What height, diameter and depth should a bollard be installed at?

The height, diameter, and installation depth of a bollard depend on its purpose and the level of vehicle protection or access control required.

In most UK installations, bollards stand between 900mm and 1200mm above ground, which provides clear visibility for drivers while effectively stopping vehicles from entering restricted areas. Driveway bollards and car park bollards typically follow this height range for both safety and practicality.

The diameter of a steel bollard usually ranges from 90mm to 200mm, depending on the impact resistance needed — smaller diameters for light traffic or decorative use, and larger posts for high-security or industrial applications.

As a rule of thumb, at least 25–30% of the bollard’s total length should be below ground, set into a concrete foundation to ensure maximum stability and strength. For example, a 1000mm-high bollard would generally require a 300–400mm installation depth.

At Aremco Barriers, our UK-made steel bollards are precision-engineered to meet these standards. Whether you’re fitting fixed, removable, or retractable (telescopic) bollards, we provide detailed installation guidance to guarantee correct positioning, secure anchoring, and long-term performance.