Vehicle Barriers | Safety Barriers

By nwds Case Studies News January 1, 2026

Automatic Gates & Vehicle Barriers are among the most widely used access control solutions across private car parks, industrial estates, business parks, and loading bays. A high‑quality barrier system not only enhances security but also supports efficient traffic flow and complements the appearance of your premises.

Whether you’re planning a new installation or upgrading an existing system, this guide outlines the key benefits, available system types, and what Bridge Door Systems can offer.

WHY INVEST IN AN AUTOMATIC GATE OR VEHICLE BARRIER?

1. CONTROLLED ACCESS

Modern automatic gates and vehicle barriers provide precise control over incoming and outgoing traffic. This allows businesses to better organise site access, manage vehicle flow, and maintain operational security.

2. Enhanced Security

Automatic sliding gates, bi‑folding speed gates, and hinged gates offer strong protection against intruders and tailgaters. Their fast and controlled operation helps secure the perimeter effectively.

3. Increased Property Value

Professionally installed access control systems improve security and aesthetics, enhancing the overall value of commercial premises.

VEHICLE BARRIERS & SITE SECURITY

Vehicle barrier systems provide robust and reliable protection against unwanted vehicle access, making them an essential component of modern site security. Many high‑grade automatic gates offer impressive spans of up to 11 metres, delivering strong perimeter coverage for larger commercial and industrial openings.

To meet the specific security and traffic‑management needs of different sites, these systems can be fully customised with a range of advanced features, including integrated access control, safety edges and photocells, induction loops, LED boom lighting, and specialist signage or height restrictors designed to enhance visibility, safety and operational efficiency.

TYPES OF AUTOMATIC GATES & VEHICLE BARRIERS

Bridge Door Systems provides four main types of automated gate systems—each suited to different environments and operational needs.

1. AUTOMATIC CANTILEVER SLIDING GATES

Ideal for high‑security commercial sites.
Made with aluminium frames for corrosion resistance.
Single-leaf models can cover openings up to 11 metres.
Motors and controls are housed in IP66-rated enclosures.

2. AUTOMATIC HINGED GATES

Best for sites with limited space or lower traffic volumes.
Available up to 8m wide x 3m high.
Options for hydraulic or underground motor automation.
Designed with non-reducing hinges to remove crushing hazards at hinge points.

3. AUTOMATIC BI-FOLDING SPEED GATES

Ideal for high‑traffic sites needing fast opening and closing.
Double leaf spans up to 10m wide (5m for a single leaf).
Great balance between security and traffic flow management.

4. VEHICLE BARRIERS (AUTOMATIC & MANUAL)

Primary solution for controlling vehicle movement in car parks and busy access points.
Fully customisable with manual or automated operation, different boom lengths, skirts, and lighting options.

What Bridge Door Systems Specialises In

Bridge Door Systems supplies and installs a full range of certified systems, all manufactured to BS EN 12453 and CE‑marked, ensuring complete compliance and safety. Their DHF-certified engineers ensure professional installation and ongoing maintenance.

Our Best-Selling Industrial Door also integrates with any access control platform, including RFID, ANPR, keypads, intercoms, and more.

Arm Barriers

Arm Barriers are the most recognisable car park barrier system to help control the flow of traffic. Every car park for whatever reason will need at least one Arm Barrier if not two.

Height Restrictor Barriers

Control the size of vehicles going in and out of your Car Park with Height Restrictor Barriers. Choose a maximum height which best suits both your internal and external car parks.

Car Park Barriers

Car Park Barrier Systems are an effective way of controlling traffic in environments, such as industrial estates, preventing any unwanted traffic, and providing privacy and security.

Temporary & Expandable Barriers

Wheel these very handy Temporary & Expandable Barriers when it is convenient for you! For instance if you are redesigning your car park, it can still function with the help of these barriers.

Bridge Door Systems

Automated Gate & Barrier Considerations Based on current UK regulations and industry standards:

Safety & Compliance Requirements

Modern automated gates must comply with:

BS EN 12453 Safety Standards
UK Machinery Regulations
Emergency release mechanisms
Force testing, risk assessments, and safety edges

Safety Barriers

Bring to attention any hazards to protect customers and pedestrians with an effective Safety Barrier set. Foldaway Barriers will be your affordable solution to highlight when an area is out of bounds.

Chapter 8 Barriers

Most often used by traffic management and building contractors, Chapter 8 Barriers are the solution to corner off a construction site. These will protect pedestrians and drivers all day every day, due to being hi-visibility orange.

Railings & Guard Rails

When it comes to railings and guard rails, the most common use of railings is for pedestrians barriers In busy traffic areas, you will see plenty of guard rails to prevent people from walking into traffic.

Hoop Barriers

For an incredibly durable solution, Hoop Barriers aim to protect your property from reckless drivers. Often being used in car parks to prevent crashes when parking.

Gates & Barrier Maintenance Expectations

A proper maintenance log, servicing every 6 months, and CE/UKCA compliance are essential for legal operation.

Crash & Impact Protection Barriers

Crash & Impact Protection Barriers of course aim to prevent crash and impact accidents, being the durable yet commanding barrier system to keep any roadway safe.

Edge & Impact Protection Barriers

Edge & Impact Protection Barriers cater to even the most awkward building designs, by providing cushioned protection to prevent any kind of property damage to your commercial building.

Security Gates & Turnstiles

For the simplest security system to restrict and grant access consider our Security Gates & Turnstiles. Available for both internal and external use, and coming in different sizes and materials.

Cantilever Sliding Gates

Cantilever Sliding Gates are the ideal barrier system for industrial estates, high-end commercial buildings and distribution centres. You can control exactly what comes in and out of your premise seamlessly.

We offer a free site survey facility where we can discuss your requirements and provide a detailed quotation.

Electric Vehicle Charging Point Protection

As Electric Vehicles continue to become increasing popular its essential to have Electric Vehicle Charging Point Protection. These are embedded into the charging point, ensuring that the vehicle cant be tampered with during charging.

Fencing

The most basic yet most popular mode of security! Fencing will simply keep intruders out, being the mark of an inaccessible area which when effectively placed cant be bypassed.

Side & Driveway Gates

Side & Driveway Gates are seen in both residential and commercial properties due to combining both the security and appearance benefits. Design-wise these can be as streamlined or as grand and bulky as you would prefer.

Crowd Barriers

Control the traffic in huge scale venues with the very simple Crowd Barriers system. This makes queues so much easier to control in a much easier fashion, guiding crowds to their destination.

Automatic Gates & Vehicle Barriers provide strong security, efficient traffic management, and improved site aesthetics. With multiple system types available and full compliance with the latest UK safety regulations, Bridge Door Systems can help you choose and install the ideal solution for your operational needs.

If you are looking to invest in a new automated gate or vehicle barrier system, contact Bridge Door Systems for expert advice, installation, and maintenance support.

North East customers can contact us here, and North West customers can contact us here.

Vehicle Barriers and Safety Barriers – A Complete Guide