Crash bollard is a fixture designed to withstand the impact of large vehicles and prevent vehicular collisions with buildings or other public spaces. They are ideal for businesses, government facilities and other locations that require perimeter security, but also need to accommodate pedestrians and designated delivery, maintenance and emergency vehicles. They are available in a variety of styles, materials, colors and patterns that can be matched to a specific environment or architectural style. While they can be enhanced with covers or wraps to provide additional protection and functionality, they are strong enough to stand on their own.

Do you need planning permission for bollards?

The best Crash bollard meet ASTM F3016 standards and feature a penetration rating (P1 to P4) that indicates how well they resist a vehicle impact. They are tested by using a heavy-duty pickup truck that weighs the same as those often used on city streets and moves at speeds similar to the ones seen in traffic.

Aesthetics and installation costs are other factors to consider when choosing the right bollard for a specific location. While crash-rated bollards offer the highest level of security, they are often more expensive to install than decorative options that can be installed without the need for concrete poured below ground.

Some locations are more at risk of high-speed crashes, like those that occur at storefronts due to pedal error. In these cases, a flexible crash bollard that can bend or “fail” while still stopping the car may be necessary.