A parking post is an excellent visual and physical deterrent in the fight against car crime.
Keyless car theft has meant that criminals no longer need to break into your home, or car or have possession of your car keys in order to steal your car.
However, parking-bollards are an excellent countermeasure to this fast-rising type of car crime.
In this guide, we explain the features you should look out for in a good parking bollard, the different types available, how to fit them and how much you need to spend.
What is a security bollard?
A security bollard covers a multitude of products.
Essentially it is a barrier that acts as a visual and physical deterrent.
The bollards are commonly used in a private setting, such as a driveway as an added layer of security against car theft but bollards are also commonly used in public spaces to protect buildings and pedestrians from traffic. Think about your local high street or shopping centre, where you’ll see lots of bollards, designed to prevent ram raids, and illegal parking and separate pedestrians from road traffic.
The best bollards for securing private property are telescoping ones. When required, a telescopic security bollard is a retractable post that locks into place. When not in use, it is also intended to slide into the earth, allowing cars to pass past.
Installing fold-down bollards doesn’t require the assistance of a professional. They simply lock into place in the upright position while in use.
Affordable and easily portable, mobile security parking posts can be kept nearby (such as in your garage or the boot of your car) when not in use.
The ground guide on these posts is typically covered by a hinged lid when they are not in use, making it safe for people and cars to pass through.
Security bollard vs Parking post
There is a big difference between a parking post and a security post.
A parking post is designed to ensure that your parking space isn’t used by an unauthorised vehicle. When you leave your parking space (or driveway) you can erect your parking post to prevent access. Most parking posts fold flat on the ground but some are removable and others retract into the ground. Parking posts are generally made from lighter-weight materials, aren’t as securely installed and aren’t as strong.
A security bollard (or post) is designed with theft in mind. They are usually larger than a parking post, made from stronger materials and anchored in a more robust way. Security posts are harder to defeat and can withstand being rammed.
However even a basic parking post acts as a good visual deterrent against driveway car theft.
Do driveway security posts work?
Often people ask will a bollard stop a car. The simple answer is: yes.
A proper security post will withstand some serious abuse. Just check out the image above, where the thief tried to ram their way out of a light industrial site where security bollards were installed.
Of course, the rightful owner wouldn’t be happy to see their car in this state and it’s rare that a thief would even try and ram the bollard but in this instance, it did its job.
Security posts deter theft due to the fact thieves know they are hard to cut and almost impossible to ram. If you do ram it, you’re going to write-off the very car you’re trying to steal. Which, in the pointless existence of a thief, is even more pointless.
How far apart should driveway security posts be?
How do you install security bollards?
Will a bollard stop a car?
Do bollards stop car theft?
Can I put bollards outside my house?
How high should bollards be?
How far should bollards be apart?
Do bollards need to be filled with concrete?
How deep should a bollard be buried?
How much does a retractable bollard cost?
Why are bollards filled with concrete?
How do I stop cars driving on my lawn?
What are retractable bollards?
How do you lay a concrete bollard?
What is a driveway bollard?
How do electrical bollards work?
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Driveway Security Post Frequently Asked Questions
A few of the questions that we’ve been asked about security bollards and parking posts.
Do you need planning permission to install bollards?
You do not require planning permission to construct a bollard as long as it is placed on your own private property.
Can I put bollards outside my house?
If by outside you mean on public land, then no. The council will be along in a heartbeat and get you to remove them. There are lots of news articles about UK property owners who have been fed up with having neighbours parking cars outside of their house or even blocking their drive way and to try and prevent this, they have put their own parking posts onto the pavement. However this will land you in hot water with your local authority.
Sources
Thanks to the following websites and guides that have helped me research and write this guide to the best drive security posts:
Car security: how to keep your car and driveway protected | Auto Express