Boom gates control vehicle and pedestrian access, making them a great way for council tips and waste management facilities to manage traffic flow. They also enhance safety and improve security by directing vehicles and preventing congestion. These automated or remote-controlled physical barriers provide a clear stop signal and can be integrated with car park management systems.
Let’s discuss how boom gates can benefit traffic management for waste facilities.
Are Boom Gates the Solution to Traffic Mishaps at Council Tips?
What are Boom Gates?
Boom gates are made to help with traffic regulation, security, and safety in car parks. They manage vehicle flow, ensuring only paying or authorised drivers pass through. Car access gates like boom gates prevent unauthorised access to secure areas, such as industrial sites, commercial properties, and restricted zones. Plus, by controlling vehicle passage, they can also be used to solve traffic issues – for example, they can restrict access to certain streets or manage traffic flow when emergency services are needed.
They work by blending the following features:
- The Barrier: A long horizontal arm is attached to a base where it pivots, allowing it to be raised or lowered.
- Operation: The arm is lifted to permit passage and lowered to block entry. It can be activated by sensors, remote controls, card readers, or other automated systems.
- Automation: Many boom gates are automatic, using an electric motor to control the arm’s movement. Also, many systems can be operated from a distance, improving safety for staff.
- Access Control: When automated, a system must be activated by a user presenting a pass, using a code, or by a sensor, for the arm to rise. This ensures only authorised vehicles can pass.
What are the Benefits of Boom Gates for Council Tips & Waste Facilities?
Boom gates control the entry and exit of vehicles, creating orderly traffic flow and preventing bottlenecks at busy facilities. They provide a clear physical barrier, forcing drivers to stop and wait, which protects staff and other vehicles. These gates secure restricted areas, preventing unauthorised access to the facility. Plus, automated systems can operate quickly and reliably, reducing congestion and improving user experience for site visitors. For high-traffic environments like waste facilities, heavy-duty designs are available.
Boom Gates vs Other Options for Waste Management Car Parks
Boom gates systems are ideal for high-volume traffic, fast operation, and integrated access control in car parks, but other options like sliding gates or even simple bollards may be functional for low-traffic areas or where maximum physical security is the main concern. The choice depends on factors like traffic volume, security needs, budget, and the physical constraints of the car park. Other options include:
- Sliding Gates are best for large, open entrances and locations where high security and resistance to vandalism are top priorities. They’re highly durable and provide strong physical security. However, they have slower operation, which can be problematic for high-traffic areas.
- Bollards are best for low-traffic areas, temporary access control, or specific entry points within a larger car park. Pros include being a simpler and more affordable solution for basic access restriction. Cons include that they don’t offer the same level of automated traffic management as a boom gate and require manual operation or a separate system for control.
- Manual Gates, which work well for low-traffic or less critical entry points where budget is a major constraint, have a low initial cost and no reliance on power. But, they can be slow and labour-intensive to operate, offering minimal security and no traffic management benefits.
Choosing the Right Gates for Waste Management Traffic Control
- Assess Traffic Volume: High-volume car parks benefit most from the speed of boom gates.
- Define Security Needs: For high security in open areas, a sliding gate might be more suitable.
- Consider Your Budget: Balance the higher initial cost of boom gates against the long-term operational savings and efficiency.
- Evaluate Space: Boom gates are space-efficient, but ensure there’s enough clear overhead space.
- Look at Integration: If you need to link access control with ticketing or other systems, boom gates are the most versatile option.
Contact Us
Are you interested in learning more about automatic boom gates to manage traffic in your council tip or waste management facility? We look forward to guiding you towards the best solution. Contact us today to speak with our experts, get a quote, and start discussing how we can improve your property’s traffic control.