Bollards are arguably far from the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the ‘next big thing’ in technology and innovation. However, the world is changing at a rapid pace and humans are finding better ways to do just about everything including how we manage traffic and keep pedestrians safe. One way that innovators propose doing this is by giving the bollard a technological ‘makeover’.
There is absolutely no question that the digital age has completely revolutionised the way in which we do things. We’ve been living in the smart era for some time now and it doesn’t seem like technology will be slowing down any time soon.
Countless products and industries have benefited from the induction of smart technology that one may never even have thought of. From education to healthcare and even toilets new products every day are being added under the smart banner, with a focus on improving the functionality and ease of use. Join us in this article as we take a look at how smart technology can and is improving not just the bollard industry, but the world as a whole.
What Are Bollards?
Most commonly, bollards can be described as short vertical posts or stakes that are used to create a protective or architectural perimeter to control traffic (in all its forms), protect infrastructure, or enhance safety measures. They can, however, come in an array of other shapes and sizes which include balls, cubes, and domes.
The main function of these ‘structures’ is to set a visual perimeter, defining that area or space as restricted, in doing so they also block off unwanted vehicles or foot traffic from accessing those areas. While they are most commonly used to perform this type of function, a bollard can also be used for decorative, design, aesthetic, or artistic purposes.
The bollard is also versatile in that it can be made from a variety of different materials which usually depends on their application. From concrete to aluminium, steel, stainless steel, cast iron, wood and plastic/polymer materials the bollard can and has been made from all these materials.
The most common types of bollards and their applications include:
Traffic bollard
These are used to guide or restrict traffic to appropriate areas while ensuring barrier lines that indicate pedestrian access. They can be found in areas like high-volume pedestrian areas, parking lots, and building entrance points to prevent unauthorised vehicles from invading the spaces that they are not meant to be.
Security bollard
Bollards designed for high-risk areas as a means of protection against potential threats, like attacks that would use large vehicles to charge security barriers. These bollards are usually made with strong materials such as high-quality steel and concrete and are generally reinforced, to provide extra durability.
Decorative bollard
While most bollards are functional, many others get installed solely for aesthetic purposes, or both. Architects and designers use these posts to enhance public or frequented spaces visually and can include ornate designs and decorations.
Lighted bollard
You may also find bollards with built-in lighting fixtures that are probably the closest we’ve gotten to a “smart” bollard up until now. The lights can serve the dual purpose of providing illumination and serving as a physical barrier or may serve as a decorative bollard as well.
Retractable bollards
As the name suggests, this type of bollard is designed to be easily raised or lowered when needed to allow for temporary access. They are commonly used in settings where occasional vehicle access is needed, like designated parking bays, driveways, or emergency vehicle entrances.
Flexible bollard
A type of street post made from materials that allow some degree of flexibility upon impact, like rubber or plastic. The purpose of these bollards is to create a physical barrier but limit the possible damage to vehicles should they collide with them. They are often used in areas with low-speed traffic, or where frequent incidents such as that take place.
(And now) Smart bollard
These are fairly new and have revolutionised the way in which traditional bollards are used. It is slowly but surely seeing more utilisation around the world and is set to become a standard in urban spaces in the near future. Let’s delve a little deeper into the world of smart bollards.
What Are Smart Bollards?
Traditionally, bollards have been the unassuming guardians of public spaces, offering a physical barrier that keeps us safe when close to heavy trafficked areas. As the need for improved security evolves, innovators have sought new ways to do things, from security gates and cameras to traffic lights and now bollards are the next in line to do just that. Enter the era of smart technology, where these modest urban spotters are getting a high-tech makeover.
The smart bollard elevates their traditional counterparts by incorporating a range of technological and innovative features to enhance all-around safety and protection. Not only do these new features improve safety and security but they can also double up to provide cities and metropolises with valuable data that can aid in more effective urban planning and management in the future.
The smart bollard is officially defined as “a pioneering element of urban security equipped with an autonomous signalling system”. It has been designed with the aim to achieve “active” safety, notably by establishing pedestrian space from transited space and informing road users of the presence of another vehicle or pedestrian in the vicinity, amongst other things.
How do they work?
Depending on the application, different types of smart bollards are equipped with different types of technology. For instance, smart bollards meant for security and surveillance will carry different technology than that of connectivity and communication, or traffic management. Let’s take a closer look at these three main applications.
Security and Surveillance
Smart bollards that are equipped with high-tech sensors and surveillance technology have the ability to detect unusual activity in high-volume areas, monitor crowd movements, and even identify potential security threats as they are happening in real-time. By integrating cameras, live surveillance can take place and provide law enforcement with valuable insights to prepare on the go and respond promptly to any rapidly emerging situations.
Communication and Connectivity
In urban city landscapes, connectivity has become a necessity as the tech world is constantly trying to find new and efficient ways of staying connected. What better way to facilitate a wireless network than through an infrastructure that is already in place? Wi-Fi in city spaces is nothing new, but by using countless bollards city officials can actually create a mesh network that provides unparalleled connectivity and internet stability.
Traffic Management
Beyond security, these smart street posts are playing a crucial role in controlling, monitoring, and improving traffic flow. These bollards are equipped with traffic management features, similar to those of smart vehicles (think blind spot assist) to gauge and manage traffic. If need be, they can adapt to changing conditions and reroute vehicles during events or emergencies.
Autonomous signalling systems are also integrated within the bollard which allows them to detect and alert passages of a vehicle, a pedestrian, or a bicycle in spaces where visibility is of concern. This not only enhances safety but also contributes to more efficient urban mobility for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.
Future Prospects
There’s no doubt that smart bollards offer a promising improvement to current urban safety and traffic challenges, but they are not without concerns. Privacy issues, potential misuse of surveillance data, and a high cost of initial implementation are among the challenges that cities or metros will have to face. However, as technology continues to advance, so too will the capabilities and affordability of these smart features, along with protection for the public, one would imagine.
Looking ahead, the future seems bright for the integration of smart technology into urban fixtures. As cities strive to create safer and more efficient environments for their residents, the smart bollard is poised to play a central role in this technological revolution.
It’s safe to say that even though urban smart bollards are in their infancy (since only officially seeing the light of day a mere two years ago), the future looks bright for. As cities strive to be safer and more efficient, these bollards are poised to play a role in the betterment of urban living. And while applications, for the time being at least, are limited, it doesn’t take away from the massive potential that smart bollards hold.
Bollards From StreetScape
While we’re excited about the prospect of where the bollard market and technology may go, and what it could ultimately bring to the world, we know that there is still a long way to go before the dream is fully realised. Until such a time, we at StreetScape are here to provide you with the best bollards currently on the market.
At StreetScape we have a wide variety of bollards in either steel or concrete and provide you with a range of different styles to choose from. Whether you need bollards for safety and security, traffic purposes, or decorative reasons, we will be able to help. As a leading landscaping elements specialist, we’ve been making urban spaces more functional and appealing with our range of bollards for years, and we’re certain that we could do the same for you.
Our concrete and steel bollards will pose as the guardians you didn’t realise you needed, protecting against any unwanted intrusions or threats, and ensuring that your property remains just that, yours. Always crafted with precision and reinforced for ultimate impact resistance, all our bollards will protect the spaces you hold dear.
With over 17 different concrete designs that include tapers, balls of various sizes, domes, and cubes to name a few, we’re confident that we’ll have something that works for you. If steel is more your thing, there are over nine different options for you including round, canon, and ball head amongst others. All steel bollards are available in galvanised finishing so that you’re ensured that rust and corrosion would never be an issue in the South African Climate. Moreover, they’re available in a colour finish of your choice, if preferred over the steel finish.
Rest assured that both materials are extremely durable and will provide the much-needed barrier between unwanted traffic and your beloved space. If you need some inspiration, feel free to take a look at our bollards page or, if you’re unsure, reach out to us today and see how we can not only elevate your security but the aesthetics of your urban landscape too! We’d be more than happy to help.