Bollards offer an array of benefits to residential and commercial properties. From providing additional security to driveways, store fronts and pedestrianised areas to preventing unauthorised vehicle access to private land, there are many reasons why you may choose to install them.. However, keep in mind that not everywhere is bollard-friendly.
Similar to many building projects, bollard installation comes with regulations, too. This guide will look at whether or not you can install bollards on private property and land. Read on to learn everything you’ll need to know about the legalities and restrictions of installing bollards to avoid being caught out!
Do you need planning permission to install bollards?
Private property is just that - private! This means that, as the legal owner of a property and the plot of land attached to it, you are within your rights to install bollards without first obtaining permission.
Now, you should be careful not to fall into the trap of assuming that, just because an area of land is next to or close to your property, that you do in fact own it! There are some situations where the boundaries of ownership are slightly confusing, which makes the legalities of installing bollards less straight-cut. Let’s take a look at these in more detail.
Grass verges
If it is not considered part of your property, you are not legally allowed to install bollards on the grass verge in front of your home.
While bollards might seem like the perfect solution to stop people parking on your verge, this practice is illegal. This is due to the Highways Act of 1980, which states, "The public have the right to pass and repass over the full width of the highway (includes roads, pavements, and verges)."
This means that your verge forms part of a public highway, and you will need planning permission to make any drastic changes to the area. Bollards work as a deterrent and when used in this way, it will be obstructing the roadway if they are placed on a grass verge.
If you decide to place bollards on your verge anyway, your local council will request that you remove them. If you fail to comply with this, the local council will remove them for you at your expense.
Learn more about the legalities and logistics of installing bollards on a grass verge.
Private driveways
If people regularly take the parking space on your driveway outside your home, bollards might be the perfect solution. Placing bollards on or infront of your driveway is an effective way of keeping unwanted vehicles out by creating a physical barrier between the road and your property When installing bollards on your driveway, you will need to install them at least 45cm away from the road, so as to not obstruct the pubic highway. If you install bollards too close to the road or on the pavement, it’s highly likely that the local authorities will demand that they be removed.
It’s important to bear in mind that if you are renting a property, you should get permission from your landlord if you wish to install bollards, or make any major building and landscaping adjustments.
Private roads
If you own a large property with a private road leading to it, you may place bollards on it as you wish. It will, however, be important to check where your private land ends and a public highway begins. Otherwise, you could land yourself in trouble with the law and end up having to remove the bollards.
Car parks
Reserving parking spaces for employees and clients is a great insensitive for recruitment and potential business. However, regulations for placing bollards in car parks can vary depending on your situation.
If your company works out of rented office building, it would be best to check with the owner/s first before you install bollards to reserve spaces. This would likely be outlined in the original contract you signed when starting the lease.
However, if you own your business premises and the car parking areas surrounding it, you should have no problem placing parking bollards wherever you see fit. It might be worthwhile doing some planning before purchasing parking posts or barriers, through, so you can make sure that you’re choosing the correct quantities of the most appropriate models for your business’s needs.
Which types of bollards are best for domestic properties?
If you’re looking at add an extra layer of security to your property, then a bollard is an excellent solution. However, it is important to make sure you have the right type of bollard and are able to install them with ease, otherwise their effectiveness could be compromised.
Telescopic retractable bollards or automatic bollards are the best options for drivewaysbecause they lock in place once they are in an upright position, and when you want to gain access to your driveway, they easily sink back into the ground. These types of bollards would work well on at the entrance to a private road, too, ensuring easy access for the property’s owners and guests
When placing bollards along the sides of a private road, fixed bollards would be the most practical. They can be rooted into the ground with cement and with a bit of creativity, they can even lend your property a neat aesthetic. Bollards sitting at the edges of a road to guide cars and clearly demarcate lane boundaries do not need to be folded down to allow for vehicle access, so choosing a telescopic or collapsible model isn’t necessary.
What benefits do bollards offer?
Bollards can provide residential and commercial properties with a wealth of benefits, and now that you know when and where they can be erected, you may be wondering about the advantages of installing bollards on private land.
Security and safety
Security posts or parking posts are great for making sure that your vehicle stays in its parking space overnight. Placing security posts that lock into the ground behind your vehicle can prevent it from being stolen.
Privacy
If you have neighbours that regularly make use of your driveway, you might be in need of some bollards. They will prevent people from parking in your driveway or using it to turn around, as they won't be able to access it.
When you arrive home, simply remove your bollards. Then you will be able to park in your driveway without any hassles.
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FAQs
Do you own the pavement outside of your house?
No, if you have a grass verge or pavement outside of your property, it does not belong to you. If you want to make any changes to this area, then you will need to contact your local council for permission.
Can you legally stop someone from parking outside your house?
Unfortunately, there is no specific law stating that only you can park outside your home. Thankfully, you can stop this from being a problem by using bollards in your driveway.
What are the best places to install bollards?
If you want to install parking posts or security posts in your driveway, you can either place them 45cm away from the road or right behind your vehicle.
If you require removable parking posts, it would be better to place them right behind your vehicle. However, if you want bollards that sink into the ground, it would be better to place them at the end of your driveway.