Twelve bollards from the APT Flex range, which are designed to bend on impact, have been installed alongside an Executive barrier at the entrance to Anderson House in Hitchin, which provides sheltered housing for the elderly.

"The APT Flex bollards look and feel like rigid bollards but when impacted by a vehicle they will gently bend," explains Chris Rowlands, general manager of APT Security Systems. "If the vehicle continues to force the bollard it will bend up to 90 degrees flush with the ground. Once the vehicle has been removed the bollard will return to its upright rigid structure."

Being ideally suited to more 'passive' security, the APT Flex bollards are perfect for lower risk sites, whilst still addressing a security need, making it perfect for Anderson House. Commenting on the use of the APT Flex bollards, Steven Foulds, of North Hertfordshire Homes who was responsible for the project said: "APT won the contract at Anderson House after a rigorous selection process, and I must say I was very impressed by their enthusiasm and ability.

"An extra care scheme for the elderly can be a difficult working environment, especially for those who are not used to it, but the APT team worked extremely well, and all the feedback we've received has been positive," continues Steve. "They interacted well with other contractors and helped to deliver an access control system that was on time, on budget, and well-suited to our needs."

Flexible bollards are new to the market in the UK but the response so far has been encouraging as the benefits are being grasped easily: "The scheme at Anderson House was the first installation project using the APT Flex Bollard," says Chris, "but since then we have received more orders which it isn't surprising as the key benefits are easily grasped. When a 'traditional' bollard is hit, the impact is not just physical, it is also financial, even in a minor incident. Our new flexible bollards still provide a physical barrier but do not cause disproportionate damage to either the vehicle or our product."