Are you sure you know the difference between a GATE and a TRAFFIC BARRIER?
Our aim is to offer customers and end users clear and useful information, accompanied by the essential explanations, so as to ensure their deeper understanding and support them in making more informed decisions during purchase.
 QUESTION |  GATES |  TRAFFIC BARRIERS |
Are they considered true automatic closures? | YES, however, they must be duly certified and declared in accordance with the European standard UNI EN 13241:2016. | NO, they are simply devices to regulate vehicular access. |
Are they safe even in the presence of crosswalks? | YES, provided they have been declared in compliance with the above regulations. | NO, they are suitable for vehicular passageways only. They can also be adapted for pedestrian use, provided appropriate safety devices are applied. However, they can never be considered automatic closures. |
Does the current law require that such equipment be CE marked? | YES, it is mandatory. All gates installed after 05 May 2005 must mandatorily be CE marked, with appropriate identification plate. | YES, it is mandatory. All road barriers must mandatorily be CE marked, with appropriate identification plate. |
Are they in fact “machines” and therefore must comply with all the regulations of the “Machinery Directive”? | YES | YES |
For the periodic maintenance program, is it necessary to follow the regulations specified by the “Machinery Directive”? | YES (on a semi-annual basis) | YES (on a semi-annual basis) |
Can the opening speed be increased at the request of the end user? Obviously this is all consistent with its technical characteristics. | NO, gates have more restrictive regulations governing their safe operation and are subject to impact testing. | YES, but always and only for vehicular passages only. |
Can safeties (photocells, lasers, etc.) be bypassed during their opening ? | NO is absolutely prohibited. The moving safety of the gate itself would be compromised. | YES, but only for an opening used for vehicular passage and always with appropriate signage. |
If a person crosses them without permission, can it be considered trespassing? | YES (you are liable to a complaint/prosecution) | NO |
If a person crosses them without permission and is unfortunately injured inside the property, whose responsibility is it? | The responsibility lies entirely with the offender. | Full responsibility and possible damages rest with the owner of the area who failed to secure it. |
In the case of a theft inside the property, could the insurance company challenge that the area was not properly secured and protected? | NO | Yes, all areas where a traffic barrier is installed cannot be covered by insurance for theft or injury to unauthorized persons. |
In case you use them to protect car lifts in order to safeguard people from falling, is it possible to apply for and obtain certification? | YES, and they can also have the function of certified guardrails.  | NO, installing them to close car mounts constitutes a serious violation of the law.  |