Installing bollards may seem straightforward, but poor planning or the wrong installation approach can lead to serious safety issues, unnecessary costs, or even legal liability. Whether you’re protecting storefronts, controlling vehicle access, or enhancing pedestrian safety, bollards need to be installed correctly to be effective.
Many property owners and contractors rush the process—installing the wrong type, skipping permits, or placing bollards where they actually cause hazards instead of preventing them.
Let’s explore the top 10 mistakes to avoid when installing bollards on commercial properties, and how to do it right the first time.
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Bollard
All bollards aren’t created equal. One of the most common mistakes is selecting a bollard that doesn’t match the specific need.
For example, installing decorative bollards where vehicle protection is required can be a costly error. Decorative units may look attractive, but if they’re not impact-rated, they won’t stop a vehicle. On the other hand, installing crash-rated bollards in a pedestrian-only zone may be overkill—both visually and financially.
Pro Tip: Assess your needs—security, traffic control, pedestrian safety, or aesthetics—then choose bollards that match those functions.
2. Ignoring Local Regulations and Permits
Failing to check local building codes and permit requirements is a fast track to delays, fines, or forced removal. Many municipalities have strict rules about:
- Depth of installation
- Impact ratings (especially near public roads)
- Accessibility spacing (ADA compliance)
For instance, installing bollards too close together could violate wheelchair access regulations, even if they’re structurally sound.
Expert Insight:
“We’ve seen retail stores fined or forced to redo installations because they didn’t meet minimum accessibility spacing.”
– Sarah Daniels, Urban Planner, City of Johannesburg
3. Improper Spacing Between Bollards
Too far apart, and a vehicle could pass through. Too close together, and they create a bottleneck or accessibility barrier. The recommended spacing for pedestrian areas is typically 1.2 to 1.5 metres between bollards.
Make sure to also consider:
- Emergency wheelchair access
- Stroller or trolley movement
- Avoiding alignment directly with doorways or exits
4. Incorrect Foundation Depth
Bollards are only as strong as what’s under them. Many installations fail because the base wasn’t dug deep enough or was poured with weak concrete. Especially for impact-rated or anti-ram bollards, shallow foundations won’t provide the stopping power you need.
Rule of thumb: Crash-rated bollards often require concrete footings up to 1.2m deep, depending on the impact rating and soil type.
5. Skipping Site-Specific Risk Assessments
Every commercial property is different. What works for a warehouse entrance may not work for a shopping mall or fuel station. Failing to conduct a site-specific risk assessment often leads to installing bollards in the wrong place or using the wrong type.
Ask:
- Where are vehicles most likely to intrude?
- Is there a history of collisions or near misses?
- Where do pedestrians naturally walk?
6. Prioritising Cost Over Quality
Trying to cut corners by buying cheap, non-rated bollards may seem like a budget win—until they fail. Subpar bollards won’t protect your property from a determined ram-raid or accidental vehicle strike. That could mean costly repairs, legal claims, or even injury.
Invest in bollards with certified impact ratings when protection is critical. It’s far cheaper than a lawsuit.
7. Poor Integration with Landscape or Architecture
Bollards that clash with their surroundings not only look bad—they can create confusion and poor traffic flow. Design matters. When poorly integrated, bollards can become obstacles or eyesores.
Match bollards with:
- Surface finishes (e.g., stainless steel, powder-coated, heritage style)
- Building themes (modern, traditional, industrial)
- Landscaping elements (planters, benches, lighting)
Some cities now require architectural bollards in high-visibility zones.
8. Lack of Maintenance Planning
Even the best bollards degrade over time. Weather exposure, impact damage, and rust can reduce their effectiveness. One mistake many property managers make is installing bollards and then forgetting about them.
Schedule regular checks for:
- Structural damage
- Surface corrosion
- Loose fittings
- Paint or finish wear
Retractable bollards especially require lubrication and mechanical checks.
9. Overlooking Emergency Access Needs
Installing bollards that completely block access can be dangerous during emergencies. For example, rigid fixed bollards across a loading zone or side lane could delay fire trucks or ambulance access.
Solution: Use removable or fold-down bollards where occasional emergency or service vehicle access is required. Mark these clearly for first responders.
10. No Plan for Future Flexibility
Your site needs may change over time—new tenants, increased foot traffic, deliveries, or security threats. If all bollards are fixed and permanent, adapting becomes difficult and expensive.
Future-proof your site by using a combination of:
- Fixed bollards for high-risk zones
- Removable bollards for seasonal access
- Retractable bollards for event-based flow
A flexible approach lets you evolve with the property’s needs.
Key Takeaway
- Choose the right type of bollard based on use—security, aesthetics, or access control.
- Ensure proper spacing, depth, and foundation strength for performance.
- Always follow local codes, accessibility rules, and maintenance protocols.
- Plan for emergency access and future adaptability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How deep should bollards be installed?
It depends on the type. Fixed security bollards often require concrete footings up to 1.2m deep. Decorative or removable bollards may only need shallow surface mounting.
Do I need a permit to install bollards on my property?
In most municipalities, yes—especially if installing near public walkways or roads. Always check local bylaws and zoning codes.
What is the standard spacing between bollards?
Typically 1.2 to 1.5 metres apart for pedestrian areas to allow for wheelchairs, trolleys, and strollers while maintaining vehicle restriction.
Can bollards be installed on asphalt?
Yes, but asphalt alone isn’t stable enough for impact-rated bollards. In those cases, a concrete footing beneath the asphalt is required.
Are bollards better than barriers for commercial security?
Not always. Bollards are great for perimeter control and pedestrian zones. But for controlled vehicle entry or industrial use, barriers (like boom gates or sliding systems) may be more effective.