From office car parks to industrial estates, automatic barriers keep vehicle access under control. If you manage a commercial premises, a properly installed barrier system does more than just stop unauthorised cars — it protects your staff, visitors, and liability.
Here’s what to consider when planning an automatic barrier installation.
Types of Automatic Barriers
Standard boom barriers — The most common type, with a horizontal arm that raises and lowers. Boom lengths typically range from 3 to 8 metres. These are the go-to choice for most car parks and industrial entrances. Expect to pay from £2,500 to £5,000 installed.
Rising arm barriers — A heavier-duty version with a folding or articulated arm. Used where headroom is limited, such as underground or multi-storey car parks. Prices start around £4,000.
Rising kerb barriers — Instead of an arm, a solid plate rises from the ground. These are virtually impossible to drive through and are used for high-security sites. Installation from £5,000, with significant groundwork costs.
Access Control Options
How people get through the barrier is just as important as the barrier itself. Common options include:
- Key fobs or proximity cards — Simple and reliable. Issue one per employee or resident.
- Keypad entry — PIN-based access. Easy to manage but codes need changing when staff leave.
- GSM intercom — Visitors call a number and you open the barrier from your phone. No need for someone to be on site.
- ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) — The barrier reads number plates and opens automatically for authorised vehicles. The premium option, starting from around £3,000 extra on top of the barrier cost.
- Token or ticket systems — Common in public car parks. Visitors take a ticket on entry and pay on exit.
Safety Requirements
Automatic barriers are classified as machines under UK law and must meet strict safety standards. Any installation should include:
- Photocells to detect vehicles and pedestrians in the barrier path
- Safety edges or pressure sensors on the boom arm
- Manual release mechanism for use during power cuts or emergencies
- Clear signage warning that the barrier operates automatically
- Appropriate lighting if the barrier operates after dark
A reputable installer will handle all of this as standard. If a quote doesn’t mention safety features, walk away.
Traffic Flow and Layout
Positioning matters. A barrier placed too close to a public road causes traffic to back up onto the highway — which creates a hazard and can get you into trouble with the local council. There should be enough space between the barrier and the road for at least one vehicle to wait without blocking traffic.
For sites with high traffic volume, consider a dual-lane setup: separate entry and exit barriers to keep vehicles moving.
Maintenance and Servicing
Commercial barriers get far more use than residential gates — sometimes hundreds of cycles a day. We recommend servicing every six months for commercial installations. This covers motor inspection, safety device testing, boom arm alignment, and control panel checks.
A well-maintained barrier should last 10 to 15 years in commercial use.
Get a Quote for Your Site
Every site is different. We visit your premises, assess the layout, discuss your access control needs, and provide a detailed quote tailored to your requirements. Free site survey, no obligation.
Call 01473 375112 or request a quote online. We cover commercial premises across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.