Retractable Bollards and ANPR Cameras: A Smart Access Control Solution for Cities

The use of retractable bollards has become essential for regulating urban traffic in pedestrian zones, city centers, private parking lots, and sensitive sites. Today, these systems are evolving to make access management smarter than ever.

When combined with a LPR  / ANPR (License Plate Recognition camera / Automatic Number Plate Recognition), retractable bollards become a fully autonomous, seamless, and contactless access control system.

In this article, we explain how this combination works, the use cases it covers, and why it is becoming the standard solution for Smart Cities.

What Is a Retractable Bollard?

A retractable bollard is a metal cylinder embedded into the roadway. It can automatically or manually rise and lower depending on operational requirements. Its purpose is to restrict or grant vehicle access to specific areas.

The increasing deployment of retractable bollards in these locations is primarily driven by safety concerns. By limiting access to authorized vehicles only, they help reduce intrusions, malicious acts, and accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles.

There is also a growing environmental benefit. By encouraging pedestrianization in urban centers and reducing vehicle traffic in certain areas, retractable bollards contribute to lower pollution levels and reduced noise in cities. Some solutions go even further with solar-powered autonomous models, further minimizing their environmental impact.

When Are Retractable Bollards Essential?

1. Securing Pedestrian Areas: Barcelona, Paris, Brussels, Marseille, and many other European cities are increasingly pedestrianizing their historic centers. Retractable bollards play a dual role in these environments: Strictly controlling access for authorized vehicles (residents, delivery vehicles, emergency services), Preventing hostile intrusions, including vehicle-ramming attacks
2. Regulating Vehicle Access: Retractable bollards can filter vehicles according to precise criteria: Authorized time slots, Vehicle type, Pre-registered license plates, Low Emission Zone (LEZ) requirements. They adapt in real time to the rules defined by site operators.
3. Managing Traffic Around Parking Facilities and Sensitive Sites: Ideal for private parking facilities, industrial sites, airports, and government buildings, retractable bollards reduce queues, improve traffic flow, and prevent unauthorized access 24/7.
4. Preventing Unauthorized Parking: In regulated areas, retractable bollards effectively reserve access and parking spaces for authorized users such as residents, business owners, and delivery drivers. They reduce illegal parking without requiring permanent supervision. 

 Many tourist destinations now use these systems to protect historic city centers and preserve residents' quality of life.

Types of Retractable Bollards

AI-generated illustration

Depending on the intended use and traffic frequency, retractable bollards can be divided into three main categories:

Manual: Raised and lowered using a key or lever, manual retractable bollards are a simple and cost-effective solution. They are suitable for low-traffic areas such as small parking lots, private properties, or occasional access points. The main drawback of this type of bollard is its reliance on human intervention for operation.

Semi-Automatic: These feature a hybrid operating mechanism. Unlocking is performed manually, while raising or lowering is assisted by a gas strut or hydraulic mechanism. These are less restrictive than fully manual bollards, offering greater user convenience while still requiring human presence in every operation. This type of bollard is particularly suited for residential properties, small parking facilities, and areas with moderate traffic frequency.

Automatic Retractable: The most advanced solution among the three categories. Fully motorized and remotely controlled through badges, intercom systems, or vehicle access control systems. These ensure smooth vehicle access, centralized entry and exit management, and a high level of security. These bollards are indispensable in high-traffic environments such as city centers, airports, public parking facilities, government sites, and pedestrian zones

On their own, retractable bollards require human intervention or the use of an access code or badge to operate. However, when combined with LPR/ANPR technology, they become a fully automated access control system, based on vehicle license plate recognition. This combination is the most efficient solution available.

Bollard equipped with a Survision ANPR camera at Seine River in Paris

Why Combine Retractable Bollards with LPR/ANPR Cameras?

Integrating an LPR/ANPR camera transforms a retractable bollard into an intelligent access control system on its own. It eliminates the need for badges and access codes, which can be lost, shared, or stolen, while removing the need for user intervention. The system operates autonomously and continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For retractable bollard manufacturers, integrating an ANPR solution represents significant added value. It enhances the product offering, helps meet public procurement requirements, and positions the system within the premium segment of automated access control.

For municipalities and site operators, this technology provides greater convenience for authorized users while significantly strengthening security.

How Does It Work?

1. A vehicle approaches the bollard.
2. The ANPR camera instantly reads the license plate.
3. The system checks the vehicle's access rights against the database.
4. If the vehicle is authorized, the bollard automatically lowers.
5. The passage is recorded and timestamped.

The entire process takes only a few seconds, without prolonged stops, physical contact, or friction.

Comparison: With or Without ANPR

Criteria	Retractable Bollard Without ANPR	Retractable Bollard With ANPR
Access Method	Badge, code, key, or remote control required	Automatic license plate recognition
Security	Risk of lost, forgotten, or shared credentials	Unique license plate identification with strictly controlled access
Traffic Flow	Vehicle often needs to stop, creating potential queues	Immediate access and smooth traffic flow
Access Logging	History available through badges or access logs	Automatic centralized real-time logging
Authorization Management	Manual or local access management	Remote management through a centralized platform
User Experience	User action required	Fully contactless and intervention-free access

Real-World Example: The Seine Riverbanks in Paris

Along the Seine riverbanks in Paris, retractable bollards equipped with Survision ANPR cameras regulate vehicle access.

This system automatically identifies authorized vehicles entering an area that is heavily frequented by pedestrians, ensuring both safety and operational efficiency.

Automatic retractable bollard access control using license plate recognition along the Seine riverbanks (Paris, France).

Conclusion

Choosing the combination of retractable bollards and ANPR cameras means opting for smoother, smarter, and fully automated vehicle access control.

Today, this technology represents the most advanced and efficient standard available on the market.

Are you installing retractable bollards or managing an access control project? Discover our PlateAccess solution or contact one of our experts: sales@survisiongroup.com