height restriction barriers should display clear warning signage (RA1 reflective signs recommended)

Installation & Maintenance Duties –
🔧 Barriers must be installed, inspected, and maintained by competent persons
🧰 Regular servicing ensures continued compliance with safety standards
📞 Employers and site owners have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to keep equipment safe for users

Impact-tested or anti-ram bollards are designed to stop or slow down vehicles on impact, protecting buildings, pedestrians, and high-security areas. These products are tested and certified to international standards that measure stopping power, impact energy, and penetration distance.

Main Impact-Test Standards –
💥 PAS 68 (UK Standard) – The UK’s main specification for vehicle security barriers, detailing how bollards, blockers, and barriers perform under impact
🌍 IWA 14-1 (International Standard) – A global version of PAS 68, combining elements of UK and US standards for worldwide consistency
🇺🇸 ASTM F2656 (US Standard) – Defines impact ratings used mainly in the United States but often referenced for global comparison

How These Standards Work –
⚙️ Bollards are tested by crashing vehicles into them at set speeds and weights
📏 Results classify performance (e.g. stopping a 7.5-tonne vehicle at 48 km/h)
🔒 Ratings show impact energy absorption and allowable vehicle penetration

Where They’re Used –
🏦 Government buildings, data centres, airports, and high-risk commercial sites
🚧 Retail parks and pedestrian areas requiring anti-ram protection
💡 Often combined with fixed or shallow-mount foundations for space efficiency

At Aremco Barriers, we supply and manufacture PAS 68 and IWA 14-1 compliant bollards f

Yes — while there aren’t specific UK-wide building regulations that apply solely to height-restriction barriers, most councils follow local planning, safety, and highways guidance. These rules make sure barriers are safe, visible, and correctly positioned to protect drivers and property.

When You Usually Don’t Need Permission –
✅ Installing within your own private car park or access road
🏗️ Barrier height is clearly displayed and not over a public highway
💡 Structure doesn’t affect drainage, visibility, or pedestrian safety

When Local Rules May Apply –
⚙️ Barriers near public roads or footpaths may require council approval
📏 Planning permission might be needed if the barrier exceeds 2.4 metres high
🏢 Listed buildings, conservation zones, or shared access sites can have extra restrictions

Best Practice for Compliance –
🚧 Display RA1 reflective signage with clear height warnings
🔧 Ensure the barrier is installed securely and safely anchored
🌙 Use reflective tape or illumination for visibility at night

To ensure bollard spacing is safe and accessible for all pedestrians — including wheelchair and mobility aid users — it’s important to follow UK accessibility guidance. This guarantees bollards prevent vehicle access without restricting public movement.

Recommended Accessible Spacing –
📏 Minimum 1.0 metres (1000mm) clear gap between bollards for wheelchair access
🚶 1.2 metres (1200mm) preferred where space allows for easier manoeuvring
🧱 Consistent alignment and straight lines prevent visual confusion

Accessibility Standards & Guidance –
⚙️ BS 8300-1:2018 – Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment
🏛️ Equality Act 2010 – Requires reasonable access for all users
🦽 Applies to public car parks, pathways, shopping areas, and building entrances

Design Best Practice –
💡 Ensure bollards are highly visible, contrasting with their surroundings
🌧️ Avoid protruding bases or trip hazards
🚸 Maintain at least 1.5 metres of clear route width on busy pedestrian routes

Car park height barriers must be clearly visible to approaching drivers and include legible, reflective signage that shows the maximum clearance height. These safety measures help prevent accidental collisions and ensure compliance with UK car park and highways guidance.

Visibility Requirements –
💡 Barriers should be finished in high-visibility colours such as yellow, black/yellow, or red/white
🌙 Add reflective markings or illuminated features for night-time use
🚗 Ensure the barrier is clearly seen from the vehicle approach distance

Signage Requirements –
📏 Display the maximum height clearance (in metres) prominently on both sides
🔶 Use RA1 or RA2 reflective aluminium signs to meet UK highway visibility standards
🏗️ Place signs directly on the barrier crossbeam or an adjacent post at driver eye level

Best Practice for Safety –
✅ Fit additional height-warning signage ahead of the barrier entrance
⚙️ Maintain clear ground markings and no visual obstructions
📋 Comply with BS EN 12899-1 for fixed vertical road traffic signs

Yes — planning rules can differ between residential and commercial installations in the UK. While most small, private installations don’t require permission, commercial or public-use sites often have stricter regulations around height, visibility, and access.

Residential Installations –
🏡 Usually don’t require planning permission if within your property boundary
📏 Bollards, gates, or barriers under 2 metres high are typically exempt
🚗 Must not obstruct pavements, shared driveways, or visibility for vehicles
💡 Listed buildings or conservation areas may still need approval

Commercial Installations –
🏗️ May require planning consent, especially near public highways or access roads
📋 Local councils may assess traffic flow, accessibility, and safety impact
🔧 Some sites need risk assessments or health & safety documentation before approval

Best Practice –
✅ Always confirm with your local planning authority before installation
⚙️ Ensure signage and layout comply with BS EN safety and accessibility standards
🇬🇧 Choose UK-manufactured, regulation-compliant products for easy approval

While not always a legal requirement for private sites, reflective bands and safety markings are strongly recommended — and often mandatory where barriers are installed near public roads or car parks. They ensure drivers can see the structure clearly in all lighting conditions, helping prevent accidents and comply with safety standards.

When Reflective Markings Are Required –
⚙️ Barriers positioned near public highways, car parks, or access roads
📋 Required under BS EN 12899-1 for fixed traffic signs and reflective visibility
🌙 Any barrier that could be approached by vehicles at night or in low light

When They’re Recommended –
✅ On private or commercial premises for improved driver awareness
🏗️ To mark barrier arms, posts, or swing beams for maximum visibility
💡 Helps meet local council and insurer safety expectations

Types of Safety Markings –
🔶 RA1 or RA2 reflective vinyl bands in yellow/black or red/white
🧱 Powder-coated contrasting finishes to increase daytime visibility
🚧 Optional reflective aluminium warning plates showing height limits

At Aremco Barriers, all UK-manufactured height-restriction barriers and swing gates can be supplied with RA1-grade reflective bands and safety signage as standard. This ensures full compliance with visibility and safety best practice for both private and public-access sites.

Powder coating and galvanising are both covered by specific British Standards that define quality, durability, and corrosion resistance. Following these standards ensures every steel barrier or bollard is protected against rust, weathering, and long-term wear.

Galvanising Standards –
🔩 BS EN ISO 1461 – Hot dip galvanised coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles.
  • Defines coating thickness, finish quality, and corrosion protection levels.
🌧️ Ensures full internal and external coverage, preventing rust in harsh conditions.
⚙️ Used for all Aremco Barriers’ structural steelwork before powder coating.

Powder Coating Standards –
🎨 BS EN 13438 – Paints and varnishes – powder organic coatings for hot-dip galvanised steel.
  • Specifies coating performance, adhesion, and weather resistance.
💪 Tested for UV stability, impact resistance, and long-term colour retention.
🧱 Ensures finishes remain durable and attractive for outdoor applications.

Additional Standards Often Referenced –
📋 BS EN ISO 12944 – Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems.
🏗️ BS 3900 – General performance testing for paints and coatings.

Both the manufacturer and the installer share responsibility for ensuring compliance — but their duties cover different parts of the process. The manufacturer must make sure the product meets all relevant British Standards and safety requirements, while the installer must ensure it’s fitted correctly, safely, and in line with regulations.

Manufacturer Responsibilities –
🏭 Design and produce products that comply with British Standards and UKCA/CE marking
📋 Provide clear installation instructions, safety guidance, and maintenance requirements
⚙️ Ensure materials and finishes meet standards such as BS EN ISO 1461 and BS EN 13438

Installer Responsibilities –
🔧 Follow manufacturer instructions precisely during installation
📏 Ensure correct depth, spacing, and alignment for structural safety
🧰 Confirm the installation complies with planning, accessibility, and safety laws
💡 Provide maintenance advice and safety signage where required

Shared Responsibility –
✅ Both parties must maintain traceability and documentation
📞 The site owner should retain installation records for audits or inspections
🌍 Compliance must be upheld through design, fitting, and ongoing maintenance

To stay compliant with UK safety guidelines, barriers and gates should be inspected regularly to ensure they remain safe, functional, and structurally sound. Inspection frequency depends on usage levels, location, and whether the barrier is manual or powered.

Recommended Inspection Frequency –
📅 Every 6 months – Minimum interval for most manual or low-use barriers
⚙️ Every 3 months – For powered, automated, or high-traffic installations
🏗️ After any impact or damage – Immediate inspection and repair required

What to Check During Inspection –
🔩 Structural integrity of posts, hinges, locks, and fixings
💡 Condition of reflective signs, safety markings, and coatings
🧰 Smooth operation, correct locking, and safe clearance distances
📋 Record all findings in a maintenance log for traceability

Legal & Safety References –
⚖️ Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Employers must maintain safe equipment
📘 PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) – Requires regular inspection and maintenance
🔒 BS EN 12453 & BS EN 13241 – Apply to powered gates and vehicle barriers

To stay compliant with UK safety regulations, barriers, gates, and bollards must be supported by written maintenance and inspection records. These logs prove that equipment is regularly checked, serviced, and kept in a safe condition — a key requirement under UK workplace and public safety law.

What to Record –
📅 Inspection dates – Include every scheduled and reactive inspection
🔧 Maintenance actions – Cleaning, lubrication, repairs, or component replacements
📋 Findings and observations – Note defects, corrosion, or performance issues
🧾 Signatures – Of the responsible engineer, site manager, or maintenance operative

Why Records Are Important –
⚙️ Demonstrates compliance with PUWER (1998) and Health & Safety at Work Act (1974)
📁 Provides evidence for insurers, auditors, and local authorities
✅ Helps identify wear before it becomes a safety hazard

Best Practice –
🏗️ Keep digital or hard-copy logs easily accessible for inspection
🗓️ Review records at least every 6 to 12 months
🧰 Ensure all maintenance is carried out by a competent person

Safety inspections on barriers and gates should only be carried out by a competent and qualified person — someone with the right technical knowledge, training, and experience to assess condition, safety, and compliance. This ensures the installation meets UK safety and maintenance regulations.

Who Qualifies as a Competent Person –
👷 Engineers or technicians trained in barrier or gate installation and maintenance
📋 Individuals familiar with BS EN 12453, BS EN 13241, and PUWER (1998) regulations
🏗️ Approved contractors or installers with recognised health & safety certification (e.g. CHAS, SafeContractor)

When Professional Inspections Are Required –
🔧 Every 6 months for manual barriers or low-use systems
⚙️ Every 3 months for powered or high-use installations
📅 After any collision, damage, or malfunction affecting performance or safety

What an Inspection Involves –
✅ Checking structural integrity, locking systems, and moving parts
💡 Verifying reflective signage and visibility markings
📁 Updating maintenance records and issuing a service or safety certificate