There are plenty of street furniture elements we come across every day, although we do not always know what they are called or what they are actually used for. At Decópolis, we specialise in installing street furniture across the Balearic Islands, with offices in Mallorca and Ibiza. In this post, we explain what bollards and traffic posts are for, how they differ, and how they compare with other types of street furniture designed to organise, define and protect public spaces.

Definition of bollards and traffic posts

Bollards are low posts made from materials such as stone, steel, rubber, metal, timber or plastic. They are usually fixed into the ground and are often installed in rows, helping to control access without taking up too much space.

Traffic posts, meanwhile, are generally taller and slimmer than bollards, although they can be made from many of the same materials, including metal, stone, steel, timber, rubber or plastic.

In many cases, bollards and traffic posts perform a very similar role within street furniture, but they differ in size, shape and visual impact. These urban elements are also commonly placed in front of shop windows and entrances to help protect premises from ram-raiding. Their main purpose is to define fixed or temporary areas and restrict vehicle access to specific spaces in a safe, orderly and practical way.

Other elements like traffic posts and bollards

As well as bollards and traffic posts, there are several other urban elements that serve a similar purpose, although they differ in form and are used in different settings:

  • Beacons: A signalling element used to mark a specific location or draw attention to a hazardous area. Some beacons also emit light or sound signals, particularly around roadworks or temporary works on public roads.
  • Milestones: A carved stone post traditionally used to show direction or distance along roads, paths or marked boundaries.
  • Mooring bollards: Designed for nautical settings rather than streets or public spaces. They differ from standard bollards mainly in their appearance and purpose, although both refer to a similar type of object used in different environments.
  • Deterrent elements: Used to separate areas and protect pedestrians, much like bollards. They are specifically designed to discourage access or movement. Low walls, planters and totems are common examples.

Types of bollards and traffic posts

Bollards vary depending on what they are designed to do, which is why there are several different models and types of traffic post. They can be made from aluminium, metal, iron or stainless steel. Depending on how they are used, they can be grouped as follows:

  • Automatic bollards and traffic posts: These retract into the ground and sit flush with the surface, allowing vehicles to enter a specific area when required. They operate automatically and are controlled using electronic devices such as cards, keypads or remote controls. Also known as retractable bollards, they are particularly suitable for areas with a high volume of vehicle traffic.
  • Semi-automatic bollards and traffic posts: These are operated using a key. The key unlocks the mechanism, allowing the bollard to be raised or lowered into the ground. This type of traffic post is generally recommended for locations with fewer than 50 vehicle accesses per day.
  • Fixed bollards and traffic posts: These are the bollards most commonly seen in streets and public spaces. They are static elements, so they do not rise, lower or retract. Instead, they are usually secured to the ground with strong anchor fixings.
  • Removable bollards and traffic posts: Similar to fixed models, but they are installed using an anchor plate, which means they can be removed when needed.

Where to install traffic posts and bollards

Bollards are an important part of road safety, so choosing the right location and the right type of bollard really matters. Before installation, several factors need to be assessed, including the surface it will be fixed into, the size of the bollard, pedestrian and vehicle flow, and whether the model needs an electrical connection.

Once the position has been agreed, the installation process needs to be planned carefully to make sure the bollard is fitted correctly:

  • Foundation pit excavation: A foundation pit is excavated in the area where the bollard will be installed. At this stage, it is important to take into account the size, model and mechanism of the traffic post.
  • Concrete casing: If an automatic or semi-automatic bollard is being fitted, a concrete casing is usually installed to house the system that allows the post to rise and retract.
  • Drainage system: A drainage system should be added so that rainwater can run off properly and does not collect inside the installation area.
  • Protective housing: Protective housing is then fitted to keep the foundation pit secure and help extend the service life of the bollard.
  • Alignment and levelling: The bollard is placed inside the concrete casing, with the top section aligned with the road surface. Levels need to be checked carefully during installation.

Fixed traffic posts are usually simpler to fit, as they are set directly into the ground. Even so, the surface still needs to be drilled so the buried section can be positioned and secured with cement. Other types of bollard can simply be bolted to the ground, depending on the model and the setting.

Decópolis specializes in installing all types of bollards and traffic posts across the Balearic Islands, from fixed, manual and removable models to fully automatic systems. Our experience speaks for itself: we work to make public spaces safer, better organized and more comfortable for everyone who uses them. The outdoor safety elements we install are durable, reliable and built to last, designed to control access effectively and prevent vehicles from entering restricted or protected areas.

Trust Decópolis for all your street furniture needs. Contact us in Mallorca or Ibiza today!