Boom gates help prevent unauthorised vehicles from using parking spaces, leading to better revenue management.
With the simplistic and functional ability of the arm, which moves up and down depending on who is trying to enter, those with authorisation can park easily, while those without authorisation are deterred.
This is particularly useful in various settings like residential complexes, commercial properties, and industrial zones.
In today’s blog post, we’ll go over why it’s important to reduce unauthorised parking, how boom gates help, if boom gates are right for you, and considerations for installing them, so you can do the best by your car park and its patrons.
Why Reduce Unauthorised Parking?
Cutting down on the number of unauthorised vehicles entering your parking space or using it is vital for the functionality of a car park, particularly for its authorised users. People want to feel safe in their car park, especially when they’re paying for its use, and they want a streamlined experience so they aren’t left sitting in their car stuck in traffic.
Boom gates enhance security by deterring theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities within the parking area. They streamline traffic flow by preventing congestion and ensuring smooth entry and exit for authorised vehicles. And, they improve safety by minimising the risk of accidents and creating a more controlled environment, especially in busy car parks or areas with high pedestrian traffic.
These factors are key for commercial car parks, residential car parks, or car parks that contain restricted areas.
How Do Boom Gates Reduce Unauthorised Parking?
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Physical Barrier: Boom gates physically block access to unauthorised vehicles, preventing them from entering a restricted area.
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Integration with Access Control Systems: Boom gates can be integrated with various access control technologies like:
- Card Readers: Requiring users to swipe a card to activate the gate.
- RFID Tags: Similar to cards, but users can pass without stopping.
- License Plate Recognition (ALPR): Automatically recognising and granting access to authorised vehicles.
- Intercoms: Allowing users to communicate with security personnel before access is granted.
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Traffic Management: Boom gates can be used to manage vehicle entry and exit, especially during peak hours or in areas with limited parking.
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Security Enhancement: By controlling access, boom gates reduce the risk of theft, vandalism, or other criminal activities.
How To Decide if Boom Gates are the Right Security Choice for Your Parking Space?
To decide if boom gates are the right security choice for your car park, consider factors like traffic volume, security needs, and integration with existing systems. Do you need features like RFID access, ticketing systems, or license plate recognition? And, can a boom gate handle your site’s specific environmental conditions?
1. Traffic Volume and Flow
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High Traffic: If your parking area experiences a high volume of vehicles, especially during peak hours, an automated boom gate system is recommended. These systems can handle a high cycle frequency and reduce congestion.
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Low Traffic: For parking areas with low traffic volume, a simpler, potentially manual barrier might be sufficient and more cost-effective.
2. Security Needs
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Basic Security: If your primary concern is controlling access to your parking area, a standard boom gate with basic access control (e.g., remote control, keypad) may be adequate.
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Enhanced Security: For higher security needs, consider integrating the boom gate with access control systems like RFID readers, biometric scanners, or license plate recognition.
3. Integration with Existing Systems
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Existing Access Control: If you already have an access control system in place, ensure the boom gate can integrate seamlessly with it to avoid costly upgrades.
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Automation Systems: Consider whether you want to integrate the boom gate with other automation systems, such as remote operation or payment systems, to enhance convenience and efficiency.
4. Physical Site Considerations
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Space Availability: Ensure there is sufficient space for the boom gate to operate, including the boom arm’s swing radius and the space required for installation and maintenance.
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Environmental Conditions: Consider the weather conditions at the location. Choose materials and construction that can withstand rain, heat, and other environmental factors.
5. Safety Features
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Safety Sensors: Ensure the boom gate is equipped with safety sensors to prevent accidental closures on vehicles or pedestrians.
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Emergency Override: Have a plan for emergency situations, such as power outages, with a manual override for the boom gate.
6. Cost
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Installation and Maintenance: Factor in the initial cost of the boom gate, as well as ongoing maintenance and potential repair costs.
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Operating Costs: Consider the energy consumption of the boom gate, especially if it is automated, and whether a solar-powered option might be more cost-effective.
How Do You Find the Right Gates and the Right Installers?
- Site Dimensions: Measure the width of the driveway or access point to determine the appropriate boom arm length.
- Traffic Volume: Consider the number of vehicles passing through daily to choose a gate with the appropriate speed and durability.
- Security Requirements: Determine the level of access control needed, such as remote control, keypads, or license plate recognition.
- Power Source: Decide between mains power, solar power, or battery backup based on your location and energy needs.
- If you need help understanding any of the above, consider consulting a professional gate company, such as Brisbane Automatic Gate Systems, for advice or to assess your specific needs.
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Online Search: Use keywords like “boom gates Brisbane,” “automatic gate installers,” or “access control systems” to find local suppliers and installers.
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Check Portfolios: Review each company’s past projects to assess their experience and the quality of their work.
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Read Reviews: Look for customer testimonials and reviews to gauge their reputation and reliability.
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Inquire About Customisation: Ensure they offer custom solutions to meet your specific site requirements and access control needs.
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Compare Quotes: Get quotes from multiple installers, ensuring they include all necessary components, installation costs, and warranty information.
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Consider Ongoing Support: Check if they offer maintenance and repair services, and if they have a local stock of spare parts.
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Safety Features: Verify that the boom gate system includes safety devices like photoelectric sensors and emergency override systems.
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Compatibility: Ensure the system integrates with any existing security or smart-home systems.
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Warranty: Confirm the workmanship warranty offered by the installer.
Contact Us
Talk to us at Brisbane Automatic Gate Systems so our experts can advise you on the best boom gates option for your car park. Contact us online today.
