Bollards vs. Barriers: Choosing the Right Security Solution

Introduction

Bollards and barriers are among the most effective tools for protecting people and critical infrastructure from errant and intentional vehicle-ramming incidents, but their applications and advantages vary significantly. This white paper explores their differences, highlights relevant industry standards, and incorporates real-world examples to guide decision-makers in selecting the most appropriate vehicle mitigation solutions.

Bollards are arranged to control vehicle access while allowing pedestrian movement. These engineered security elements can be fixed, removable, retractable, or flexible depending on access requirements. Unlike continuous barrier systems, bollards are typically deployed at intervals, creating semi-permeable boundaries that maintain site openness while providing effective protection against.

Barriers are designed to prevent or restrict vehicle access to protected areas. These include permanent installations (wedge barriers, beam barriers), temporary deployments (like the Archer 1200), or active systems with moving components. Barriers typically establish a defensive perimeter and can be deployed continuously or at strategic access points to create defined boundaries with varying levels of penetration resistance.

Types of Bollards

Fixed Bollards: Permanently installed in the ground, fixed bollards provide constant protection and traffic control. They work well in areas needing consistent vehicle restriction, such as storefronts and pedestrian zones (NACTO).

Removable Bollards: These bollards can be detached when vehicle access is needed. They're ideal for spaces requiring occasional flexibility, like event venues and maintenance areas (FHWA).

Retractable Bollards: Also called telescoping bollards, these can be lowered into the ground manually or automatically. They're perfect for locations with varying access needs, such as parking facilities and emergency routes (GSA).

Flexible Bollards: Made from polyurethane or rubber, flexible bollards bend upon impact and return to their original position. They're primarily used for traffic guidance and lane delineation rather than security (Wikipedia).

Decorative Bollards: While functional, decorative bollards enhance their surroundings visually. These are commonly used in urban landscapes, commercial areas, and parks where aesthetics matter (GSA).

Illuminated Bollards: These dual-purpose bollards combine security with lighting, improving visibility and safety at night. They work well in walkways, plazas, and campus settings.

Crash-Rated Bollards: Engineered for maximum security, crash-rated bollards are tested to standards like ASTM F2656. They protect critical areas such as government buildings and infrastructure from vehicle intrusions (FEMA).

Advantages of Bollards

Permanent Installation: Bollards provide a long-term solution for areas requiring consistent vehicle restriction.

Aesthetic Integration: Bollards can be designed to complement urban landscapes, with customizable finishes and styles that blend seamlessly with architectural elements.

Crash Resistance: Crash-rated bollards meeting ASTM F3016 can stop a 5,000-pound vehicle at 30 mph whereas meeting ASTM F2656 can stop a vehicle at 50 mph.

Considerations

Limited Flexibility: Bollards are often permanent and may not be suitable for temporary events or evolving security needs.

Maintenance Requirements: Regular inspections and repairs may be necessary, as seen in New Orleans, where malfunctioning bollards left vulnerable gaps during the recent Bourbon Street attack (AP News).

Damage Upon Impact: In the event of a collision, bollards often sustain significant damage, necessitating repair or replacement. For instance, even minor impacts can cause structural damage to bollards, leading to costly repairs. (McCue)

Types of Barriers

Jersey Barriers: These modular concrete barriers with a distinctive "J" profile redirect vehicles while minimizing damage. They're commonly used for government facilities, urban security zones, and high-security events where moderate to high protection is needed (FHWA).

Cable Barriers: These barriers absorb impact energy and consist of high-tension steel cables mounted on breakaway posts. They're ideal for extended perimeters, transportation corridors, and areas with space constraints where visual impact should be minimized (FHWA).

Wedge Barriers: These active hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromechanical barriers present a vertical or angled obstacle to vehicles. They're employed at high-security entry points, embassies, and critical infrastructure requiring rapid deployment and high protection levels (CISA).

Planters and Landscape Barriers: Combining security with aesthetics, these barriers conceal reinforced concrete cores with decorative exteriors. They're suitable for urban public spaces, historic areas, and environments where maintaining visual appeal is important (Wikipedia).

Crash Gates: These movable barriers allow authorized access while maintaining perimeter integrity when closed. Available in sliding, swinging, or vertical pivot designs, they're used for secure compounds, emergency access points, and controlled entry zones (WBDG).

Anti-Ram Fencing: Combining traditional fencing with reinforced posts and rails, these systems stop vehicles while preventing pedestrian access. They protect military installations, utilities, and facilities requiring dual vehicle/pedestrian security measures (DHS).

Portable Barriers: These barriers can be quickly installed and removed and are designed for rapid deployment in temporary security situations. They're commonly used for special events, emergency situations, and changing security landscapes where flexibility is essential (CISA).

Barriers: Versatile and Mobile Security Measures

Unanchored barriers offer a dynamic solution for vehicle mitigation. Unlike bollards, unanchored barriers are portable, require no permanent installation, and can be quickly deployed in various configurations.

Advantages of the mobile Archer 1200 Barrier

• Rapid Deployment: Unanchored barriers can be set up in minutes, making them ideal for events, emergencies, or temporary road closures.
• High Impact Resistance: Tested to ASTM F2656 standards, barriers like the Archer 1200 can stop vehicles traveling at high speeds while minimizing penetration distances.
• Flexibility: Easily moved and reconfigured, barriers adapt to the changing needs of high-risk environments.
• Reusability After Impact: Unlike fixed bollards, the Archer 1200 is designed to be 100% reusable after impact, minimizing maintenance costs and downtime.
• Energy Absorption: Mobile barriers like the Archer 1200 are engineered to absorb and dissipate kinetic energy upon impact, potentially reducing the severity of vehicle and pedestrians' injuries. Their design allows for controlled deceleration, minimizing harm during collisions.

Considerations

• Storage Requirements: When not used, barriers need proper storage and logistics for transport and redeployment.
• Deployment Time & Labor: Despite quick deployment, setup can be affected by site conditions, system complexity, and staff training. Some barriers need specialized equipment and trained teams, potentially delaying emergency use.
• Environmental Impact: Concrete barriers have significant environmental impacts through their manufacturing, transportation, and disposal processes, contributing to carbon emissions and site disruption.
• Visual Impact: High-security barriers can appear fortress-like, harming public space aesthetics and causing citizen unease. Balancing security with community acceptance is essential for successful integration.

Relevant Industry Standards

• ASTM F3016: This standard specifies testing procedures for bollards subjected to low-speed vehicle impacts, specifically at speeds of 10, 20, and 30 mph, using a 5,000-pound test vehicle. The standard provides penetration performance ratings to help users select suitable protective devices for specific site conditions.
• ASTM F2656: This standard classifies barriers based on their ability to stop vehicles at specific speeds, with penetration distances ranging from P1 (<3.3 feet) to P4 (23–98.4 feet). For example, an M50/P1 barrier can stop a 15,000-pound truck traveling at 50 mph within 3.3 feet of impact.
• PAS 68: Developed in the UK, PAS 68 tests and certifies the effectiveness of vehicle security barriers under controlled conditions.
• IWA 14-1: This international standard harmonizes national standards and provides global benchmarks for vehicle barrier testing and certification.

Case Studies: Real-World Applications

New Orleans Attack

In January 2025, removing malfunctioning bollards on Bourbon Street left the area vulnerable to a vehicle-ramming attack. Experts noted that temporary mobile barriers, such as those crash-rated to ASTM F2656 standards, could have provided protection while permanent fixtures were replaced. Following the attack, New Orleans engaged security consultants, including former NYPD Commissioner William Bratton, to develop a strategy integrating permanent bollards and portable barriers for high-risk areas. This incident highlights the importance of not only installing security measures but also maintaining them and implementing contingency solutions when vulnerabilities arise (The Guardian, Louisiana Illuminator)

The New Orleans attack highlighted the risks of relying solely on permanent bollards without contingency plans. Portable barriers can provide critical protection during maintenance or when bollards are out of service. Crash-rated barriers, such as the Archer 1200, can be rapidly deployed to secure vulnerable areas, ensuring safety until permanent fixtures are operational (The Guardian).

Rose Parade Security

At the 2025 Rose Parade, mobile barriers effectively secured the event perimeter, protecting thousands of attendees from potential vehicle threats. These barriers' rapid deployment and high-impact resistance ensured crowd safety without disrupting the festive atmosphere. This example demonstrates how mobile barriers effectively protect temporary high-density events, offering flexibility and security without requiring permanent operational (The Guardian).

Austin Pedestrian Safety

Austin has embraced portable barriers to enhance pedestrian safety at public events. According to KXAN, these barriers have been instrumental in reducing risks during large gatherings, providing a flexible and effective solution for managing crowd and vehicle interactions. Austin’s approach reflects a growing trend among cities aiming to balance security with urban mobility, ensuring that pedestrian-friendly areas remain adaptable to evolving safety concerns (KXAN).

Bollards vs. Barriers: Key Differences

The table below summarizes key distinctions between bollards and barriers, highlighting their strengths and best-use cases.

Feature	Bollards	Barriers
Ideal Use Cases	High-risk areas (government buildings, embassies, pedestrian zones)	Low to medium-risk areas (events, construction sites, temporary security perimeters)
Installation	🔴 Permanent (requires excavation)	🟢 Temporary / Rapid deployment
Flexibility	🔴 Fixed in place	🟢 Easily moved & reconfigured
Security Level	🟢 High (Crash-rated options available)	🟡 Medium-High (Depends on type)
Aesthetic Options	🟢 Customizable for urban integration	🔴 Primarily functional
Deployment Speed	🔴 Slow (requires construction)	🟢 Fast (quick setup)
Reusability After Impact	🔴 Often needs replacement	🟢 Can be redeployed (e.g., Archer 1200)
Cost Considerations	🟡 Medium-High (depends on crash rating)	🟢 Low-Medium (varies by type)
Maintenance	🔴 Regular inspections & costly repairs if damaged	🟢 Minimal maintenance; can be repositioned or replaced easily

Recommendations for Decision-Makers

1. For Urban Planners: Consider installing bollards permanently in areas with high pedestrian traffic, where aesthetics and long-term protection are priorities.
2. For Event Organizers: Use mobile barriers for dynamic environments, where flexibility and rapid deployment are essential.
3. For Security Professionals: Evaluate site-specific risks and implement solutions certified to standards like ASTM F2656 or PAS 68.

Conclusion

Effective vehicle mitigation requires a strategic combination of bollards and barriers tailored to specific environments. By understanding the unique advantages of each solution and leveraging industry standards, organizations can enhance safety, reduce vulnerabilities, and protect lives. For more information on the Archer 1200 Mobile Barrier, visit Meridian Rapid Defense Group.