Removable Bollards: Temporarily Control Vehicle Access

Need to temporarily restrict vehicle access to a car park, driveway, business premises or pedestrian area? Removable bollards provide a flexible way to control vehicle access when required, while allowing the area to be opened up again when access is needed.

From closing a business car park overnight to restricting vehicles from a town-centre street during a weekend market, removable bollards provide a practical alternative to permanent barriers.

What Are Removable Bollards?

A removable bollard , also often referred to as a lift-out or lift-up bollard, is a type of security bollard or security post designed to be temporarily removed when access needs to be permitted. They are available in a variety of designs including surface-mounted solutions and options where the base is located beneath the ground. They are available in various colours with solutions with reflective surfaces for enhanced visibility in low light conditions.

Removable bollards are generally manufactured from steel.

Removable bollards are designed to be easy to operate. When you wish to restrict access, simply place the steel bollard into the ground socket and lock into position. When access is required, unlock the bollard and lift and move the bollard.

We recommend checking the base of the post has a low-profile design or lays flush with the ground to allow vehicles to easily pass over. In pedestrian areas, a solution which lays flush with the ground is preferable to prevent trip hazards.

When Are Removable Bollards Useful?

Removable Bollards are commonly used in a range of areas; examples include:

Business car parks: The removable parking bollards are often put in place in the evening or over the weekend to prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering or turning in the car park when the business is closed.
Town centres: In areas where specific streets are dedicated pedestrianised zones, either on specific days of the week due to a market or at specific times during shopping hours, the Removable Bollards can be used to alert vehicles to the pedestrianised area and prevent vehicle access. The simple yet effective removable design ensures vehicle access can still be provided when needed, for example to allow refuse collection vehicles/bin lorries to still gain access to the area and for street cleaning to occur. It also means access can be provided at specific times to allow shops to receive deliveries or for emergency vehicles to gain access when needed.
Private driveways: Restrict unauthorised vehicles entering or turning in your driveway. The driveway bollard can also be put in place when you are parked in the driveway to deter vehicle theft.
Parking bays: Reserve parking bays for allocated users only, preventing unauthorised drivers from parking in the bay.
Manage pedestrian access: Whilst most Removable Bollards are designed to restrict vehicle access, some are provided with eyelets to allow the security post to be used with a chain or rope to restrict pedestrian access when needed. A sign can also be added on the chain or rope to direct pedestrians, for example during maintenance works or events.
Retail parks: The bollards can be installed on or near the pavement to deter vehicles from mounting the kerb or parking on the kerb, in turn improving safety for pedestrians. Before installing bollards, carefully consider the available pavement width and ensure sufficient clear space remains for pedestrians, wheelchair users, mobility scooters and pushchairs to pass safely.

It is important to note that when installing bollards in a pedestrian area, consider the impact the bollard will have on accessibility and pedestrian movement. It is important they do not unnecessarily obstruct pedestrian routes. Permission from the landowner should always be sought prior to installation.

Removable Bollards vs Folding Bollards

Both removable and folding bollards can be used to restrict vehicle access, but they work in different ways. The best option will depend on how frequently the bollard needs to be removed, the available installation area and how the space will be used.

A removable bollard is completely lifted out of its ground socket when access is required. The base is installed beneath ground level, so once the bollard is removed, the access area is left clear. This can be particularly useful where vehicles, especially low-clearance vehicles, or pedestrians need to pass over the area when the bollard is not in use.

A folding bollard, on the other hand, remains attached to its surface-mounted fixing when folded down. As a result, the folded bollard sits on or close to the ground surface.

As folding bollards do not sit completely flush with the ground, it is important to consider the location before installation. In high-foot-traffic and public areas, a folded bollard could present a trip hazard. If the access point is regularly used by vehicles with low ground clearance, a removable or telescopic bollard may also be preferable, as these can provide greater clearance when access is required.

One of the main advantages of folding bollards is that they are generally more affordable and easier to install, as they are surface-mounted and do not require ground excavation. Removable bollards, however, typically require a ground socket to be installed beneath the surface, which can involve additional installation work but provides the benefit of being able to completely remove the bollard when it is not required. The below-ground base also provides a secure and stable installation, making removable bollards a good choice where a robust, semi-permanent access-control solution is required.

Introducing Our New Steel Removable Bollards

New to The Ramp People, our range of silver steel removable bollards provides a professional and practical way to temporarily restrict vehicle access.

Designed for domestic and commercial applications, the new range includes a Sloped Removable Bollard, Removable Bollard and Removable Security Post with Eyelets.

Sloped Removable Bollard

The steel bollard offers a professional sloped design for use in commercial settings. The base is located beneath the ground to prevent trip hazards.

Removable Bollard with Eyelets

Side-mounted eyelets allow a chain or rope to be attached to the post to cordon off areas. Surface-mounted design, the post is provided with fixings for easy installation.

Removable Bollard

The steel bollard offers a carry handle to make it easy to lift and move. The base is located beneath the ground to prevent trip hazards.

Steel Bollard Features

Professional polished finish - Perfect for use in commercial settings
Reflective - Reflective strip alerts drivers to the bollard
Durable - Manufactured from steel, provides a long-term weather-resistant solution
Secure - Provided with a lock and keys to easily operate the bollard
Options with eyelets - Utilise a rope or chain with the security bollard to restrict pedestrian access

Why Choose a Steel Removable Bollard?

When choosing a bollard, consider how and when you need to restrict access.

A removable steel bollard could be a suitable choice if you:

Need to restrict vehicle access temporarily
Want to open and close a car park at different times
Need to manage access during markets or events
Want to prevent unauthorised parking outside business hours
Need to control access to a private driveway or forecourt
Want a bollard that can be completely removed when access is required
Need a durable solution suitable for outdoor use

For further help choosing the right parking bollard or security post, view our Parking Bollards & Security Post Buying Guide.

Explore The Ramp People's Bollards

Flexible Vehicle Access Control

Whether you need to temporarily close a business car park, restrict access during a town-centre event or control vehicles entering a private driveway, removable bollards provide a flexible alternative to permanent barriers.

Our new range of silver steel removable bollards and security posts is designed to help businesses and property owners control access when required, while allowing the area to be opened up again when the bollard is removed.

I am interested in the Removable Bollard, how long does installation take?

As excavation is required, it is recommended that the Removable Bollards are installed by a confident builder. Installation generally takes 1-2 hours.

How easy is it to install Removable Bollards?

For surface-mounted solutions, installation is straightforward and usually requires only a few fixings. For options where the base is installed beneath the ground, excavation is required. In these cases, professional installation may be recommended to ensure the ground socket is correctly installed and securely positioned.

Do I need planning permission to install a removable bollard?

Where the bollard is being installed on private land, planning permission is generally not required unless it is a conservation area or an area of historic importance. For installation in public areas, permission does need to be sought from the council or highway authority.

What is the difference between removable and telescopic bollards?

The central pole of a telescopic bollard remains below ground when the bollard is lowered and not in use, whereas the central pole of a removable bollard is completely removed from the ground socket. As a result, a telescopic bollard will generally require a deeper ground excavation during installation to accommodate the lowered central pole.