Keeping people and buildings safe from vehicles comes down to smart choices. For many commercial sites, that means deciding between Bollards and Armco barriers.

They both do a job, but in very different ways. And depending on your setup, whether that be a retail park, warehouse, or loading bay, one is likely to suit better than the other.

We’ve broken it down so you can make the best decision for your space.

What Are Bollards for?

Bollards are short, sturdy posts that act as physical markers or impact protectors. They’re often installed around pedestrian areas, along building fronts, or within car parks to stop vehicles from going where they shouldn’t.

At CT Safety Barriers, we manufacture three different types:

Parking bollards: Our telescopic bollards are ideal for flexibility. They lock into place when needed and retract fully into the ground when not, making them a smart choice for car parks, delivery zones, or restricted access points.

Security bollards: For all-day protection, static steel bollards are your best bet. These bollards are built from solid galvanised steel and rooted deep below ground to stop vehicles in their tracks, making them perfect for loading bays and site perimeters.

Stainless steel bollards: If you’re after an aesthetically pleasing option, a stainless-steel bollard is a great choice. Sleek but solid, they’re often used in front of retail stores, office blocks, or public-facing spaces.

Benefits of Bollards:

Take up very little space.
Simple to install and move if needed.
Help drivers see boundaries and pedestrian zones.
Ideal for light-traffic areas or where visibility matters.

What Are Armco Barriers for?

Armco barriers are bollards’ heavy-duty sidekick. Designed for impact, these barriers are made from corrugated steel and mounted on strong posts, forming a continuous run of protection along walls, access routes, or loading bays.

Most popular in warehouses, service yards, and delivery zones, Armco barriers are used anywhere vehicles are moving quickly or operating in tight spaces.

Benefits of Armco Barriers:

Built to absorb heavy knocks from forklifts or HGVs.
Modular sections make it easy to adjust or expand.
Provides long-term, low-maintenance protection.
Commonly used as Armco crash barriers or Armco safety barriers in high-risk areas.

Which Does What Best?

	Bollards	Armco Barriers
Impact strength	Handles low-speed bumps	Built for heavy-duty collisions
Space needed	Minimal footprint	Needs more room to install
Install effort	Quick and straightforward	Slightly more technical setup
Ongoing upkeep	Rarely needs attention	Just occasional checks on fixings
Typical locations	Paths, shop fronts, car park edges	Service yards, warehouse walls, perimeters

Which Should You Choose?

Whether you should go for bollards or Armco barriers really depends on your site, what your protecting, and how many vehicles are in the space.

Here’s a quick guide:

Busy shopfront or high footfall area → Bollards

Warehouse with forklift traffic → Armco crash barriers

Protecting a building edge or perimeter → Armco safety barriers

Directing vehicles in a car park → Bollards

Not Sure? That’s What We’re Here For

If you’re weighing up options and want to avoid a costly mistake, give us a call. We’ll ask the right questions and point you to what works.