Some condominiums have chosen to install road barriers instead of a gate. But is it really convenient?
Usually, when we think of a system for controlling access to a condominium car park, we think of a gate. However, it is less and less rare to see road barriers, simple bars that allow access of vehicles only to those who have the authorization.
In this article we will see what the advantages are compared to a gate and when it is worth thinking about this solution and recommending it to your customers.
Automatic road barriers: the advantages over gates
The road barriers consist of a motorized column equipped with a bar that raises and lowers to regulate access to the car park. The barrier can be operated remotely using a remote control or other command tools, just like gates. For greater control and security, these systems can be integrated with sensors and cameras.
Among the advantages we must certainly mention the opening and closing speed (between 5 and 10 seconds on average), which allows to reduce waiting times and increases the transit speed of vehicles. This factor can be extremely important especially if we are talking about barriers to accessing private areas of companies or public places (think of hospitals).
A second advantage presented by the road barrier, compared to the automatic gate, is the reduced size which plays an important role: they take up less space than traditional gates and for this reason they can become an obligatory choice in certain cases in which access to private areas is confined to a small space.
Maintenance is also easier: the structural and technical complexity of the barrier is less than traditional gates and, therefore, maintenance costs also tend to be lower.
For this and other reasons, road barriers are becoming the preferred choice in apartment buildings.
When is the gate preferable to the road barrier?
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Both gates and road barriers are effective solutions for access control but the choice between one and the other can depend on various factors, as we have seen, and which concern the type of structure, the level of security required, aesthetics and specific needs.
It is obvious that automatic gates are generally more robust and offer a higher level of protection than road barriers which are simple barriers for the access of vehicles and do not have the function of preventing all-round access: a pedestrian could easily to transit.
That’s why structures that require a high level of security, such as private homes, usually opt for automatic gates. Aesthetically, gates tend to have a more formal feel and offer a greater variety of design options than road barriers.
However, there are situations in which a road barrier may be the best choice. Barriers are usually more suitable for controlling large traffic flows, such as in public car parks, shopping centres, stadiums or airports. They are quicker to open and close than gates, which makes them more efficient to handle all those situations where there is a need to quickly regulate the passage.
Road barriers: why condominiums prefer them to the gate
Every apartment building has unique needs that need to be considered before deciding whether to install road barriers in place of traditional gates. An accurate assessment requires consideration of several key factors:
- Dimensions of the condominium area: if the space in the gate is limited, road barriers can be a more convenient solution since, as we have seen, they take up less space than traditional gates.
- Type of car traffic: if the traffic is light or mainly composed of residents’ vehicles, road barriers can be an adequate solution for access control.
- Required security level: it is necessary to evaluate the security levels required by condominiums and compare them with the functions offered by gates and road barriers. Of course, the latter can be integrated with advanced security systems, but in some situations, traditional gates could still be a preferable choice to guarantee greater protection.
VDS Automation road barriers
VDS Automation automatic road barriers are the simplest, most effective and reliable solution for managing gates or spaces not only in condominiums, but also in company entrances, industrial areas, motorway gates and wherever it is necessary to regulate the flow of vehicles. They are divided into three types:
- BERTA – Electromechanical barriers 230V-24V – rods of 2 at 6 m
- ITALO – 230V electromechanical barrier – max 3 m poles
- BEV 2 – Electromechanical barrier 230V-24V – booms from 2 to 6 m
Contact and request advice from our experts
In order to accurately evaluate the specific needs of a condominium, a public area or a company, there is a need for specialized knowledge in the field of gate automation and rules (for example, condominium rules). Therefore, it is always recommended that you consult an expert in the field to get an accurate assessment of the options available.
If you would like further details regarding our automation solutions for road barriers or if you need assistance in choosing, please contact us without obligation. Fill in the form!