Gate spikes

Started by RobertG • 6 replies • 1962 views

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RobertG (Arizona)
Posts: 505

Posted:

Has anyone had experience in determining the cost to add the spike control at an access gate (like at airport parking lots) so someone cannot go in the wrong way? How much do they cost? Is there any specific liability issues that need to be thought about?

hoatalk (California)
Posts: 603

Posted:

Depends on your setup but it seems a concern may be blocking emergency vehicles. For example if one gate is out or if a large fire truck might be too wide for one lane, if the lanes are narrow, etc.

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RobertG (Arizona)
Posts: 505

Posted:

Interesting thought that needs attention. We do have a double wide gate for both entrance and exit with a pillar between the entrance and exit. Also, there are 3 gates within 1/2 mile distance to reach all homeowners. Also, when the power goes out, the gates open full in both directions for safety.

Jadedone4 (Virginia)
Posts: 495

Posted:

Robert, I simplier (and less costly to both the HOA and the owner) than spikes, might be a "kill switch" pad, or sensor on the "wrong way" side. Think of a three way light switch, where you can turn on/off same bulb, at different locations. If a vehicle is traveling the wrong way on a gate entrance, a ground pad, or sensor, would preven the gate from opening, even if there was a car approaching from opposite side. It effectively "kills" the current operation from being performed. With this method you are not exposing the HOA to any headaches from damaged tires, etc.

If the above is not clear, think of the drive-in windows, and counter windows of banks. There are two doors, one the customers side the other on the tellers side. If the customer's side is open, the other side will not function, and vice versa.

The installed contacts can be either placed as a pad on the driveway areas, or a laser "eye" system similar to a garage door opener safety system with the beams.

RobertG (Arizona)
Posts: 505

Posted:

to Jadedone4

I am sure it is not easy to visualize, but the situation is such that there are two independent lanes (one for entry, one for exit) with a call box kiosk separating them at the entrance. Thus a car entering can pull in like they are going through the normal entry and just sit and wait. Then, by chance, someone comes out the exit gate. It is a separate gate. It opens and the car exits. While the gate is still open, the entry car swerves over to the other lane and goes in before the exit gate has a chance to close.

We have asked to have the time for the gates to stay open to be shortened, but it can't be too short.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Do the gates open in oposite directions? Just curious. If the gates open in oposite directions then maybe there could be designed a way that the gate length will prevent a car from entering from the oposite end. Example: the gate swings OUT from the car. Instead the Gates the gates could instead open TOWARD the car and close behind upon exit. Have a designated white line for the car to stay behind for the gate to open and move back the code box.
I would also think about putting poles up between the two lanes. Enough to walk between but not enough to drive. Much like the poles used to block people from running into buildings.
This may be a simple design problem easily resolved. I hesisitate in putting in spikes. They leave you open for lawsuits and emergency vehicle limitations. Plus you now have a driver stuck at the gate with their tires slashed blocking traffic. How's anyone going to exit while they wait for the police and tow truck? Can't go the other way because it has spikes too!

Former HOA President

RobertG (Arizona)
Posts: 505

Posted:

I like some of your thoughts. However, the swinging gate idea is a non-starter. It would cost many thousands of dollars to rebuild the gates. Also, if I thought just drawing a white line would stop people who are not supposed to enter would fix the problem, then we could have done that a long time ago.

However, the idea of putting up poles between the lanes might have merit. However, the idea is that if someone does not get granted access needs to turn around, they can just make a U turn and go back out.

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