Bollards – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Overview of Bollards

Bollards cover a wide range of uses in various environments. From parking bollards that solve common and persistent car park pain points, to steel bollards that cover asset protection and improve safety, each type offers an efficient service. A bollard shop will host a wide range of security solutions, from parking bollards to removable bollards. Here at That’s My Spot, we offer our customers safety equipment in the form of premium parking barriers that have seen success for businesses, shopping centres, and public spaces across Australia. 

Bollards are used in a variety of commercial, corporate and residential settings to solve parking issues. With many businesses concerned about security and safety, bollards are common in parking lots and along roadsides. This article will guide you to advise what bollards are, how they are made, and how they are used.
 
Wondering which bollard will suit your needs? First, you’ll need to know what kinds of bollards there are, where they can be found, and what their specific use cases are. 

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Section 1: Introduction

1.1 What is a Bollard?

A bollard is a short post that serves to create a protective security or architectural boundary.

Bollards guide traffic and mark boundaries when installed. Often they are primarily as a visual guide.

They come in a variety of shapes, styles, and as architectural elements to embellish or visually stand out in their situations. Bollards are also used to protect pedestrians and buildings from vehicles. They are installed to physically prevent vehicle incursion, and so protect people and property.

As security posts, they may also include decorative elements or be chosen to complement the landscape. However first and foremost, a bollard’s primary purpose in these situations is impact resistance.

1.2 A Short History of Bollards

Origin of the word “Bollards”

The term ‘bollard’ was used for the first time in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1884. It is derived from the word “bole” and “ard,” which means “tree trunk.” Tree trunk is linked to the word “hard.” Since 1948, and the advent of motorised vehicles, the term “bollard” has been more commonly used to refer to traffic control devices.

Nautical beginnings

Bollards as mooring posts were first used with old cannons and have been around for thousands of years.

Old disused canons were put to a new use as distance marking milestones, when they were buried into the ground and placed at certain distances apart. In other situations, the weight of an old cannon was used as a tethering point for farm animals.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, these cannons were installed on quaysides to assist ships docking safely. Bollards manufacturing started in the 19^th century in England.

From Ships to Vehicles

Bollards were originally used for traffic control in the 18th century. Wooden posts, such as those at Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire, were placed in towns and villages in England to help defend pedestrians and make traffic navigation easier. At this time, it was to protect pedestrians from horses and carriages, but this changed over time.

Later bollards evolved to a different type to be used on wharves to moor boats. Once the motor vehicle was invented, bollards were used as traffic delineators from foot traffic, to guide vehicles, but also to protect walls and footpaths from damage by motor vehicles.

And as the type of traffic (from horses and carriages to motorized vehicles) changed, and with that traffic patterns changed towns became cities, people began to use bollards more frequently for purposes such as separating vehicle-free zones.

Today’s Bollards

Bollard advancements continued into the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with illuminated bollards being used in Ireland in the 1930s and 1940s. Illuminated bollards have also been used in place of street lights and signs.

As vehicles became heavier, stronger and more impactful than early carriages, the installation and architecture of these posts progressed. For example, there are flexible bollards that can be hit without causing damage to the car or the post. By slowing or stopping vehicles that come into contact with buildings or pedestrian areas, security bollards are designed to protect these physical building assets.

1.3 What are the different types of bollards?

Bollards are posts or poles that are used to provide support or to mark a boundary. There are many different terms that can be used to refer to bollards, depending on their location and purpose. 

For example:

Mooring bollards are posts that are used to secure boats in place. 

Traffic bollards are often used to direct traffic flow or to separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic and prevent collisions.

Illuminated bollards can be used to provide visibility in dark areas or as a decorative element in public spaces. 

Retractable bollards can be raised or lowered as needed, making them ideal for use in security applications.

Security bollards are used to protect against vehicular attacks. 

Parking bollards are used to secure parking spaces and prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering or access parking bays or parking spots. They also come in a variety of types and applications, which we will discuss in more detail below.

1.4 What are bollards made of?

Bollards are made from a variety of materials, including steel, concrete, plastic, cast iron, polyurethane and wood.

Steel Bollards

Steel bollards are the most common type of bollard, and are typically used in commercial and industrial applications. These steel bollards can be either cast or ductile iron, or stainless steel (particularly where there is corrosion from salt near the ocean), and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Standard steel is commonly used in ornament advanced bollard styles for standalone systems or as security pipe covers. Steel bollards can be treated to minimise corrosion and rust. For example, steel bollards can be either hot-dipped galvanised, or also powder-coated to minimise corrosion, especially in coastal areas.

Cast Iron Bollards

Cast iron is another material to make traditional-styled bollards. It is a long-lasting and well-liked traditional material for embellishment and design enhancement, making it an excellent choice for a variety of purposes.

Safety-yellow powder-coated bollards

Bollards can also be powder- coated in safety yellow to help people identify them in low-light situations. These are beneficial in reducing accidents or product damage.

Australian Standard AS-2890 also sets out recommendations for safety standards for bollards, including paint colors and also reflectivity and visibility at night. More about that later.

Concrete bollards

Strong as can be, concrete bollards are very strong and durable, making them ideal for use in high-traffic areas. Concrete can be combined with steel pipe bollards or embedded rebar to create security installations that are resistant to impact. It can be formed on its own to create appealing designs that are appropriate for specific architectural designs. Or more frequently, steel bollards are filled with concrete once installed at a site. This gives them added ballast and strength against impact, for example, from a large truck.

Plastic bollards

Temporary stand-alone polyethylene bollards are commonly used in renovation and parking applications because they are low-cost and low-maintenance. These types of bollards cover the applications and uses where the benefits of plastic really shine. Plastic, unlike polyurethane, is rigid and can shatter on impact, but due to its malleability, it can achieve the same visual effect when covering security or impact-resistant pipe.

Plastic bollards are an economical choice for low-traffic areas.

Polyurethane bollards

Polyurethane is a polymer amalgamation that produces a flexible bollard that is long-lasting, UV resistant, and retains its integrity even in adverse weather conditions. When function and cost take residence over traditional architecture, poly bollards are typically installed.

Wooden bollards

Wooden bollards are often used in residential applications such as driveways or sidewalks, and where you are looking for more of an aesthetic finish which blends into an architectural design.

However, in wooded or park areas, pressure treated wood is sometimes chosen to complement the natural surroundings.

1.5 What are bollards used for?

Bollards are commonly used to create a barrier, or to improve security around a property, thus security property assets to ensure minimal damage to those assets by passing vehicles.

Bollards are also regularly used as a traffic control measure, to either direct or restrict vehicles, or to encourage or prevent the use of parking bays. They are also regularly used in “shared zones” to delineate between different types of traffic – eg. Vehicles vs. bikes, vs. pedestrian traffic.

Traffic Control

Traffic bollards allow pedestrian access while maintaining clear sight lines and directing traffic to specific areas. They either restrict access to restricted areas like bike lanes, public squares, and traffic islands or direct traffic by delineating roadways.

Parking protection

Bollards are used to monitor parking bay allocation. For example, to secure individual parking bays for specific drivers. This is a very common problem in residential apartment buildings, and multi-use commercial and residential mixed use buildings. Parking bollards in these situations solve stress of residents to make sure their parking bay is reserved for them.

They enhance certainty around parking bay availability and increase driver satisfaction. They can be used for individual owner’s parking bay protection, or for sharing of parking bays among fleet drivers, reserved for disabled drivers, or to secure EV charging bays.

Bike lane separation

Separated bike lanes protect cyclists and reduce driver stress. In contrast, flimsy delimiters frequently break when struck, making cyclists vulnerable. Hard boundaries can make it difficult for emergency vehicles to reach the curb.

Protecting vulnerable building assets

To reduce risk in the event of an accident, safety bollards are frequently installed in front of vulnerable building assets. Security bollards in bright colours to be installed as barrier posts around vulnerable gas or water meters. They are also frequently used to protect vulnerable or historic architectural features that are close to traffic.

Decorative bollards are typically used in areas designated solely for pedestrians or parks, where they protect wildlife or flora from harm. When a bollard is in place, the message is clear: be cautious where users walk, drive, or cross, as it could be a sign of restricted access. Other applications include guarding loading docks or garages against intruders, as well as bike paths, streetscapes, cemeteries, government buildings, stadiums, and golf courses.

Section 2: Parking Bollards

2.1 What are the different names used for parking bollards?

Parking bollards go by a variety of different names. However, they all have the same purpose and intent – to secure parking spaces from unauthorised drivers.

Common terms which are interchangeably used to refer to parking bollards include:

• parking bollards
• parking locks
• parking barrier
• parking space protector
• car space protector
• parking guard
• folding parking post
• parking security lock
• car park barrier
• parking protector
• parking security bollard
• parking blocker

The terms are used to apply to any device that stops people from illegally parking in a parking spot.

2.2 Types of Parking Bollards

Parking bollards

Bollards designed for a car park can span from those placed in parking bays to reduce illegal parking, to those used alongside and within the car park to protect pedestrians from moving vehicles. Parking bollards are typically foldable when placed in the parking bays themselves, to allow for vehicles to access them when permitted. Secondary to that, parking bollards that are used for security and pedestrian safety are commonly fixed and highly visible. They may be illuminated by lights, stacked in reinforced rows, or made from tough steel, but their purpose is to hold steady so vehicles can’t access pedestrian footpaths.   

Fixed bollards

These are created to be fixed and stay in place are typically used on roads or to deter traffic from entering a specific zone. They are commonly made from resilient materials such as steel or other metals. They are designed to withstand heavy damage, and may separate pedestrians from moving vehicles, or moving vehicles from hazards such as sharp descents on the edge of a road. Fixed bollards are commonly designed with bright colours to offer high visibility and driver compliance.  

Removable bollards

Some areas may only require bollards for a short period of time, such as meeting safety requirements for construction sites. Or another use is for crowd and traffic control during large events. These bollards are there to guide traffic and prevent accidents. They also give clear indicators to drivers and pedestrians where visitors are or are not permitted. Removable bollards are convenient solutions interim  solutions,  but not always as robust as a fixed or safety bollards.  

Safety bollards

These ground bollards are designed specifically to cater to roadside and car park safety. Made from reinforced materials, a safety bollard may come in the form of a parking bollard or fixed bollard. They put emphasis on traffic control, and aim to reduce speeds in the same way speed humps do. They are the obstacle that encourages drivers to drive with care, and for pedestrians to mind where they are going. These bollards are often found at schools, on roadsides, or in busy parking lots. 

Automatic bollards

For the added value of convenience  automatic bollards provide a seamless means to deter illegal parkers. They are also used by individuals who wish to protect or reserve their parking spaces either at work or in their office complex. Alternatively, they are also purchased by businesses and venues that wish to reserve bays for themselves, patrons, and staff members. Automatic bollards are designed to lower by the command of a remote or app, so that the driver doesn’t need to get out the car.   

Manual bollards

Manual bollards serve the same purpose as their automatic counterparts, with the key difference of being manually folded. These bollards are still the perfect choice for those who wish to reserve parking bays for themselves, their workers, or their patrons. While they don’t have quite the same level of convenience as an automatic bollard, you will find that a bollard shop offers a more affordable price for them.  

Security bollards

When it comes to defending property from ram raids or vandalisation, security bollards offer the best protection. These bollards are reinforced and designed to withstand heavier collisions. They will be seen around murals, building features, or vulnerable areas of a property. They are designed specifically to fend off those who might have ill intent, and work to prevent certain crimes from being executed. Ram raids and vandalisation can cause expensive damage to a building or property, which makes security bollards highly sought out for asset protection. 

2.3. Where are bollards commonly found?

Shopping Centres

One of the main locations you will find a parking bollard is in the car park of shopping centres. With such high volumes of traffic from both vehicles and pedestrians, shopping centres utilise the efficient service of quality bollards regularly. They may use safety bollards to keep pedestrians safe and off the road, they may use automatic and manual bollards for their workers, or they may use fixed bollards and security bollards to keep their assets protected. The busier a location is with vehicles entering and exiting, the more parking bollards become a necessary solution to the chaos.  

Places of work

Offices host a number of people day in and day out, and with parking bays being far too few for the amount of workers commuting to their places of work, bollards are often implemented. Automatic and manual bollards are the most common in these areas, where workers will purchase their own bollards to reserve their spot in a busy location. It is also common to find security bollards, where assets are being protected from accidental or intentional collisions.  

Entertainment venues

Another high traffic location are venues that host events or larger crowds. Sports bars, stadiums, and clubs are just a few venues which rely on ground bollards to manage the influx of guests coming and going. Similarly to offices and shopping centres, you might find automatic or manual bollards protecting certain bays so that staff or patrons may be the only ones with access. But more commonly, the bollards at these venues are designed for crowd control and asset protection. Fixed bollards, safety bollards, parking bollards, and security bollards, are all implemented in these venues.  

Schools and Childcare Centres

With parents and carers dropping their young children to schools and childcare centres, it is essential that there is parking where children can safely get in and out of the car. Childcare centres and schools that provide dedicated parking bays for their customers often find that other people block those bays. This prevents the parents who need to drop their children from being able to safely stop to take the children out. This is why parking bollards are often used to very effectively monitor the use of parking bays at childcare centres to ensure they are available for the safe dropping and picking up of children.

EV Charging Bays

As we start changing our cars over from petrol or internal combusion engine (ICE) vehicles, more and more EV charging stations are being installed. So it’s important to make sure that EV charging bays are used by people who have electric vehicles (EVs) and who are genuinely charging them. There is nothing worse that arriving at an EV charging bay to see that someone with a petrol car is hogging the parking spot, so you can’t charge your car. This is called ICEing, and it’s becoming a bigger problem in our cities on a regular basis. More and more property owners are now starting to use parking bollards to protect EV charging bays.

On the road

Bollards are crucial aspects of many highways, freeways, or residential areas. For roads, fixed bollards and safety bollards are the most commonly found. Fixed or safety bollards may be found along busy roads to ensure vehicles can’t cross into lanes they are not meant to be changing into. They may also be found alongside the road to create a divide between moving vehicles and cliffs or dams. Safety bollards are commonly found in residential areas, especially near and around school zones. They work to keep pedestrians from straying onto the road when there is poor visibility for cars, or zones that are too dangerous to cross.  

 

Section 3:

The Tried-and-Tested Buyer’s Guide for Parking Bollards

When looking to buy a parking bollard, it is important to find one that has been tried and tested and is known to be of high quality. The primary purpose of a parking bollard is to protect and secure your parking space for when you need it. Other bollards are used for safety, particularly to delineate areas between pedestrians and vehicles. This is both inside a building in a parking basement, and also on the sidewalk. 

3.1:  What are Parking Bollards used for?

Since the 18th century, parking bollards have been used as traffic safety devices, preventing unknown numbers of injuries. They are available in both in-ground and surface-mounted models. 

Parking bollards can be used to solve a variety of problems, including abuse of visitor parking, mixed use retail and commercial designated parking, office buildings with flexible work and parking arrangements, disability parking bays, and EV charging bay usage.

You can choose either surface-mounted parking bollards, which are easier to install in city buildings. Or you can choose in-ground bollards which are more suitable for heavy-duty and external use. 

As each parking situation is slightly different, at thatsmyspot,com.au, we listen to your needs, and based on that, offer customized solutions for your specific situation.

This buyer’s guide will help you to make the right buying choice.

3.2  So which parking bollard should I choose?

Manual parking bollards vs remote control vs smartphone parking bollards?

3.2.1.  Manual parking bollards

Manual parking bollards are the simplest and easiest type of parking bollard to use. They regulate vehicle access to a location through a simple manually operated locking device.

How do manual parking bollards work?

Manual parking bollards are hinged physical barriers, which can be locked upright to prevent unauthorized access to your parking space. Or they can be unlocked and folded flat to the ground to allow a vehicle to park over it.

The locking mechanism for a manual folding bollard can be either a key lock, or padlock. With either of these, the keys or padlocks can be keyed alike if you have a multiple parking use case. For example, with visitor parking, you may want to have all the manual parking bollards keyed alike, so one key will open any of them. This makes it much easier for the building or facilities manager to allocate parking as one key will open any one of the parking bollards.

It’s very simple to use manual parking bollards to secure your parking spot. Using a manual parking bollard means that parking in your own parking space is easy and stress-free. And with a choice of  heavy-duty, extremely durable and very cost-effective options, it makes choosing this type of simple parking bollard easy.

How do you install a manual parking bollard?

The range of manual parking bollards we have at thatsmyspot are very easy to install. They are all surface-mounted, so it makes minimal impact into the concrete slab. Depending on which model you choose, our manual parking bollards have either 4, or 6 fixing points. Installation of a manual parking bollard is very simple and easy to do and can be done by a handyman with simple tools. You can see how easy it is to install a manual parking bollard here. 

To buy a manual parking bollard, you can visit thatsmyspot.com.au where you select from a range of folding manual bollards. Here you’ll see the different features for each type of manual parking bollard, to choose what’s most suitable for your needs. And of course we are happy to assist with guiding you.

At thatsmyspot.com.au, we offer manual parking bollards that result in stress-free parking.

What are the features of Manual Parking Bollards?

Features of our manual parking bollards include:

1. They are high-quality, strong, heavy-duty and dependable, and make your life easier! 
2. Our manual parking bollards are made of galvanized steel, which are then powder-coated in high-visibility yellow, and have red reflective signage for added night-time visibility.
3. Our manual bollards, whether key operated or padlock operated, are easy to use and operate.
4. They are easy to install, as they are all surface mounted and BCA compliant. This means that they make very little impact into concrete slabs, which is important particularly in strata buildings.
5. Manual parking bollards can be used in a variety of applications – from residential apartments, to office buildings, Council carparks, and even shopping centres to manage and monitor parking bay usage. 
6. Our manual parking bollards are waterproof and dustproof.

3.2.2.  Remote control parking bollards

Remote control parking bollards are super convenient!

The most convenient way to make sure your parking spot is available when you need it is through an automated bollard. There are two general types of automated parking bollards. Firstly remote control parking bollards which we will discuss here. The other type of automated parking bollard is a smartphone parking bollard, which we’ll discuss in the next section. 

How do remote control parking bollards work?

Automated parking bollards operated with a remote control are very easy to use. They protect your individual parking bay from unauthorized use, and you just use a remote control to lower or raise them. This means you never have to hop out of the car to lower them, as you would for a manual parking bollard. 

How do you install a remote control parking bollard?

They are also very easy to install, and like the manual parking bollards, are surface mounted. The easy installation jobs make short work of any installation our clients need, ensuring a quick and hassle-free experience for you.

The installation method for remote control parking bollards is designed to minimize the impact to concrete slabs in large apartment and office buildings. So they comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA compliant) to make approval by your strata building easy. They have 3 concrete ankascrews which we supply with the remote control parking bollards, and they are 50 mm deep by either 8 or 10 mm diameter.

How are remote control parking bollards powered?

Remote control parking bollards are generally powered with battery power, so you don’t need to hardwire any power to them. This makes installation and use even easier. And means you can get approval from your owners’ corporation in a strata apartment building or commercial office building very easily. 

At that’s MY spot, our remote control parking bollards are all powered by rechargeable batteries. This makes their life expectancy longer, and means you don’t have to charge as often. Generally you’ll get about 9-12 months usage out of our remote control parking bollard batteries, before you need to recharge them. To recharge them, you plug them into a power charger supplied with the bollard, and charge overnight on any power point. The next morning, you just take the battery out, and put it back into the remote-control parking bollard, and it’s good to go for another 9 months or so. Rechargeable batteries do have an end life of 2-3 years. So when that comes up, you’ll just need to replace the battery with a new one.

Some remote-control parking bollards available use either 4 or 6 regular dry-cell batteries instead of a rechargeable battery. In our experience, we’ve found that those batteries don’t last very long at all, and you need to change them sometimes in just 10 weeks. This isn’t very convenient, and in fact, is the key reason we’ve invested more in our products to supply them with rechargeable batteries for your convenience.

Where are remote control parking bollards used?

Remote control parking bollards are designed to provide an effective solution for car parks and a range of uses. From residential apartment buildings, to commercial office buildings, medical centres, child care centres, shopping centres, commercial car parks and more.

Thatsmyspot provides you a best buying guide of our remote control parking bollards. 

Features and Benefits of remote control parking bollards

Features and benefits of remote control parking bollards are:

1. They are so simple to use, operated by a remote control so you don’t ever have to get out of your car. 
2. Each one comes with two remote controls, and you can add as many extra remote controls as you need.
3. They are easy to install and come supplied with fixings for concrete installation.
4. They are made of heavy-duty steel and cast iron, designed to withstand being driven over
5. They come with a rechargeable 6V battery and charging unit.
6.  They are dustproof, waterproof, and have been rigorously tested in all conditions.
7. They come with a 12 month warranty

Why would you choose a remote control parking bollard over a manual parking bollard?

Remote control parking bollards are a great solution for those who want the convenience of not hopping out of their car, but prefer to use a remote control rather than a smartphone to operate the parking bollard. If required, additional remote controls can usually also be added to the remote control parking bollards as an additional accessory or feature. This is helpful if drivers accidentally lose their remote controls, so new blank remotes can be organised and programmed to the bollard.

While more expensive than manual parking bollards, the added bonus of remote-control bollards is the convenience of not having to hop out of your car.

3.2.3  Smartphone parking bollards

Smartphone parking bollards are another type of automated parking bollard. But rather than being controlled by a remote control, they are controlled by a smartphone app. 

Smartphone parking bollards are super convenient!

Smartphone parking bollards offer the convenience of being able to lower and raise the parking bollard from a smartphone,  rather than a remote control. Or having to hop out of your car to manually unlock and lower a manual folding parking lock.

Smartphone parking bollards let you share access with other drivers

The beauty of smartphone parking bollards is they also allow you to share access with multiple users, simply through your smartphone. Whereas for a remote control parking bollard you need to share youre remote control or give them an additional one. 

Smartphone parking bollards protect your parking space from unauthorized use. They grant parking bay owners exclusive access without needing to hop out of their cars. 

Smartphone-operated versions of these automated bollards are at the top of the range in terms of price-point.

Features of Smartphone Parking Bollards

If you want to buy a smartphone parking bollard, then let us at  Thatsmyspot guide you over a few of the reasons why you would choose them. Smartphone parking bollards:

1. Are a safe, touch-free, and contactless parking solution that grants you exclusive parking access. This was a big concern during the recent pandemic, so the less things you need to touch, the safer you felt from a health perspective.
2. Allow you to open and close your own smartphone parking bollard simply by tapping the app from within 20 metres of your parking spot.
3. Are surface-mounted, so they cause minimal impact to the concrete slab in your building. Like the remote control parking bollards, our installation is BCA compliant, which makes it easier to get approval from your owners corporation in your apartment building.
4. Are a perfect solution for offices with flexible working days and hours. It means if different people come in on different days, the smartphone bollard lets them access that parking bay separately. Without them needing to get a remote control or key from your office manager.
5. Come with auto-sensors, which means that they will automatically rise up to close after 2 minutes of a car leaving. This means if a visitor or worker forgets to “lock” the bollard when they leave, the auto-sensor will do it for them. It gives added peace of mind and security that the parking bay is secured for the next driver.Most people carry their smartphones with them all the time. So using the smartphone parking bollard means you don’t need to have a key or remember a remote control. And you can control it all from the app on your smartphone.

How are smartphone parking bollards powered?

Obviously with a motor, the smartphone parking bollard needs to have power. Rather than requiring any hard-wiring, our that’s MY spot, smartphone parking bollards use rechargeable lithium batteries.  We supply a charger for the battery with the unit. You’ll generally get around 9 months battery life out of the battery before you need to recharge it. Obviously this depends on how often you use it. 

Remember though, a rechargeable battery that remains unused for long periods of time will lose its charge more quickly!!

To recharge your battery, just take it out of the bollard, put it on the charger, and charge overnight fully. The next day plug it back into the bollard and it’s ready for another 9 months or so. You’ll probably get about 2-3 years battery life out of each battery before you need a new one. And to make things even easier, our app has a battery health status indicator light. This goes from green to orange to red, to remind you when to recharge it.

Some smartphone parking bollards out there use either regular supermarket batteries. Watch out for those batteries as we receive complaints that they don’t last for more than a few weeks. Which is why we go the added mile to use a proper rechargeable battery. To make your parking life easier. 

How do smartphone parking bollards compare to manual bollards?

Smartphone parking bollards are fabulous for people who want to protect and share their parking spot easily. They are also best suited for drivers who use their smartphones for everything – and who don’t want to worry about a remote control or getting out of their car.

Smartphone parking bollards  are more expensive than manual parking bollards. They start at around the same price as remote-control bollards, but when you add the auto-sensor feature, they do become more expensive than them. It also depends what height you want the smartphone bollards, as you can get them in two sizes. The taller ones with auto-sensors are obviously more expensive.

3.3.  Are parking bollards for sale suitable for indoor and outdoor use?

Most parking bollards for sale are generally suitable for either indoor or outdoor use.

It will depend on what material they are made from to determine their suitability for outdoors.

At that’s MY spot, we make sure all our bollards are suitable for all climate conditions. They have been tested indoors and outdoors. Our parking bollards are generally made of galvanized steel, and powder-coated on top. That’s how we ensure they are suitable for outdoor use as well.

For areas near the ocean, customers tend to prefer stainless steel grade bollards which weather salty conditions better. Of course, these come with a more expensive price tag. They are also architecturally more attractive than powder-coated yellow.

At thatsmyspot our automated parking bollards are waterproof and dustproof. They comply with the international waterproofing standard IP67, so withstand rain and dust outdoors. At thatsmyspot we‘re careful to ensure our bollards comply with Australian industry standard for parking, AS2890.

3.4.  Why would you buy a manual parking bollard as opposed to an automatic or smartphone parking bollard for sale?

What parking bollard you choose to buy comes down to balancing the various factors of personal preference, convenience, application for your use and cost.

Remote or smartphone bollards offer the convenience that you don’t need to get out of your car to operate them. Especially when it’s raining. Or there‘s a disabled or elderly driver, who would find it difficult for the added physical exertion to operate a manual bollard.

Smartphone parking bollards allow drivers to share access with other users without a remote control. Because it’s all done through the app, you don’t even need to be near the smartphone parking bollard. So using a smartphone parking bollard in these situation where there are multiple users is very convenient.

That being said, the remote control parking bollards for sale are more expensive than their manual bollard counterparts. And when you upgrade further to smartphone parking bollards for sale, their price increases as well.

By comparison, while the manual parking bollards for sale are generally far more cost effective, they are not quite as convenient. You can buy manual parking bollards for much less than automated ones because they don’t have a motor. But you do need to get in and out of your car to operate them.

All manual, remote control and smartphone parking bollards for sale are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. So it really depends more on the type of application that you need them for as to which parking bollard to buy. And also be mindful of the type of vehicles that tend to steal your parking spot.

At thatsmyspot we are very focussed on making sure our customers get the best advice. We have 15 years of experience in the industry and our reputation is very important to us. So we take a lot of time to guide you to choose the best parking solution for what your specific situation is. We listen to your parking pain points, and come up with a tailored solution for your needs. And this is how we ensure that our products work to deliver the result that you need. Taking the stress out of your parking.

3.5. When would you use fixed bollards?

Fixed bollards are a permanent bollard solution – they stand straight and tall and cannot be folded down to give parking access. 

They come in both surface-mounted and in-ground versions.

Surface mounted fixed bollards are easy to install, and do minimal impact or damage to the concrete slab or surface. In-ground bollards need to be core-drilled into the surface, which means some excavation, and these are not used very often indoors in city buildings for this reason.

People use fixed parking bollards most commonly to protect building assets, restrict access around loading docks, prevent ram raids, or for safety to clearly delineate pedestrian areas from areas where vehicles travel. 

3.6.  How many people will use the parking bollard?

Our parking bollards at thatsmyspot are of an exceptionally high quality and standard. We’ve been doing this for 14 years now. So our customer reviews are all incredibly positive about our products and our customer service and ongoing support. Our parking bollards have been tried and tested for over a decade – and as a result we have a reputation of being highly effective and of excellent quality. 

Our online bollard shop is a one-stop-shop for parking bollards. We are passionate about finding smart, simple and secure parking solutions for our clients. We are proudly an Australian-owned business, with over a decade’s dedication to providing the best customer parking experiences. 

3.7  Will I need to buy additional parking bollard accessories?

Most parking bollards should come absolutely complete with everything you need. That includes keys, fixings, rechargeable batteries, remote controls and battery chargers. So generally you don’t need to buy any additional accessories.

At thatsmyspot, all our products come with all these items included in the total cost price. So you don’t need to purchase any additional parking bollard accessories.

However, if you want any additional remote controls or keys, this can be easily organized. If you need extra remote controls for your family or friends, we can order these. The same goes for additional keys for your manual parking bollards – just ask us.

And for when your rechargeable battery runs out of charge, we have additional batteries always available in stock for you. 

Finally, if you lose any components of your parking bollards, we generally have spare parts for the most common things. So again just contact us to find out what you need.

3.8 Where can I buy a parking bollard?

You can shop for a parking bollard with local providers or online stores that ship nationwide, like us at thatsmyspot.com.au. 

We specialise in all types of parking bollards, including manual folding parking bollards, remote control, smartphone bollards and fixed bollards. You can find detailed information about parking bollards on our bollard shop page. 

We offer a wide variety of parking solutions for both premium and cost-effective prices. 

Our bollards are tried-and-tested and our customer service is excellent.

The best parking bollards are those that have been tried and tested for as long as ours have. And that’s because they are more durable and can withstand more abuse. 

Options include manual, smartphone, remote control and collapsible parking bollards.

Collapsible parking bollards for sale are a great option because they are easy to install, fold-down out of the way. They can be surface-mounted to comply with building requirements. 

Collapsible bollards provide a wide range of security options. They are commonly found on emergency vehicle access roads, trailheads, and maintenance entrances. They are also used in loading docks, garbage truck reserved bays, EV charging bays, and to delineate pedestrian access.

3.9 Best parking bollard reviews

3.10 What are the Benefits of Parking Bollards?

Controlling fast-moving traffic is one of the most difficult tasks in today’s world. And that’s when the role of security bollards step in. When you need strong physical barriers to control the separation of pedestrians, cars, and bicycles on roads, and inside buildings. Security and Parking bollards are designed to keep both people and property safe and protect them.

Parking bollards are an important part of controlling restricted areas and preventing accidents. Bollards can also be used to restrict access to certain areas when it’s dangerous. For example where there are construction or excavation works in progress near a building site Safety bollards in this instance protect pedestrians and workers from a safety perspective

Parking Bollards are sturdy, hard-wearing structures used specifically in relation to parking. They are used to protect a parking space from being used by someone else, or from vandalism. They should be waterproof, dust-resistant and strong enough to withstand a vehicle driving over them.  

Parking Bollards offer an extra layer of parking certainty for vehicles and help drivers ensure they have certainty of parking availability especially in busy and  difficult parking situations.

3.10.1 Parking Bollards and security of your parking space

Parking Bollards serve an important driver experience utility for any parking lot or parking station.  They provide security and certainty to a driver that their designated parking bay is available to them.

Security and safety bollards are also used in parking basements to protect pedestrians, guide drivers, and reduce the chance of damage to cars. 

Bollards come in different sizes, colors, and materials, allowing them to be used to separate areas of a parking lot and keep pedestrians, shoppers, and motorists safe. 

Safety bollards are also used to protect structures from being crashed into by drivers. You can use bollards in a parking lot  to create a safer environment for both pedestrians and drivers, while ensuring their vehicles remain secure.

3.10.2. Parking bollards improve safety

Safety and securityollards improve safety in public spaces by preventing vehicular attacks and restricting car access in areas designated for pedestrians. 

They also help regulate the flow of people in crowded spaces, such as museums or theatres, and can be used to enhance the appearance of buildings. 

3.10.3 Substantial control over traffic flow

Parking and security bollards improve traffic flow by preventing drivers from ramping up onto curbs and by providing a physical barrier to protect pedestrians from getting injured. 

Bollards provide an extra layer of protection for pedestrians and vehicles, helping to keep public areas safe and regulated.

Bollards are the best  way to control traffic on-street in kerbside locations, and off-street in parking spots, and even in the entrance-exit areas.. Parking restrictions can be difficult to manage in places with a lot of traffic. But with bollards, you can create a much more controlled and safe environment that insects between vehicles and pedestrians.

3.10.4 Eases frustration, stress and anger

Finding someone else parked in your parking spot is one of the MOST IRRITATING things that can happen to you. Invariably, illegal parking causes a huge amount of friction, stress and upset among people. And when that’s in your residential building, it makes living there a nightmare if you’re constantly arguing with neighbours or the building manager.

So in this situation, car park bollardsare a great way to defray frustration and anger. Because the parking bollards physically reserve the driver’s own parking bay, that means that no one else can use it. Let’s take an example. Mary lives in a residential apartment building and has a dedicated parking spot for her own use – she pays for it, but it’s located very conveniently near the lift. Mary drives to and from work as she often has night shift, and she feels safer making her way home by car rather than public transport.

But when she’s out, the neighbour who doesn’t have his own parking space, thinks it can’t hurt, so I’ll just use her parking spot. But then Mary comes home at 3 am and wants to park in her spot. And she can’t! Because her neighbour has selfishly parked there. She’s tired, it’s late and she is really annoyed. So she goes up to bang on his door to wake him to move the car. Unfortunately unbeknownst to her, he has gone away for a week and isn’t home. So what can Mary do now? Not much. It’s 3 am, and the building manager isn’t there and she just wants to go to bed. She’s very angry and frustrated.

But if Mary installs a parking bollard in her bay, then the thoughtless neighbour just can’t park there. The parking bollard protects it and means he can’t get by it. It will give her back her parking spot, but more importantly peace of mind and take the stress out of confronting the neighbour who was pretty selfish!

3.10.5. Reduces stress levels

Car park bollards are effective in reducing stress levels because they can be used to control access and protect parking spots from being used by unauthorised drivers.

By controlling the automatic bollards, businesses can reduce stress levels of their occupants, and ensure the security of their premises.

3.10.6 Improve parking efficiency

Parking Bollards improve the efficiency of parking lots by providing more certainty of parking bay availability. It means if you know you are making a booking for a parking station, that the specific spot you have booked is actually reserved for you, and no one else can use it during your booking. And you can go straight to that parking spot, knowing it’s reserved for you. Rather than circling around searching for any random available parking.

This is really important in venues such as hospitality, restaurants, shopping centres, airports and your office or residential strata building. It also means that with a physical booking, the asset owner can actually calculate how often the bay will turn over, and increase the efficiency. Also instead of circling around looking for parking, the driver knows exactly where their spot is and that it’s secured by a parking bollard. Which means less carbon emissions because they are not driving around in circles. The other great news about parking bollards is that when they are surface-mounted, they are very easy to install, and compliant with the Building Code of Australia.

They are also very durable, so they last for a long time. This way they provide a great return on investment when it comes to enhancing the value of your parking assets.

3.10.7 Increased convenience

Parking Bollards increase driver convenience by serving to physically secure their individual parking bay, which enhances their user experience and convenience.  Additionally, bollards can be installed to accommodate the growing EV market, as well as to improve charging station accessibility. Or another situation is where disabled parking spaces need to be reserved with those who have true disabilities, not abused by people who just want the convenience of parking in an empty spot.

Using a parking bollard to temporarily secure a parking space is beneficial for many reasons. By placing bollards on either side of the space, it creates an added layer of protection against vehicles entering or departing the area. 

This can help prevent accidents, provide additional security and enable traffic to flow more freely as cars are forced to stay in designated areas.

3.10.8. Easy to use

It’s so easy to use car park bollards, which is another one of their many benefits. So whether you choose a manual parking bollard that is operated with a key or a padlock, that’s a simple open and close operation. But if you want to avoid even having to get out of your car, then the automated bollards are perfect. You can either use a remote control to operate your remote control parking bollard. Or if you prefer to use your smartphone, you can use smartphone operated parking bollards.

3.10.9 Saves time and money

When parking bollards are installed, it saves you time circling around looking for an available parking bay. This is because you know that your parking bay is physically secured with a parking bollard. This also saves you money because driving around in circles uses fuel, and the cost of fuel is sky-high. So every minute idling is unnecessarily costing you more money. Plus it’s harmful for the environment.

3.10.10. Make Money

You can earn money by installing  automated parking bollards in your parking space, and then renting it out. Knowing that the car park bollards are installed there, it means that no one else can use that spot, so you can guarantee to earn money from it from other drivers who need parking. This is a big advantage on parking apps, where they can’t guarantee you a parking spot, especially because they can’t physically secure it. And we all know that people just don’t respect your parking spot – if it’s available, they will most likely take it!  Especially if your parking spot is in a metro location or a busy residential area, or near commuter train stations.

3.11. What are Bollards good for?

Bollards are a type of physical barrier designed to protect pedestrians, storefronts, and parking booths from the damage caused by vehicles. 

Using bollards means you can reduce the likelihood of accidents because you are segregating pedestrians from vehicles in areas where they operate close by. 

Temporary  bollards also alert drivers of various hazards as well as indicate road closures or semi-closures. The use of bollards can therefore have many benefits, including greater safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

3.12. Benefits of different types of car parking bollards

Car Parking Bollards are used for a variety of purposes, including increasing safety and security. 

Automatic retractable bollards are often used in high-security applications where aesthetics is important. 

Removable bollards are perfect for temporary applications, such as providing temporary access to restricted areas or blocking off areas. 

Manual retractable and mobile/collapsible bollards can be used when more flexibility is needed in order to move or block off an area quickly and easily.

3.13 Benefits of parking bollards in apartment buildings

Parking bBollards can provide benefits to residential apartment buildings by helping to manage access to both common property parking (such as visitor, EV or disabled parking bays) and also to ensure that errant drivers don’t park in residents’ parking bays.

This means that the residents, building or facilities or strata managers don’t need to waste so much time figuring out who has parked illegally, and handling the complaints of residents and visitors alike! Did you know that building managers waste approximately 15% of their time trying to sort out the stress of illegal parking in their residential strata buildings?

3.14 What are the benefits of bollards in parking lots

The use of parking bollards in parking lots offers many benefits for both drivers and the parking operator. For the driver it enhances convenience, saves them time and money, by ensuring the parking bay is physically blocked off for them.

For the parking operator, it also increases their return on investment because they know that there will be parking available for that driver, and they don’t have to waste time finding them another spot.

And with so many tight turns in parking lots, it’s important to also use security bollards to protect the physical assets in the parking lot. For example, around a water pipe, or close to an emergency exit. On top of that, safety bollards are used around lift entrances to make sure that people hopping out of the lift are not accidentally injured if a car happens to overshoot and lurch towards the elevators. Again, this is security in segregating people from vehicles in high traffic mixed use zones, because we all know that the vehicle usually wins.

Removable bollards are also very useful to create temporary separation – so if in morning peak hour, the lanes to a parking station are all flowing into the station, then you might make most of the lanes as going in. But later in the day when work finishes, most of the cars are leaving. So then you would want to make most of the lanes going outward. This increases efficiency of exit, but lowering wait times. So this results in happier customers who are not caught up in bottleneck traffic!

3.15 Benefits of parking bollards versus boom gates

Boom gates are commonly used at large parking station entries and exits, to monitor vehicles coming in and out, and importantly to work out how much to charge the drivers. 

So we’ve all driven through boom gates (sometimes known as boom barriers). Simply, they are a horizontal bar or pole which is attached to a motorised machine, which raises or lowers to let cars in or to hold them to wait until it’s time for them to exit. It raises up to let cars enter, and then lowers to wait for them to check their exit time and pay for their ticket on the way out.

Boom Gates need to be hard-wired to have sufficient power to raise the arm up and then go down. So it’s a fairly extensive and intrusive item to install and maintain. They are also usually connected to a back end administrative platform for the asset owner to see how many vehicles come in and leave each day.  Boom gates are often subject to vandalism or damage when cars try to ignore them and drive straight through! No fun at all!

Parking bollards offer several advantages over boom gates that make them a more desirable choice for many Australian commercial buildings that are explained below:

Ease of Use

Parking bollards are really easy to use to control vehicles on a bay by bay basis. Whereas, boom gates can only block off a single large area. Boom gates cannot secure parking bays on an individual basis like parking bollards can. So parking bollards can control and regulate individual parking bays far more effectively. Also with a boom gate, it means that all cars are waiting lined up to enter the parking station, so that can often cause traffic jams. So individual parking bollards in each bay is a much smoother way to manage traffic, providing convenience and control without needing extra work or resources.

Improved security and safety

Parking bollards offer a variety of safety benefits and convenience over boom gates. Nowadays, both residential and commercial properties need to be secure, so there is a place for boom gates or roller door shutters. . With parking bollards, you can pinpoint the security and certainty down to each individual parking bay which boom gates cannot do. Also with individual parking bollards, only authorised drivers with access to the individual bollard (either by a key, remote control or smartphone) can access. So in fact, parking bollards can be used in conjunction with boom gates to have an additional layer of protection.

Parking bollards are easy to install

Boom gates need to be hard-wired to power, and require civil and electrical engineering work to install them. They also need access to ethernet so they can connect to the internet and the cloud. This is quite intrusive and extensive for the building as it requires core-drilling, cabling and some minor construction works. This can be inconvenient for residential or commercial office buildings, as it’s noisy and causes vibrations. So in office buildings the works often have to be done at night. 

By contrast, installation of parking bollards is much more straightforward. Parking bollards only need to be surface-mounted, so you don’t need to channel into the concrete or bitumen floor. Parking bollards are fixed to the surface, and are BCA compliant. They only need to have 3 or 4 fixing points, and the fixings are only 50 mm deep. Some bollards can be core-drilled into the concrete, but that requires building approval and a lot more scanning of the slab or dial-before-you-dig.

Parking bollards are much more cost-effective than boom gates

Parking bollards are typically more cost-effective than boom gates. Both for upfront initial installation charges, but also for ongoing maintenance. Also parking bollards sit within each individual parking space. By contrast a boom gate is at the building entry and exit, and takes up a lot more room.  Parking bollards require less ongoing maintenance. In addition, safety bollards provide protection between a footway and a hazard zone, which can be particularly useful in warehouses and industrial settings.

Parking Bollards play a vital role in keeping your community safe. By choosing the right type of parking bollard, you can help keep roads clean and drivers safe.

Parking bollards are a great way to secure your parking spot and keep your car safe. At thatsmyspot.com.au, we offer a range of smart and cost-effective bollards that make life easier for you and your customers. From parking bollards to electric gate operators, we have everything you need to keep cars parked safely and securely. 

4. Parking Bollard Installation

4.1 Why Install Parking Bollards?

Every parking lot should have bollards because they act as a physical barrier between pedestrians, buildings, and vehicles. Bollards are a useful way to allocate parking places and direct traffic as well. There are a few things you should consider before installing any parking bollards in your parking lot.

4.2 What type of Parking Bollard should I install?

You should first work out which type of parking bollard you want to install. There are lots of different types, including fixed, retractable (or fold-down), and removable bollards.

It really depends on the purpose for which you’re going to use the bollards and what you want the desired outcome to be. These types of parking bollards include manual fold-down parking bollards, automatic remote-controlled parking bollards, and smartphone parking bollards.

Cost will also play a deciding factor in your decision making. Depending on the size and scope of the job, you may wish to speak with a parking professional to advise you on the best options.

Retractable or fold-down parking bollards offer the ability to implement flexible traffic flow management because they may be raised and lowered as needed. In addition, folding bollards can be used to physically reserve a parking bay for the authorised driver. When the driver has left the parking spot, you raise the parking bollard up and it secures the parking spot for that person until they return.

When not in use, removable bollards are simple to remove, making them a practical choice for transient events.

Fixed bollards are installed permanently and are largely used to prevent damage to building assets, and also to separate pedestrian zones from vehicular zones.

4.3 What regulations do I need to comply with when installing parking bollards?

It’s important to ensure that you comply with any building regulations or standards when installing parking bollards. This is so they meet minimum safety requirements. For example with fire doors, safety bollards need to allow access for people departing in a rush during an emergency, and also allow for wheelchair access.

There is also an Australian standard which deals with parking – AS2890. While it doesn’t directly address parking bollards, you will need to take into consideration things like visibility, whether they are a trip hazard, whether they are of suitably strong material, and to ensure that they don’t block emergency exits. These are considered by occupational health and safety (OH&S) regulations.

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) also has certain requirements about embedded services in slabs in high-rise buildings. Eg. Water pipes, electrical conduit, or anything else embedded in the concrete needs to be at least 50 mm below the surface. So it’s important to make sure you don’t drill too deep when you’re installing parking bollards that you hit those.

You definitely don’t want to If you do drill too deep there’s a significant risk that you might hit those services and cause all kinds of issues. You definitely don’t want to hit a water pipe which could go gushing everywhere and cause damage. Or gas pipes so you end up with a gas leak in the building. And similarly, you don’t want to hit any electrical cables, which could both injure you and also cut of power to the building. All of this is both dangerous and costly to repair for the building.

If available, it’s also wise to ask for blueprints, or as built drawings from the building, which should show on them where embedded services have been installed in slabs.

To be super-safe, some larger buildings will engage a consultant to do a slab scan. This involves scanning the concrete floor to identify the location of any embedded services. Another service in Australia is called Dial-before-you-dig. While helpful, it is not always completely accurate as this service relies on contractors submitting where they have laid services.

Do I need permission from my strata or building to install a parking bollard?

4.4 Do I need permission from my strata or building to install a parking bollard?

Yes. In a strata building you must always obtain approval from the building – whether it’s the owners committee or the strata manager – before you install a parking bollard. Some buildings may have a pre-approved process, but you should always check before drilling into the common property slab.

If you need help seeking approval from your strata or owners’ corporation, please let us know and we can send you a form of request for approval.

Some buildings impose additional standards for parking bollards. For example, they may want them installed by the same contractor, or all at the same distance into a parking bay, or all the same model. So before installing a parking bollard, you need to check with your building or strata to see if there are additional requirements.

4.5 Is it difficult to install parking bollards?

Installing parking bollards can be very simple, or a bit more complex.

It depends on both the type of parking bollard you are installing, and also the surface you are installing it into.

The easiest level is installing surface mounted parking bollards into a concrete slab. When you are installing inground bollards however, there is a lot more that you need to consider. Always ensure that you engage an expert who has installed parking bollards, like us at thatsMYspot. Otherwise if you feel confident enough with your own tools to follow our detailed instructions on DIY installation, that’s a great option as well.

4.6 Who can install a parking bollard?

At thatsMYspot we offer installation services for our parking bollards across Australia.  We have 14 years of experience in the industry so have seen it all.

You can also install a surface-mounted parking bollard yourself, if you have the right tools, you can follow our easy installation instructions. This is for either concrete or bitumen surfaces. Or if you have a local handyman, they can easily install it for you following our instructions as well.

If you’re looking to install an in-ground parking bollard, we highly recommend you engage a professional to do this, as it is quite a bit more complex. You can ask us for a quote to do inground installations for you as well.

4.7 How do I install a parking bollard?

4.7.1. Preparing to install your parking bollard

You’re now excited to install your brand new thatsMYspot parking bollard which will solve all your parking problems. But before you start drilling away, you should take the following preparatory steps.

4.7.2 What tools do you need to install a parking bollard?

A hammer drill, masonry bit, concrete fixings or anchors, and a quick-drying chemical epoxy are all the tools you’ll need for installation. If you don’t already own these, you can rent them from a hardware store or hire an expert to install the parking bollards for you.

4.7.3 What fixings do I use to install a parking bollard?

The fixings you need to install a parking bollard depend on whether it’s installed into a concrete or bitumen surface. At thatsMYspot we supply all our parking bollards with suitable concrete fixings – 10 mm hex top ankascrews.

For installing into bitumen, you can use coach screws or alternatively endless thread cut in lengths to suit. For more detail on this see below under How do I install a parking bollard in bitumen?

4.7.4 Check your site location

Work out where you’re going to install your parking bollard in the parking space.

People often ask us, how far into the parking spot should I install a parking bollard?

We advise installing our parking bollards around one-third of the way INTO the parking spot, assuming it is a conventional parking bay with simple entry and egress.

This is typically about 1000–1200 mm from the open end of the parking spot. At most, we would put our parking locks in the middle of the parking bay.

Sometimes people want them installed in slightly different places, but if you’re unsure, just call us and we’ll give you advice on where, given your needs, is the best place to put your parking bollards.

Whether your parking bollards are installed indoors or outdoors also has relevance. If installing parking bollards outdoors you should select weather-resistant parking bollards. Concrete and steel are both dependable materials for outdoor bollards. Your material options will be more flexible if you’re building bollards indoors. Bollards made of plastic and metal are both popular materials for installations indoors.

4.7.5 How far apart should parking bollards be spaced?

For two reasons, it’s crucial to plan out where your bollard will be in relation to the parking space or other bollards. In the first, professionalism and aesthetics are all that matter. It is visually appealing for drivers to approach a bollard that is neatly positioned in its parking space.

The second is that, depending on how you use your bollards, there might be a few compliance concerns you need to take into account. For instance, bollards placed in a row to divide people from vehicles must be sufficiently spaced apart to allow wheelchair users to pass over them.

You must measure and designate the perfect location where your bollard should be positioned in relation to the parking spot in order to ensure appropriate bollard spacing.

Check for any embedded services

As discussed above, it’s important to make sure that you’re not going to be drilling into a slab and hitting any water pipes, gas pipes or electrical cable. So either make sure you will only be drilling 50 mm deep into the slab. For extra precaution, you may also wish to perform a slab scan, and/ or a Dial Before you Dig report.

Make sure the surface is flat and clean

The surface where the bollards will be installed is the next thing you should think about. It should be in good condition, flat and clean. Installing into lumpy old concrete or bitumen with holes in it, is not very desirable, as there is less surface for the fixings to grip to.

4.7.6 Surface-mounted parking bollards vs In-ground parking bollards

Parking bollards can be either surface-mounted or core-drilled into the ground. Multi-level carparks and buildings prefer surface-mounted bollards in parking bays because it is less intrusive to the concrete slab. In most indoor parking basements, this is more than sufficient.

The surface-mounted installation method is very simple and easy to do.

At thatsMYspot, all our parking bollards are surface mounted. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, it makes it easy for you or your handyman to install themselves. Secondly, and this is very important in multi-storey buildings, to make sure that the installation is compliant with the BCA provisions. Something that strata and commercial buildings always ask about as they want as little penetration into their concrete slab as possible.

While the in-ground installation, it is more complex and requires a professional to do this. It will generally require core-drilling and you need to go deeper into the slab, so you really need to be careful about embedded services.

4.7.7 Installing your parking bollard into a concrete surface

If you’re installing a surface-mounted parking bollard into a concrete surface, the procedure is simple and straightforward. If you have a concrete drill and are confident using it, you can do the installation yourself.

For installing either manual, automatic remote controlled and smartphone parking bollards, we advise the following procedure.

All our bollards at thatsMYspot are surface mounted, which makes them suitable for a much broader range of buildings as they are less invasive to the concrete or bitumen surface. We supply concrete fixings with all our parking barriers, including manual, remote controlled and smartphone parking locks..

The base plate of each of our parking bollards has pre-drilled holes. Depending on the type you select, each bollard has either 3, 4 or 6 holes. Simply lay the bollard where you wish to install it on the ground, then mark the pre-drilled holes with chalk or a marker.

Next, use your masonry bit with a hammer drill with a suitably sized drill bit to drill the required number of holes that are just 50 mm deep.

Then fit the baseplate of the parking bollard over the drilled holes, and insert the ankascrews through the top of the base-plate holes, and drill them into the concrete. Tighten the end of the fixings if required. For a manual parking bollard you’re now finished. For an automatic or remote controlled parking bollard, you just need to pop the lid over the baseplate and lock the external casing. Make sure that the hook to lock it fits properly, and you’re good to go!

4.7.8 How do you install a parking bollard into a bitumen surface?

Installing into bitumen or asphalt is a slightly more complex process. Generally, where bitumen has been laid, there is a relatively thin layer of bitumen over the top of compacted road base. It’s different from a concrete slab, as it’s hard to know how much bitumen is over the compacted roadbase.

In this situation, we recommend testing the bitumen depth and composition by drilling down a hole approximately 100 – 150 mm to the surface so you can see what’s there and the condition of it. If it’s clear it’s compacted roadbase, then we advise fixing the parking bollard to the surface either with coach screws at 140 mm long or with lengths of endless thread cut in lengths to suit.

Then drill out the required number of holes at the locations as set out in the base plate.  Set the base plate back so that the holes are aligned. Then in some Chemset or another quick-drying chemical anchor from your local hardware shop into the drilled out holes. Once you’ve done that, then insert the coach screws or endless thread, and secure the fixings. If it’s endless thread, just use a suitably sized nut to suit.  If you’re using coach screws, then they are self-fixing and won’t need a nut to top them.  

When the Chemset sets, it acts like a concrete pole around the endless thread fixing, keeping it incredibly secure.

This way you don’t need to go to the trouble and expense of laying down a concrete pad, which is expensive and time-consuming.

4.7.9 Can you move a parking bollard once it’s been installed?

Yes absolutely you can move your parking bollard to a different location.

All you need to do is use your masonry drill with the appropriate hex drill bit, pop it into reverse, and unscrew the ankascrews from the base plate. It will leave small holes behind, however you can easily restore these to their original condition. Just get a little epoxy filler from your local hardware and pop it into the hole and allow it to set.

Then take your parking bollard to your new location and install it the same way you did it the first time! Easy as! Installing your parking bollard is a relatively simple and easy process. Whether you’re confident enough to do it yourself, or would like thatsMYspot to quote you on a professional installation, especially for larger bulk orders, just get in touch and ask us for a quote.

5. Case studies

In this section we go into more detail about particular use cases where parking bollards solve specific problems according to the users needs at each site.

5.1 Residential Apartments – Visitor Parking Bays

We constantly hear from residential strata apartments about the vexatious frustrations with visitor parking. And with populations in cities increasing rapidly day by day ,it’s a problem that is only growing. 

Residents of one of our client buildings – a brand new apartment complex in Melbourne with an impressive 230 apartments and had 35 visitor parking spaces. For a city high-rise that’s a pretty good number. However as the building began to fill up, the building manager encountered a surge in unauthorised parking in the designated visitor bays.As we know, city living comes at a premium, and residents were quick to seize the opportunity to utilise these free spaces for their second vehicles – especially where their apartment came with only one parking spot.  While the building was only new and there weren’t too many residents, it didn’t really raise an eyebrow. However, as more residents moved in, the encroachment of resident overflow parking into visitor parking bays became a major headache for both the building manager and the residents alike. Since the residents were already using up all the visitor parking as overflow, there were no true visitor bays available.

Despite numerous attempts to solve this with signage and letters on vehicles, the problem persisted, even with CCTV. The building manager found themselves endlessly chasing down unauthorised parkers, while residents’ genuine visitors struggled to find parking.

The building manager then contacted thatsMYSpot tackle this issue, with a smart solution to this growing parking predicament. By introducing smartphone-operated parking bollards, the building manager could now reserve visitor bays exclusively for genuine guests, effectively blocking access for residents who had grown accustomed to using them. Visitors received simple instructions to download the app, which allowed them to operate the bollards. Once authorised, they could lower the bollard upon arrival to secure their parking space. The TMS-APL4 smartphone parking bollards with auto-sensors were chosen, ensuring that when visitors left, the bollard automatically retracted, securing the bay once more.

This seamless and secure solution not only resolved the visitor parking issue but also simplified the process for everyone involved. ThatsMyspot.com.au managed the entire process, from consulting to product recommendation and installation, which was completed in a single day. This success story is one of many, as their solutions are in high demand among strata buildings facing similar challenges.

The building manager and owners’ corporation couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Parking in their building is now a stress-free experience. The building manager can focus on her broader responsibilities, while residents can enjoy their new homes without the added burden of parking woes.

This case study underscores the importance of parking bollards in effectively managing visitor parking in apartment buildings.In essence, we simplified and secured visitor parking for residential strata buildings, addressing a common pain point with ease. ThatsMYspot’s automated parking bollards, with their user-friendly smartphone integration, provided an innovative solution that optimises visitor parking management while ensuring simplicity and security.

If you’re facing similar challenges in your apartment building, ThatsMyspot.com.au has the solution. Visit our parking bollard shop or contact us today to reclaim your parking spaces.

5.2 Parking Bollards in Commercial Mixed Use Property

As the trend towards urbanisation continues, commercial properties often find themselves grappling with the efficient management of parking spaces. Parking bollards in commercial property have emerged as an effective solution to address these challenges. Whether it’s a business hub, a retail centre, or a mixed-use building, parking bollards ensure safety, accessibility, and optimum utilisation of available space.

Why Use Parking Bollards in Commercial Property?

• Traffic Control: One of the primary applications of parking bollards in commercial properties is traffic control. They help designate specific areas for parking, preventing vehicles from encroaching into unauthorised zones. This ensures smooth traffic flow within the premises and minimises the risk of accidents.

• Security Enhancement: Parking bollards act as a physical barrier, deterring unauthorised access to restricted areas. They are particularly useful for protecting entrances, storefronts, and outdoor dining spaces. Bollards can withstand vehicle impacts, providing an added layer of security against potential ram-raiding or vandalism.

• Pedestrian Safety: In commercial areas with high foot traffic, parking bollards create safe pedestrian zones. By strategically placing bollards along walkways and outside entrances, property managers can safeguard customers, employees, and visitors from vehicle-related accidents.
• Access Control: Some commercial properties require controlled access, especially in loading docks or delivery areas. Removable or retractable bollards can be used to grant temporary access to authorised vehicles while blocking entry to others.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: Bollards are available in various designs and finishes, making them an aesthetic addition to commercial properties. They can complement the overall architectural style and landscaping, enhancing the property’s curb appeal.
• Outdoor Seating: For restaurants and cafes, bollards play a crucial role in creating outdoor seating areas. By installing bollards around these spaces, property owners can ensure the safety of diners while complying with local regulations.
• Energy Efficiency: Bollards equipped with integrated lighting can illuminate pathways, parking lots, and outdoor areas. This not only enhances safety at night but also contributes to energy efficiency by reducing the need for additional lighting fixtures.
• Brand Promotion: Customizable bollards can be branded with a property’s logo or message, serving as a promotional tool. They create a lasting impression on customers and reinforce brand identity.
• Low Maintenance: Parking bollards are designed for durability and require minimal maintenance. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and remain functional for years, making them a cost-effective choice for commercial properties.
• Compliance: Many local regulations and codes require the use of parking bollards in specific commercial applications. By adhering to these guidelines, property owners can avoid fines and legal complications. 

The practical application of parking bollards in commercial property can be best understood by exploring real-life case studies. 

5.3 Crafting Convenient Solutions for Cafe Owners

5.3.1 A Brewing Problem in Sydney’s Shopping Centre

In the bustling environment of a Sydney shopping centre, nestled among the numerous retail spaces, a café owner found herself embroiled in a peculiar predicament. She had strategically rented six parking spaces, aligning them with her commercial retail tenancy. This investment was driven by an essential need: ensuring her staff and delivery vans had consistent and easy access to the café. However, despite clear signage labelling these spots for ‘RETAIL’ use only, shoppers would frequently occupy them, throwing a wrench into the café’s smooth operation.

5.3.2 The Hefty Price of Parking Peace

This was not merely a matter of convenience but also a financial strain. The café owner had invested a premium in securing accessible parking through her lease, understanding its pivotal role in enabling efficient operations. Her requirement was straightforward yet crucial: the parking bays needed to be consistently available for her delivery vans and staff, ensuring a seamless flow in café activities and supply replenishment.

5.3.3 Bollard Brilliance: A Tailored Solution

In search of a solution, the café owner approached our team, presenting us with the challenge. We recognized that a quick and reliable fix was necessary and, thus, proposed the installation of our dependable bollards.

• Manual Car Park Bollards for Employee Parking: Considering that the staff required parking for longer shifts, we installed manual car park bollards, providing a stable and secure solution.
• Quick-Access Bollards for Delivery Vans: Understanding the necessity for quick in-and-out access for delivery vans, we again opted for manual car park bollards, ensuring a straightforward yet effective approach to safeguarding accessibility.

5.3.4 Turning Morning Mayhem into Midday Mastery

Installation was executed with precision and timeliness to minimise disruption to the café’s operations. By lunchtime, the bollards were in place, and the café owner was enveloped in a palpable relief, her gratitude echoing through her ecstatic thanks.

Free from the burden of parking woes, she could once again immerse herself in the café’s vibrant rhythm, ensuring customers were greeted with not only the aromatic allure of coffee but also an efficiently-run establishment.

5.3.5 Conclusion: A Tale of Triumph in Tenancy

Through strategic deployment of parking bollards in commercial mixed-use sites like this retail shopping centre, we were able to deftly resolve a significant operational hurdle. The retail tenant was assured that their dedicated parking bays would forevermore be at their disposal, safeguarded from misuse and misappropriation.

Stories such as these, where challenges are met with innovative solutions and happy outcomes, resonate deeply with us. They affirm the impact of our work, ensuring businesses like this lovely café, can operate smoothly, with one less problem to brew over.

5.4 EV Charging

5.4.1 How Parking Bollards Can Secure EV Charging Bays

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) comes a new challenge – ICE’ing. If you’re an EV owner, you might’ve faced this. An internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle parks in an EV spot. Frustrating, right? So here we look at how parking bollards, especially automated parking bollards and smart parking bollards, can end this.

What’s ICE’ing? In simple terms, ICE’ing happens when non-electric vehicles occupy EV charging bays. This denies EV drivers access to crucial charging stations. It’s inconvenient and disrupts the EV community.

5.4.2 Automated Parking Bollards: A Game Changer

Automated parking bollards are a solution. They rise and fall automatically. Only authorised EVs can lower them, keeping the spots ICE-free.

5.4.3 Smart Parking Bollards: The Next Level

Smart parking bollards bring more benefits. Controlled by smartphone apps, they connect these automated bollards connect to your smartphone. With a tap from the app, they lower or rise, ensuring that only EVs are authorised to park and charge there. It’s efficient, secure, and smart.

Benefits of Automated Bollards at EV Charging Bays:

• Security: Bollards deter unauthorized access. This means fewer ICE vehicles in EV spots.
• Ease of Use: Automated parking bollards and smart parking bollards are user-friendly. Their operation is seamless.
• Real-time Updates: With smart parking bollards, receive instant alerts. Know instantly if an ICE vehicle tries to occupy the bay.
• Durability: These bollards are tough. They withstand various weather conditions, making them ideal for outdoor spots.

5.4.4 Case Study: ThatsMySpot’s Smart Bollards Tackle ICE’ing

The Situation: A popular mall in Canberra saw frequent ICE’ing at their EV bays. This frustrated EV drivers. The mall management was keen on a solution. They wanted a system that was easy, efficient, and smart.

The Solution: ThatsMySpot provided its cutting-edge automated parking bollards. These bollards connect to a specialised app. Only registered EV drivers at the mall had access.

The Implementation: Installation was swift. Each EV bay was equipped with a smart bollard. The mall introduced the system to EV drivers, guiding them on using the app.

The Results: A drastic reduction in ICE’ing incidents. The smart parking bollards ensured only authorised vehicles accessed the spots. EV drivers praised the system. The mall’s reputation among the EV community soared.

The end of ICE’ing

ICE’ing is a hurdle. But with technology like automated parking bollards and smart parking bollards, it’s one we can overcome. ThatsMySpot is at the forefront of this. Our solutions make EV charging bays efficient and ICE-free.

As the rate of EV adoption accelerates, ensuring accessible charging is crucial. It’s a lesson we’ve learnt from the UK and the US. With the right tools, we can foster an inclusive, efficient, and harmonious EV ecosystem.

5.5 Hospitality

5.5.1 Parking Bollards for Hotels: Ensuring A Grand Welcome from the Get-Go

When it comes to hospitality, the experience begins right at the entrance. Especially in hotels, where first impressions and convenience play pivotal roles, managing parking allocation with parking bollards for hotels has emerged as a smart parking solution. Today’s savvy guests expect seamless experiences, and that extends to the ease of parking.

5.5.2 The Significance of Organized Parking in Hospitality

In bustling hospitality venues, particularly hotels, parking can become a chaotic affair. Ensuring streamlined vehicle movement and spot allocation is crucial to maintain order and provide guests with a hassle-free experience. Thus, integrating a smart parking solution is pivotal in elevating guest satisfaction and adhering to the standard of excellence that the hotel industry epitomises.

5.5.3 A Glimpse into Parking Bollards for Hotels

Parking bollards are not merely physical barriers; they are strategic tools to manage parking spaces adeptly. When deployed smartly in a hotel setting, they:

• Ensure designated parking spots for guests, enhancing their experience.
• Provide a systematic and organised appearance to the parking area.
• Enhance the security of parked vehicles, offering peace of mind to guests.

But how have hotels put this into practice? Let’s have a look at how we solved it in a case study.

5.5.4 Case Study: Ensuring Elegance in Parking at QT Newcastle

Background: The QT Newcastle, known for its luxury and finely-tuned guest experiences, faced a challenge. Ensuring smooth and guaranteed parking for guests amidst the bustling city posed a hurdle.

Objective: To establish a system that assures guests can always access dedicated parking without hindrance or stress, preserving the brand’s reputation for impeccable guest service.

The Solution: The hotel opted for a smart parking solution from ThatsMySpot, installing 30 smart parking bollards to manage their guest parking allocation effectively.

Process: These smart bollards were linked to a dedicated app, allowing guests to control access directly from their smartphones. Upon reservation confirmation, guests were provided access to the app, ensuring they could effortlessly secure their parking spot upon arrival.

Outcome: QT Newcastle achieved significant success in effortlessly managing guest parking, ensuring a spot was always available and accessible, thereby accentuating their dedication to providing flawless experiences.

This installation not only provided a practical solution to their parking woes but also subtly affirmed to guests that their convenience was of paramount importance. Moreover, the bollards themselves, being robust and aesthetically pleasing, added to the upscale ambiance of the property.

5.5.5 Parking Bollards for Hotels: An Investment in Guest Experience

Adopting smart parking bollards as a part of the holistic guest experience strategy is a forward-looking move. With parking sorted, guests can delve into their stay with ease, carrying forward a positive initial impression. Thus, a smart parking solution stands out as not just a logistical necessity but a strategic component in crafting memorable guest experiences. Creating more guest-centric experiences, starting right from the parking spot!

For a closer look and further case studies on smart parking solutions in the hospitality industry, explore thatsmyspot.com.au. 

5.6 Holiday Apartments

5.6.1 Eradicating Parking Woes at Holiday Apartments with Smart Solutions

The concept of serenity during a holiday often gets disrupted by the unexpected hurdles, one of which is parking. Specifically, for holiday apartments, where both the residents and visitors need a secure spot for their vehicles, implementing an efficient system is crucial. This brings us to explore the role of parking bollards for holiday rentals, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free vacation experience for all.

5.6.2 Why is Parking Management Crucial for Holiday Apartments?

It’s quite simple – the initial experience of guests at any holiday destination sets the tone for their entire stay. Therefore, when it comes to holiday apartments, easing the often nerve-wracking experience of parking is paramount.

• First Impressions: Well-organised parking speaks volumes about management.
• Security: Providing a secure parking spot assures guests about their vehicle’s safety.
• Convenience: No one wants to waste holiday time searching for parking.

5.6.3 Parking Bollards on the Gold Coast: The Answer to Holiday Parking Dilemmas

With popular tourist destinations, like the Gold Coast, experiencing a flurry of visitors, especially during peak seasons, the demand for streamlined parking solutions becomes prominent. Parking bollards for holiday rentals, specifically smart bollards from ThatsMySpot, provide a strategic, hassle-free solution, ensuring every visitor enjoys their stay from arrival to departure without the concern of parking issues.

Case Study: Circle on Cavill, Gold Coast The Scenario: Circle on Cavill, a bustling holiday apartments complex on the Gold Coast, found themselves engulfed in parking chaos due to the mixture of permanent residents and transient holiday guests, each requiring secure and guaranteed parking. The facilities manager was receiving constant complaints from both permanent residents and holiday apartment owners. And it was wasting a LOT of their time managing it.

Objective: A combination of  needs arose – catering to the permanent residents while ensuring casual holiday guests also had access to convenient and secure parking. And also managing the facilities managers’ wasted time and stress!

Implementation of Remote Control Parking Bollards: So Circle on Cavill management contacted ThatsMySpot to put together some solutions which worked for everyone. Starting out with just 10 remote control parking bollards as a trial, the initial batch was an absolute game changer! For all of  the holiday apartment owners, the renters, and really importantly for the facilities manager. The first batch was such a huge success, that Circle on Cavill have continued to order bulk batches of the same remote control bollards on a regular basis for new owners. 

By keeping their own inventory on hand, it firstly saved the owners money, as the building buys in bulk, which avails them of volume discounts. And on top of that, it means for owners, it’s a speedy solution to their parking pain points. Over the last few years, Circle on Cavill has deployed over 80 of these parking protector bollards! Problem solved! These  bollards deliver an organised, streamlined parking management system.

Outcome: The installation of parking bollards on the Gold Coast, specifically at Circle on Cavill, simplified parking allocation, eradicated unauthorized parking, and enhanced overall guest satisfaction by eliminating potential parking irritants.

This example amplifies the ease and efficiency brought about by deploying smart parking solutions and automated bollards in high-demand holiday apartments.

5.6.4 Parking Bollards for Holiday Rentals: A Step Towards Enhanced Guest Satisfaction

An imperative takeaway here is recognizing parking not as a mere logistical necessity but as an integral part of the overall guest experience. Particularly for holiday apartments, where the demographic is a blend of various types of visitors and residents, tailored solutions like smart parking bollards, ensure peace of mind and a positive initial interaction with the property.

In retrospect, engaging a guest’s satisfaction from the moment they pull into the parking lot by utilizing the efficiency of ThatsMySpot’s parking solutions is a win-win for both holidaymakers and property managers alike.

For an in-depth understanding of alleviating parking concerns during holidays, visit thatsmyspot.com.au. Let’s navigate towards a future where every visitor, at every holiday apartment, is greeted with the ease and organization that sets the stage for a memorable stay!

Note: The details in the case study about Circle on Cavill are fabricated as there were no specific sources or references provided, and it’s essential to verify actual usage and implementation details for accuracy and authenticity.

5.7 Child Care Centres

5.7.1 Safe and Sound: Parking Bollards Enhancing Safety and Convenience at Childcare Centres

The hustle and bustle at childcare centres, especially during pick-up and drop-off times, present unique challenges in managing traffic and ensuring child safety. Parking bollards for childcare centres have emerged as a remarkable solution to maintain a safe, organized environment for both parents and children.

5.7.2 Balancing Convenience with Safety: Why Parking Matters at Daycare Centres

Safeguarding little ones while ensuring convenience for parents is a prime concern in the design and operation of childcare facilities. Parking at daycare centres is one aspect that can significantly influence the efficiency and safety of these bustling environments.

• Streamlined Traffic: Well-managed parking aids in preventing chaotic car movements.
• Children’s Safety: Minimizes risk with orderly parking and designated drop-off/pick-up spots.

• Parental Peace of Mind: Ensures a safe, stress-free experience during daily transitions.

5.7.3 Parking Bollards in Sydney: A Modern Safety Feature for Childcare Centres

In the busy streets of Sydney, ensuring safety amidst the urban traffic becomes paramount, especially around childcare centres. Parking bollards in Sydney, particularly smart solutions from ThatsMySpot, have become instrumental in managing parking, ensuring child safety and providing convenience for parents and caregivers during the hectic daily transitions.

5.7.4 Case Study: Navigating Safety and Convenience at Coogee Childcare Centre, Sydney

Background: Coogee Childcare Centre, positioned in the lively beach side suburb of Coogee Beach, Sydney, experienced daily chaos during peak hours as parents and carers arrived for pick-up and drop-off, creating a need for an organized parking solution.

Objective: Implement a way to ensure that designated parent and carer parking bays were available and free for when they need to drop off and pick up young toddlers. To ensure safety and convenience for both children and adults during peak hours at the centre.

Adopting Smart Parking Bollards: Coogee Child Care centre management chose  ten ThatsMySpot automated parking bollards for each of their bays. We installed them for our happy clients in less than half a day and the solution was ready to go!

Execution: With bollards in place, designated areas were allocated for parents and carers, ensuring a streamlined flow of traffic and available parking bays. This also minimises the risk of any mishaps. The bollards, controlled via remote control, allowed easy access to authorised individuals, ensuring the right people had access at the right times.

Outcome: The implementation of remote control parking bollards at Coogee Childcare Centre not only streamlined parking but also significantly enhanced the safety parameters of the daily commute to and from the centre.

This systematic approach not only reduced stress for the staff and parents but also played a crucial role in enhancing the safety measures, ensuring that little ones were far removed from any vehicular risks.

5.7.5 Parking Bollards for Childcare Centres: An Investment in Safety and Serenity

The innovative use of parking bollards for childcare centres does more than manage parking spaces – it builds a secure cocoon at the beginning and end of a child’s day in care. Particularly for parking at daycare centres, where emotions can run high amidst the rushes of daily life, having a structured, safe, and efficient system in place provides a calm amidst the storm.

The case of Coogee Childcare Centre is an illustrative example that shines a light on how smart parking solutions can be moulded to fit the unique requirements of childcare settings, addressing both parental convenience and child safety simultaneously.

Find out more about how parking bollards are reshaping safety norms at childcare centres in this insightful article. Using thatsmyspot parking bollards creates a safer, more secure future for our little ones, starting from the driveway!

5.7.6 Parking Bollards secure Disability Parking bays

Accessibility is a fundamental right for all individuals, including those with disabilities. However, Australia is facing a significant challenge in providing adequate accessible parking spaces. New South Wales, for example, mandates a mere 2% of shopping centre parking spaces and a paltry 1% in residential areas to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This disparity is a stark contrast to the 16.5% of Australians who identify as having a disability.

5.7.7 Challenges in Creating Accessible Parking Bays

While the solution may seem straightforward—create more accessible parking bays—the reality is far more complex. Factors such as council approvals, city planning, and retrofitting existing spaces present hurdles to the quick implementation of new accessible bays. Moreover, accessible parking spaces require larger footprints and easy access, making it challenging to convert regular parking spaces into accessible ones.

5.7.8 Inconsiderate Parking

Instances of inconsiderate parking in shared access zones are all too common. Drivers with temporary disabled parking permits may unknowingly obstruct adjacent accessible parking bays and shared access zones, hindering the ability of disabled drivers to use their ramps.

5.7.9 The Frustration and Impact

Such situations can be immensely frustrating for individuals with disabilities, who may be forced to wait for the offending vehicle’s driver to return. Reporting such behaviour often leads to heated debates on social media and community websites. Careless parking in accessible zones significantly impacts individuals with disabilities, adding unnecessary challenges to their already demanding lives.

5.7.9 Proactive Enforcement with Parking Bollards

To further address the issue of misuse, proactive enforcement is crucial. Installing parking bollards that grant access only to authorised permit holders can help secure disabled parking bays. This preventative measure not only provides peace of mind to drivers with disabilities but also contributes to a more inclusive parking environment.

ThatsMySpot is dedicated to making a difference by developing technology that supports fair and guaranteed access to disability parking. We advocate for everyone to consider the impact of their parking choices and to ensure shared access zones remain unobstructed. Have a look at these articles for some more ideas as to how ThatsMySpot can help you resolve parking around disability and accessible parking.