Bump Stops
Bump Stops/Wheel Stops
Wheel stops or bump stops are a safety mechanism that allows for and aids better, organised and safe parking spaces for cars. A wheel stop acts as a cushion on the wheels that not only prevents them from moving but also keeps the vehicle away from walls, gates, fences, pillars, seating, doorways, buildings etc. Hence, it helps protect the vehicles and the surrounding infrastructure from damage.
Every commercial carpark or private parking area should have wheel stops installed so that the vehicles remain parked within the boundaries that have been earmarked for them.
What Are The Typical Uses of Wheel Stops?
- Wheel stops help control the kerb overhang where it is inconvenient and dangerous for pedestrians.
- They help in inhibiting the encroachments into the pedestrian paths or parks.
- Designating parking slots as well as acting as barriers for the wheels of the vehicles.
Installation of wheel stops should be avoided in areas where there is heavy movement of pedestrian traffic or parks since they may, in such cases, become the cause of people tripping over and falling and hence pose safety hazards for walkers.
Types of Wheel Stops
Plastic Wheel Stops: These are extremely lightweight and hence the cheapest wheel stops available in the market. They are very easy to transport and install and hence are great options for installations in parks or private spaces.
However, they are not very durable and as such their installations in public places or commercial parking stations are not encouraged. Harsh weather has an adverse effect on plastic wheel stops and they are also unable to take high impact from vehicles.
Rubber Wheel Stops: These are the normal and most widely used wheel stops. As the name implies, they are made of a single-piece rubber and have yellow panels. They offer the best benefits of both the concrete as well as plastic wheel stops.
They are extremely economical and typically created from recycled material. Their usage is fairly common in factories, warehouses, and car parks. Rubber wheel stops are quite rugged, have a basic and simple installation, and are not prone to breakage. Even if they get damaged, they can be easily replaced because of their simple fixing to the concrete or tarmac.
Concrete Wheel Stops: These wheel stops are made from concrete material and are extremely heavy and rigid structures. Their weight normally equals or exceeds 100 kgs and are difficult to install due to their weight. You would normally need mechanical lifting to install them.
Concrete wheel stops are used to stop very heavy vehicles because they can withstand greater pressure or force. They are typically installed in areas where heavy vehicles park and people or buildings must be protected from them.
Another reason they are not preferred under normal circumstances is that they are not flexible and can crack if a sharp load is applied to the top, sometimes even at the time of installation. The places where concrete wheel stops are installed are clearly marked so that the pedestrians are aware of their existence and avoid falling over them.
So Which Wheel Stop Should You Choose?
All the different wheel stops have their own positives and negatives. It really does come down to your requirements. Plastic wheel stops are great for private spaces where no one expects much traffic or people, concrete ones are best suited to commercial parking lots where heavy vehicles stop, and rubber wheel stops offer a nice middle ground offering benefits both in private as well as commercial spaces.
From a long-term perspective the sustainability and convenience of installation and use, rubber wheel stops offer the best value.
Australian Standard for Wheel Stops
All the varieties of wheel stops are regulated by the Australian Standard AS2890.1:2004. The standard sets the following specifications:
- 1. The height of all wheel stops should be between 90 and 100 mm and width 1650 + 50mm.
- 2. The wheel stops should be identified by height and distance from both front and rear of the vehicle.
- 3. When the wheel stops restrain vehicle contact with a kerb higher than 150mm or a wall, a further 200mm should be added to the wheel stop distance.
- 4. The wheel stop distances should be measured from the front of the parking space to the point of contact with the vehicle tyre.
Most concrete wheel stops do not comply with the Australian standard for wheel stops because they are higher than 100mm.
About the Verge Durable
Rubber Wheel Stop
Verge safety makes rubber wheel stops that comply with the AS/NZS Standard 2890.1:2004
These wheel stops are made with high strength Durable Recycled Rubber with yellow reflective panels. The wheel stops have a robust modern design and they do not rust, break, or fade in sunlight. With dimensions of 100H x 1650L x 150W (mm), the Verge Durable Rubber Wheel Stop is your solution to commercial or private parking spaces.
We deliver all our wheel stops to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast (QLD) and all other major cities in Australia. Verge Durable Rubber Wheel Stop is an environment-friendly model made of recyclable material and is best suited to heavy duty settings such as factories and warehouses. When you buy Verge Durable Rubber Wheel Stop, it is supplied with all the fixings needed for easy installation in the minimum possible time.
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