How Rising Arm Barriers Help In Parking And Access Management

Efficient parking and access management are crucial for businesses, residential communities, public spaces, and commercial properties. As vehicle numbers increase, controlling entry and exit points securely, smoothly, and cost-effectively becomes a significant challenge. The rising arm barrier system is one of the most reliable and widely adopted solutions to tackle this. It is a versatile, automated mechanism designed to regulate vehicular access. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how rising arm barriers work, their benefits, applications, and why they are essential in modern parking and access control. 

Looking for a hassle-free way to control your vehicle access? Perimeter Automation specialises in installing reliable security bollards and barriers tailored to your needs.  

Give us a call on 01474 559310 or email us at sales@perimeter-automation.co.uk today! 

What Are Rising Arm Barriers?

A rising arm or boom barrier is an automated access control system that regulates vehicle entry and exit at secure or restricted sites. These barriers consist of a long arm that raises and lowers to block or allow vehicles through. Controlled electronically, they are commonly installed at: 

• Car parks 

• Business entrances 

• Private estates 

• Public crossings 

• Industrial or high-security sites 

Rising arm barriers are highly effective for managing traffic, enhancing site security, and integrating with broader access control systems such as CCTV, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), fob readers, and intercoms.  

There are two main types of rising arm barriers, both tailored to specific use cases:

1. Boom Barriers

These are standard raising-arm barriers designed primarily for vehicle access control. 

Key features 

• Available in sizes from 2.4m to 6m 

• Can be doubled to span up to 12m 

• Fast and smooth operation 

• Integrates with: 

• ANPR cameras 

• Fob or keypad access 

• Intercom systems 

• Free-exit ground loops 

Best for 

• Car parks 

• Business premises 

• Gated communities 

2. Curtain Barriers

Curtain barriers are boom barriers with an added curtain beneath the main arm, providing enhanced safety and control. 

Key features 

• Same dimensions as standard boom barriers (up to 12m when doubled) 

• Lower curtain prevents: 

• Pedestrians ducking under 

• Vehicles sneaking through while the arm is descending 

• Highly visible and adds an extra physical and psychological deterrent 

Best for 

• Public crossings 

• High-traffic car parks 

• Sites with heavy pedestrian movement 

How Rising Arm Barriers Help In Parking Management 

Proper parking management systems are key to ensuring efficiency and avoiding unnecessary congestion. Rising arm barriers streamline this process through: 

1. Traffic Flow Control

They regulate traffic control barriers, allowing vehicles to enter and exit car parks in an orderly and timed manner, which is especially beneficial during peak hours. 

2. Parking Space Management

By controlling car park barriers, these systems ensure only authorised or paying users access specific areas, supporting car park security. 

3. Revenue Collection

Automatic rising barriers can integrate seamlessly with payment systems, ensuring users pay for their time in the car park before exiting. This adds a reliable revenue stream and enhances parking efficiency. 

4. Parking Enforcement

Boom barriers help enforce access rules by limiting entry to permit holders, residents, or paid users, making them ideal for managed secure parking systems. 

5. Improved Aesthetics

Modern barrier designs enhance the visual appeal of parking zones, offering a clean, professional appearance that aligns with branding and safety expectations. 

How Rising Arm Barriers Help In Access Control 

When it comes to vehicle access control, rising arm barriers provide exceptional versatility and security: 

1. Enhanced Security

They are a physical deterrent to unauthorised entry and can be linked to access control technology such as ANPR, proximity cards, intercoms, or mobile apps. 

2. Risk Management

By controlling access points, barriers help mitigate security breaches, making them ideal for high-risk facilities or restricted zones. 

3. Protection Of Private Areas

Whether in residential communities or commercial premises, rising barriers prevent unauthorised vehicle intrusion into sensitive or private property areas. 

4. Event Management

Perfect for temporary entry and exit control, rising barriers help manage high traffic volumes during events by enabling selective access for guests and staff. 

Also, read about your access control options for automated gates to better understand how you can enhance security and convenience at your entry points. 

Additional Reasons To Use Rising Arm Barriers In Parking And Access Control

Here are additional benefits of rising arm barriers for parking and access control, whether used at a business park, school, gated community, or industrial site: 

1. Cost-Effective

These access management solutions are affordable compared to full-scale gate systems, especially for car park security and commercial applications. 

2. Low Maintenance

Automatic rising barriers from trusted providers like Perimeter Automation are built for durability and require minimal upkeep.  

3. Seamless Integration

Easily connected with parking automation systems, CCTV, and remote management tools, allowing for complete control over controlled vehicle entry. 

4. Flexible Use

Suitable for a wide range of applications, including traffic control barriers, residential driveways, industrial parks, school premises, and more. 

5. Safety Features

Many models include anti-crush sensors, loop detectors, and emergency manual release options, maximising user safety and convenience. 

So, these are the benefits of rising arm barriers for parking and access control, offering enhanced security, efficient traffic flow, and seamless vehicle access management for any site. Get in touch with Perimeter Automation to secure your premises with reliable and professional automated barrier systems.  

Partner With Perimeter Automation For Your Rising Arm Barrier Installation, Maintenance and Servicing

At Perimeter Automation, we pride ourselves on delivering secure parking systems and access management solutions that exceed expectations. Whether you're looking to enhance car park barriers, install advanced barrier gate systems, or implement a new parking management system, our expert team is here to help. 

Choose us because we have: 

• Over 20 years of experience 

• Bespoke access control solutions 

• Full installation, maintenance & servicing 

• 24-hour emergency callouts 

• Serving residential, commercial & public sector clients 

Call us on 01474 559310 or email us at sales@perimeter-automation.co.uk, or you can also fill out our contact form, and we’ll be in touch!