Pros and Cons of Security Bollards
Bollards are a very useful and beneficial product especially when it comes to road safety. Security Bollards offer a wide variety of uses as they are available in different types, sizes, materials, designs, etc.
If we talk in terms of definition, a bollard is a short-vertical post-like structure that is installed to create a hindrance. The main objective of a security bollard is to ensure traffic safety. Bollards control, manage, and guide traffic to specific areas or restrict access to restricted areas, especially in high-traffic areas to regulate flow and reduce collision impact.
Pros and Cons of Security Bollards
There is no doubt in the fact that bollards are a very useful product, especially in traffic management and control. They also provide security for buildings and offices, etc. However, they have some demerits as well. We have created a list of the benefits and drawbacks that bollards offer. Have a look at the merits and demerits of bollards in detail.
Advantages of Bollards
1. Eco-friendly
PVC or concrete materials are also used to make bollards. They are an environment-friendly material that poses no harm to the environment. Concrete and PVC is a durable material which means they are also long-lasting. The material minimizes maintenance costs by not corroding over time. These bollards also help to reduce deforestation.
These are made with heavy material to make them durable but still, they cannot be used for heavy traffic. They do not reduce the impact of the collision rather the main purpose is only guidance and warning the traffic to enter certain areas or roads.
2. Less Expensive
Install security bollards at places with security concerns. Other security products like huge gates are far more expensive as compared to bollards. Bollards are less expensive. That is why it is a good option as compared to other security bollards and posts. The design of bollards is simple but they are made of durable material to provide security. They do not rust or corrode over time. This means there are no expensive maintenance costs associated with bollards. The installation procedure of bollards is also very easy and less expensive.
3. Aesthetic Appeal
Designers use bollards for decorative purposes, choosing from various styles, designs, and colors to match the environment and architecture. Bollards enhance the appearance of a place or building, such as wooden bollards in parks that complement the surroundings and beautify the park.
They may contain information about the park or different areas like where is the restroom, etc. In this way, they provide both the purpose of guidance and aesthetic appeal. Lighted bollards in parks guide people at night and enhance their beauty.
4. Safety for Pedestrians
One of the most important advantages of security bollards is that they play a vital role in ensuring the safety of pedestrians. Bollards are a very important thing in places with heavy traffic. In such areas, the chances of accidents are more obvious. However, the presence of bollards ensures safety for pedestrians. The placement of bollards guides pedestrians to specific areas and restricts them from entering restricted areas. Bollards in parking lots ensure pedestrian safety, and placement outside public parks provides safety to park-goers.
5. Vehicular Safety and Security
Alongside pedestrians, bollards are also a way of providing safety and security for vehicular traffic.
Bollards guide drivers to specific lanes or areas and remind them to slow down. Careless driving sometimes results in collisions with roadside walkways and pedestrians. To prevent these types of accidents, bollards replaced along roadsides and also between lanes so that drivers drive carefully. Bollards provide a visual barrier so that people drive more cautiously. They also reduce the impact of collision by providing a strong barrier.
Disadvantages of Bollards
1. Space Requirements
One of the major disadvantages of bollards is that they require space for installation. There are certain roads that have heavy traffic and bollards are a necessity on such roads. However, due to a lack of space, bollard installation becomes impossible. On the other hand, the installation of bollards at inappropriate places creates hindrances for foot traffic. That is why if proper space is not available, bollard installation becomes difficult.
2. Problematic for Foot Traffic
Inappropriate or wrong bollard installation creates problems for foot traffic. People often bump into the bollards placed along roadsides or walkways, leading to confusion while crossing. The heavy-weight material of these bollards causes severe injury to people when they collide with them, creating a hindrance and disturbance for foot traffic. Many consider the hindrance from bollards to be a significant disadvantage.
3. Plastic Bollards have a Short Lifespan
Another disadvantage of plastic bollards is that they have a very short life span. Lightweight material makes plastic bollards serve mainly as decorations or guides. They easily bend and break due to their light construction, and do not reduce impact from collisions. The lack of heavyweight material negates the use of plastic bollards for collision mitigation.
4. Accidental Damages
Another drawback of bollards is that they can cause great damage to cars. The car when hits a bollard, it helps to reduce the collision but the damage caused to the car is huge.
Concluding Words
Bollards are a very beneficial product to control and guide traffic. They can reduce the impact of collisions as well as provide guidance for the traffic. However, there are some drawbacks as well that you cannot ignore.
FAQ:
What is the purpose of a bollard?
The purpose of a bollard is to guide or control the flow of traffic, protect pedestrians and buildings, or provide aesthetic design. Bollards can be used to direct vehicles and pedestrians, limit access to restricted areas, enhance the look of a space, and prevent collisions.
