Factors to Consider When Choosing Lamp Post Protectors

Whenever you enter a car park, there are a number of things that you might notice. Is the car park well lit? Are the spaces wide enough? Is signage clear and well positioned? Most people will not immediately notice details such as lamp post protectors. Nevertheless, they are an essential safety feature which need the right level of consideration, whether you are constructing a new parking facility or upgrading an existing one. Making the right choice will give a smart and professional look to your car park and save you time, money and disruption in the future.

Why Do I Need Lamp Post Protectors?

In any car park, whether at a retail park, office building, school or any other setting, there is a risk that lamp posts will be accidentally damaged in collisions with vehicles. By installing post protectors this risk is significantly reduced for three reasons. Firstly, they make the lamppost more visible, so it is less likely to be hit in the first place. Secondly, they form a physical barrier between a vehicle and the actual lamp post, so it is difficult to get close. Thirdly, it will absorb the impact of a collision should it occur and make it less likely that the lamp post is knocked over or seriously damaged. This is obviously disruptive and costly to repair, but more importantly, a falling lamppost can cause significant damage to both surrounding vehicles and their occupants and to pedestrians in the car park.

Types of Post Protector

Post protectors fall into two categories depending on the way that they are installed: bolt-down or concreted types. Bolt-down protectors can be retrofitted with ease and minimal disruption in an existing car park, whereas concreted protectors would usually be chosen in the design phase of a new car park and fitted during the initial construction. Both methods provide a robust and durable installation.

Post protectors are generally installed around each individual lamp post and can be cast in different shapes and sizes to ensure they will fit well at each location and provide the right level of impact protection.

Use of Colour

There are good reasons to colour your post protectors other than simply aesthetic ones. A brightly coloured barrier around each lamppost will make them easier to see, particularly in dark or dull conditions. Protectors are often manufactured from mild steel and can be painted or powder-coated in a whole range of different colours and finishes. An eye-catching neon colour may be a good choice for some locations, or perhaps a colour that is used in a company’s branding. Larger car parks may use a different colour scheme to differentiate between different zones or levels.

Protective Treatment Options

In uncovered car parks, post protectors are secured in the ground and exposed to all sorts of weather conditions during their lifetime. In this case, protection can be provided by either painting or galvanising. These options will reduce the effects of rain, snow and extreme hot or cold temperatures, prevent rusting and increase the longevity of your post protectors.