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Height Restrictors-what businesses need to know

height restrictor

Are you looking to put an end to fly-tipping? Prevent vehicles or visitors from overstaying their welcome? Free up parking spaces for genuine customers? A height restrictive barrier may be just what you’re looking for. Let’s take a look at what they are when you might want to use one, and the different options available today.

What is a height restrictive barrier?

Height restriction can be seen in action in a variety of environments. You will no doubt have driven into a car park with an overhead barrier warning vehicles of certain sizes that they will be unable to enter. Equally, you may have visited a supermarket or service station car park recently where the same restrictions apply.

Height restrictive barriers are designed to block access to heavy and large vehicles either blocking them from access entirely or encouraging them to use alternative areas designed for their vehicle type.

Why use a height restrictive barrier?

There are many reasons why a business may opt to install a height restrictive barrier. One of the most popular reasons is to reduce overnight or illegal stays. Many public and private sector clients have experienced issues with vehicles visiting sites for longer than is welcome, taking advantage of facilities and leaving them in a state of disrepair.

Installing restrictive barriers can prevent that initial access and reduce the need for costly cleaning or other repairs. Equally car park operators can prevent damage to facilities that are not built to accommodate heavy goods vehicles, caravans, or camper vans.

Static or Automatic?

Height restriction barriers may come in the form of static barriers which are locked with padlocks, or automatic barriers which are electronically operated. The choice between the two depends on your circumstances.

If your barrier is going to be installed away from the interior of your site, or on rural land, then your access to electricity may be limited. In this case, it may be best to opt for a traditional manual static restrictor. Static barriers can also be fitted with a low-level barrier that can be fixed into place at your leisure to prevent any vehicular access at all.

However, if mains access is not a problem then you can take advantage of an automatic barrier. With a 10.0M maximum span, these barriers are driven by a 3 phase motor and can be left open or closed depending on your requirements. So if you only want to limit access at specific times of the day or days of the week, then this could be a good solution for you.

Both types of barriers can be fitted with a prominent maximum headroom sign and an optional striped bumper bar made from aluminium can also be fitted for added protection.

Gateway Automation provides a range of products to help businesses and individuals to secure their sites and also provide nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, barriers, and other perimeter security equipment. To find out more, please call us on 01522 682255.

/ By Gateway Team / access control • automatic barriers • barriers • business security • height restrictor barriers/ 0 Comments

What to Consider when Buying Barriers

Gateway BarriersIf you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your security systems at your site, then one of your first ports of call should be perimeter security. One essential component of site security that should always be considered when enquiring about upgrades is a barrier. Here is what to consider when buying barriers.

Why invest in barriers?

A simple but effective solution, barriers are, when used the right way, are a highly effective tool in preventing crime. They deter opportunists and leave them with no doubts that your business takes things seriously. Barriers ensure that you have control over who can access your site, and when they can do so. Allowing you either to automatically, or with the help of manned personnel, control entry to your premises. However, while you may have already heard enough to interest you in a barrier, there are some important factors to consider before making a purchase.

Level of Security needed

One of the first questions you need to ask yourself is with regards to the level and robustness of security that is needed at your site. While for some businesses security needs are understandably at the very top of their agenda, some businesses have other agendas to balance. For instance, a site that receives heavy traffic might require a different type of barrier to one which is only occasionally accessed. Equally, you may be a business that wants to balance its security needs with a friendly and welcoming environment.

Automatic or Manual?

A second consideration is whether you require automatic barriers or manual. They each are suitable in different situations. Automatic barriers require electricity in order to operate, so somewhere isolated may prefer to install manual barriers, particularly if electricity access is restricted. Additionally, your business may prefer, for security or logistical reasons, to have a manned manual barrier in place over an automatic barrier.

While manual barriers are often preferred in more rural settings, automatic barriers do offer many specialised benefits. Automatic barriers are more difficult for criminals to bypass and overhaul which makes them a particularly reliable choice.  They can be enhanced with access control equipment and also provide support to businesses who do not have the budget or manpower to physically attend a manual barrier and provide access to visitors. Automatic barriers are often found at parking facilities, checkpoints, and for other types of restricted areas.

Height Restriction

Height restrictor barriers are another popular choice. Especially for car parks and service stations where the risk of overstays and unauthorised long-term parking issues. They are also great for where you need to prevent access to high vehicles. They are also a welcome addition to areas where automatic barriers are either not cost-effective, or not required.

Cost

Cost is always a key consideration for businesses and understandably it is important to make sensible decisions to match your budgets. Businesses should take part in a feasibility study before making a decision on which products to choose. This will help ensure you are recommended the best solutions to match your needs. Not only can you be confident that you’ve picked the right product, but you are also protected against criminal activity.
Gateway Automation provides a range of perimeter security systems to help businesses and individuals to secure their sites. We also provide nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, access control equipment, barriers, and other perimeter security equipment too. To find out more, contact us on 01522 68255 or take a look at our brochure

/ By Gateway Team / barriers • car park security • flow control plates • height restrictor barriers • speed ramps/ 0 Comments

How to improve public car park safety

Car Park SafetyPublic carparks can be extremely convenient for people as it provides a secure place for them to leave their car. However, despite the convenience of them, they can in fact be dangerous places. There are a lot of cars and people moving around car parks at any one time and all it takes is one person not paying 100% attention for an accident to happen. As the car park owner, although some things are out of your control, there are many things you can do in order to improve public car park safety. Here we list just some of the safety methods you could implement.

•    Bike Racks– Not only do bike racks provide a convenient additional service for those travelling by bike, the bike racks also act as a physical barrier between cars and pedestrians.
•    Height Bars– A lot of car parks cannot handle the manoeuvring of large vehicles but without a physical deterrent or barrier, you have no control over which vehicles enter the car park. Height restrictors are highly visible and act as a visual deterrent. They also physically stop larger vehicles from entering which will reduce the amount of car incidents you would have if they were not in place.
•    Speed ramps– Having speed bumps or ramps strategically placed throughout the car park will ensure cars are slowed down, allowing more time for all drivers and pedestrians to react.
•    Signage– Ensure you have large, clear signage throughout the car park. Reflective car park signs are a must if your car park is open during dark hours. You need to communicate clearly the rules of the car park, which direction the cars should be driving, what the speed limit is and where pedestrians should cross
•    Parking space protector– Depending on the type of car park you own and who uses it, you may need to keep some spaces reserved. Having parking space protectors can do this. They lock in the up position whilst they are not in use and lower on demand, ensuring unauthorised vehicles cannot park there.
•   Flow control plates– Flow control plates can be great in car parks. They ensure cars enter and exit the correct way, reducing any accidents due to drivers not paying attention.
•   Barriers– Having barriers at the entrance or exit can really help make traffic flow smoothly in and out. You can even have an automated access control system that streamlines this. Next to the barriers you could issue tickets which when re-entered at the exit, will operate the other barrier.
•    Pedestrian only zones– You need to create pedestrian only zones to help improve safety for pedestrians when they are nearby cars. You can indicate where these areas are by using clear signage on the walls and floor and reinforce the areas with bollards so cars cannot access

Whether the car par is at a shopping centre, in a town centre, at a factory or other business, having a carpark that is considered safe and secure is vital. It will in the long run create more business for you and mean your car park will run more efficiently. A lot of the methods mentioned above are value for money as the safety they can provide is priceless.

To find out more about what you can implement to make your carpark safer, please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no obligation and feasibility survey to assess your business needs.

/ By Gateway Team / access control equipment • bollards • car park security • height restrictor barriers • security • security gate • speed ramps • staff car park/ 0 Comments

Keeping staff carparks safe and secure

SONY DSCHaving a staff car park is a great benefit for employees. However, having somewhere for them to park their car is not enough. You need to ensure you have undertaken as many preventative and safety measures as possible to ensure that the cars and staff always remain safe, as well as your employees and visitors. If staff do not believe their car and possessions will be safe whilst at work, this will adversely affect productivity and staff happiness. Here we discuss 9 ways you can make your staff car parks as safe as possible, ensuring staff happiness.

Under the Health and Safety at work Act 1974 and subsequent legislation, car park owners and operators are fully responsible for the safety of car parks. This includes employers.

1.    Sufficient Signposting
The car parks should be clearly signed throughout. You need to highlight any areas staff cannot park, which areas are for visitors only and have a low speed limit enforced at all times. In addition to this, you should have pedestrian crossings where necessary and pedestrian access only areas.

2.    Bollards
Bollards are a great way to separate pedestrian and driving areas. Knowing the cars cannot enter certain areas will provide peace of mind to the pedestrians and help guide cars in the right direction. During winter months as well, you can use the areas marked out by the bollards to indicate to pedestrians which routes are best to work on to avoid slippery surfaces.

3.    Speed ramps
Having a slow speed restriction sometimes is not enough. Pairing this with speed ramps can really help make the car park more secure. When staff are entering and exiting the car park at the same time each day, there is a higher chance of collisions or accidents taking place. Ensuring cars are moving around the car park slowly and responsibly helps reduce this risk significantly.

4.    Space
Careful planning of the car park needs to happen. You must ensure you have enough room for all cars whilst also ensuring there is enough space for manoeuvring. In addition to this, you need to ensure that any areas that delivery vans need to access or any emergency exits are kept clear at all times.

5.    CCTV
Especially during winter months when many people come to work and leave work in the dark, CCTV equipment can really help make the car park more secure, especially from the employees’ point of view.

6.    Barriers
Using barriers to the carpark is recommended as it can help make the car park more secure and will ensure only authorized personnel can park their car. Although automatic barriers accessed by the employees is possible, another option is to hire a security guard to ensure the barriers are always working, to allow entry to authorised people only and can also greet visitors as well as acting as a deterrent. Barriers are also great to avoid people thinking they can park there for free when they are not employees. This is especially important the closer to cities and built up areas you are.

7.    Height Restrictors
If you only have a small car park which cannot accommodate large delivery vans, then a height restrictor could be something you should consider installing. This will stop larger vehicles entering the carpark and potentially blocking other cars or even causing damage if there is not sufficient room.

8.    Control Access Equipment
To create an even more secure car park, you could use Access Control Equipment at the gates and your work building itself. This double layer of security ensures only people with authorization can enter the car park and the workplace.

9.    Lighting
Always ensure the car park has sufficient lighting. This allows pedestrians to be easily visible by drivers as well as allow people to walk safely back to their cars during winter months.

Although you may not see it as directly related, studies have shown that a good, secure staff car park will lead to happier, more productive staff as they do not dread coming to work because of fear they will struggle to park. If they do struggle to park, they are more likely to arrive to work frustrated which will impact their performance.

To find out more about you can secure your staff car park, please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no obligation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment.

/ By Gateway Team / barriers • bi-folding gates • fly-tipping • gates • height restrictor barriers • perimeter security • risk assessment • sliding gates • swing gates/ 0 Comments

How a strong perimeter can prevent fly-tipping on your property

gateway blog 80Fly tipping is one of the biggest annoyances for land owners. Not only does it look unsightly, cause damage to property and local wildlife, it can also incur a heavy financial cost to owners of land who have to clear up the mess left behind. Here we will at look at some ways you can prevent your premises from becoming a target for fly tippers.

The first method of securing your property from fly-tippers is to perform a risk assessment. If trespassers can’t access your site, then they can’t occupy it or leave waste there. A risk assessment can help to highlight any vulnerabilities in your site such as areas which have no security, or areas where security can be easily bypassed, such as old or faulty gates and fences.

Waste has to be transported and for large amounts vehicles are needed to move it. You can prevent vehicles from gaining access to your site by having height restrictors installed. Height restrictive barriers are often chosen by councils, land owners and private companies as a way of preventing HGVs and Motorhomes from accessing their sites. Our GA5600 provides an ideal way to prevent unauthorised access, it is a durable and reliable restriction barrier and is available as a single, or double leaf.

Another method of prevent vehicular access is to use an Automatic Rising Kerb. Our GA8000 model utilises high quality hydraulic technology to provide ultimate security against unathorised traffic.

Gates are of course one of the staples of perimeter security and provide a strong physical and mental deterrent to would be fly-tippers. Here at Gateway we provide three key types of gates which include swing gates, sliding gates and bi-folding gates.

Finally, barriers can also play a key role in keeping out unwanted vehicles and pedestrians. They can be controlled either manually, or through other means like push-buttons, tokens, proximity cards and CCTV. Check out our barrier selection to learn more.

While some waste can be left behind by ‘fly-by-night’ criminals looking to offload or traders trying to get rid of business waste, serious damage can be caused by criminals looking to spender a longer period of time at your premises. This is why it is important to not only make your premises look highly-secured but also that if your premises are vacant that you make them as unhospitable as is possible. This means turning off access to electricity, water and other amenities so that your site offers very little to trespassers.

No matter the size or nature of your businesses or site, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your security requirements. For more information on any of the security options above, or for further advice on how to protect your business premises from criminals, please contact us or call us on 01522 682 255.

/ By Gateway Team / automatic barriers • barriers • bi-folding gates • bollards • car park security • gates • height restrictor barriers • manual barriers • perimeter security • sliding gates • swing gates • unauthorised parking/ 0 Comments

How to tackle the problem of unauthorised parking

clip_image002With an ever increasing number of vehicles on the road, the problem of parking, particularly in inner city areas, has begun to reach boiling point with thousands of land owners becoming increasingly frustrated by vehicles illegally parking on their land, obstructing their day to day activities.

However, this issue which is affecting businesses and landowners nationwide is not something that can be handled by the police, as it is a civil matter rather than a legal one. While in the past land owners were able to use clamping as a deterrent, this is no longer allowed, with The Protection Of Freedoms Act (2012) making it an offence to clamp a vehicle in England or Wales. So with this in mind, what alternatives are still available to businesses to tackle the issue of unauthorised parking on their property?

Barriers
One way to limit access to your site is to use barriers. Automatic barriers, height restrictor barriers and manual barriers all act as effective solutions for limiting access to vehicles or particular types of vehicles. They can be operated either manually – remaining up in business hours and locked down in the evening, or automatically – with access granted via CCTV, proximity cards, a key pad or tokens.

Gates
One of the most effective ways to limit access to a site is to install gates, a particularly effective choice if you are aiming to lock down a specific area such as a staff car park. Having unauthorised cars using up your employees’ parking spaces, or spaces reserved for clients and guests can be infuriating and cause real problems for your business, so gates, bollards and barriers are all good options. Read more about our swing gates, sliding gates and bi-folding gates.

Bollards
If you require a simple but effective solution for dealing with unauthorised access then bollards are a good option. Bollards are particularly effective if you are looking to prevent unwanted parking but also preserve the view of your business site. For example a car showroom might want to retain the views of their property for passing traffic so may opt for a bollard system rather than high fences which obstruct the view of the cars on their lot. Our GA7276H automatic bollards have been built for optimum performance and intensively tested to ensure reliability for over 3000 movements per day. In the event of an emergency or power failure they can be lowered manually and can also be operated simultaneously. Click here to read more about our GA7276H Automatic Bollards.

Gateway Automation provide a range products to help businesses and individuals to secure their sites and also provide nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, barriers and other perimeter security equipment. To find out more, please call us on 01522 682255.