Road blockers are essential security devices that play a critical role in controlling vehicle access and enhancing security in various settings. These devices come in a variety of forms and are designed to meet different security requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of road blockers, their uses, and their specifications, with a particular focus on bollards and LPS 1175 certified blockers.
Understanding Road Blockers
Road blockers, as the name suggests, are barriers placed on roads and driveways to prevent unauthorized or uncontrolled access by vehicles. They are commonly used in areas where vehicle control is vital, such as government buildings, airports, industrial facilities, and private properties. Road blockers serve multiple purposes, including security, traffic management, and pedestrian safety.
The Importance of Road Blockers
Road blockers are crucial for a variety of reasons:
- Security: They act as a strong deterrent to unauthorized vehicles attempting to breach a perimeter or access a restricted area. They can also help in preventing vehicle-ramming attacks, which have become a significant security concern.
- Traffic Management: Road blockers are used to manage vehicle traffic efficiently. They can restrict vehicle access during specific times or in specific areas, helping to maintain order and prevent congestion.
- Pedestrian Safety: In areas where pedestrians and vehicles share the same space, road blockers can create safe zones by separating foot traffic from vehicular traffic.
Types of Road Blockers
Road blockers come in various types, each designed to meet specific security and operational requirements. The two primary types are bollards and LPS 1175 certified blockers.
Bollards
Bollards are one of the most common and versatile types of road blockers. They are short, sturdy posts, often made of steel or concrete, anchored into the ground. Bollards can be fixed or retractable and come in various designs, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
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Fixed Bollards
Fixed bollards are permanently anchored in place and provide a strong barrier against unauthorized vehicle access. They are often used to protect buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces. Fixed bollards can be surface-mounted or embedded into the ground, providing different levels of security and aesthetics.
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Retractable Bollards
Retractable bollards offer flexibility, allowing controlled access to authorized vehicles. They can be lowered into the ground to grant access or raised to block it. This type of bollard is commonly used in areas where a balance between security and convenience is required, such as parking lots and pedestrian zones.
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Decorative Bollards
Decorative bollards are designed to blend in with their surroundings while still providing security. They come in various styles and finishes, making them suitable for urban environments, parks, and historical sites where aesthetics are important.
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Hydraulic Bollards
Hydraulic bollards are a type of retractable bollard that uses hydraulic systems to raise and lower. They are known for their quick response time and high strength, making them ideal for applications where rapid security deployment is essential.
Bollards can also be classified based on their impact resistance and crash rating. The British Standard PAS 68, for instance, rates bollards based on their ability to withstand vehicle impacts. These ratings range from PAS 68 rated bollards, which can stop a small vehicle, to PAS 68 rated bollards that can halt a large, high-speed vehicle.
LPS 1175 Certified Blockers
LPS 1175 is a security rating standard developed by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) in the United Kingdom. It provides a standardized way to assess and categorize the resistance of security products to forced entry, including road blockers. LPS 1175 certified blockers are designed and tested to withstand various levels of security threats.
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LPS 1175 Certification Levels
LPS 1175 certification levels range from SR1 to SR7, with SR7 being the highest level of security. The specific security levels for road blockers are as follows:
- SR1 and SR2: These levels are designed to resist low to medium levels of attack and are suitable for areas where security requirements are not extremely high.
- SR3: Suitable for areas with moderate security requirements, SR3 blockers are designed to resist forced entry attempts with higher tools and more determined attackers.
- SR4: For higher security applications, SR4 blockers offer resistance to experienced attackers using more powerful tools.
- SR5: SR5 blockers are designed to withstand determined attempts at forced entry by experienced attackers using heavy-duty tools.
- SR6: Offering a high level of security, SR6 blockers are designed to resist prolonged attempts at forced entry using a wide range of tools.
- SR7: The highest level of security, SR7 blockers can withstand sustained and highly determined attempts at forced entry using sophisticated tools.
LPS 1175 certified blockers are often used in critical infrastructure protection, government facilities, and high-security installations where the threat of a terrorist attack or organized crime is significant.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Road Blockers
Selecting the right type of road blocker is crucial for ensuring the security and functionality of your premises. Several factors need to be considered when making your choice:
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Security Level
The level of security required is the most critical factor in determining the type of road blocker you need. Consider the potential threats your location faces and choose a blocker that is certified to resist those threats. The LPS 1175 certification levels are a good reference point for evaluating the security of a blocker.
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Operational Requirements
Consider how frequently you need to control access and whether you require an automatic or manual operation. For example, high-traffic areas may benefit from automatic retractable bollards, while low-traffic zones might be suitable for fixed bollards.
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Aesthetics
In urban or architectural settings, aesthetics play a significant role. Decorative bollards are designed to blend in with their surroundings, providing security without compromising the visual appeal of the area.
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Environmental Conditions
Consider the environmental conditions at your location. Some blockers are better suited to harsh weather or high-traffic conditions than others. For instance, hydraulic bollards are known for their reliability in various conditions.
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Budget
Your budget will also influence your choice. LPS 1175 certified blockers, especially those at higher security levels, are generally more expensive than standard bollards. Evaluate your budget constraints and choose a solution that meets your financial criteria while providing the required level of security.
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Installation Requirements
Installation can be a complex and costly process, depending on the type of road blocker. Ensure that you have the necessary infrastructure and support for the installation of your chosen blocker.
Conclusion
Road blocker supplier offer indispensable security devices available in various configurations to cater to diverse security needs. Among the offerings are bollards, which encompass fixed, retractable, decorative, and hydraulic varieties, providing versatility and a spectrum of security options. Additionally, for the most robust protection against unauthorized entry, customers can rely on LPS 1175 certified blockers, distinguished by their different security levels.
To make an informed choice when engaging a Road Blocker Supplier, it’s imperative to take into account a multitude of factors, including security considerations, operational prerequisites, aesthetics, environmental constraints, budget constraints, and installation prerequisites. A meticulous evaluation of these aspects, aligning them with the specific demands of your application, allows for the selection of the most suitable road blocker solution, ensuring enhanced security and efficient control of vehicular access.