Bollard installations in the UK, Europe, and the US are influenced by a combination of safety standards, accessibility regulations, planning requirements, and (where relevant) security certifications. The exact requirements will depend on the location, purpose, and level of protection needed.
For high-security or hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) applications, the key standards are:
These standards confirm a bollard’s ability to stop or control a moving vehicle under test conditions and are typically required for sensitive or high-risk sites.
For general traffic control and public realm use, other important considerations include:
In many cases, a minimum clear gap of around 1.2 metres is used to allow compliant pedestrian and wheelchair access.
Planning requirements can also apply. Local authorities may require permission if bollards are installed on public land, highways, or areas affecting public access. Additionally, fire and emergency access must always be maintained, which is why removable, fold-down, or retractable bollards are often specified in these situations.
In the US, equivalent standards include:
Beyond formal standards, compliance also depends on:
At Aremco Barriers, we manufacture UK-made steel bollards designed to align with these regulations and best practices. Whether for traffic control, access management, or higher-security environments, we can help ensure your bollard installation is compliant, practical, and fit for purpose, while maintaining safe access for users and emergency services.
