Stop bollards, barriers and posts being the thing nobody saw. A band of reflective tape lights up when headlights hit it, so drivers spot obstructions in car parks, yards and driveways well before they reach them. It's one of the cheapest ways to save a bumper, a bollard and a lot of hassle.
Which Tape for Bollards and Posts?
Our bollard tapes are acrylic prismatic reflective tapes, the brightest type we sell for general visibility marking. Measured brightness when new:
- Hi-Vis Yellow: over 500 cd/(lx·m²), bright fluorescent yellow by day
- White: over 490 cd/(lx·m²), a clean neutral finish
- Golden Yellow: over 340 cd/(lx·m²), a warm traditional safety colour
- Red: over 120 cd/(lx·m²), the colour people already read as a warning
Widths run from 25mm up to 200mm, with hi-vis yellow also in 300mm, all cut to the length you need.
Barriers and Gates
- Barrier arms: red and white prismatic tape gives the familiar striped look along the arm.
- Gates, posts and fixed obstructions: chevron tape in black and yellow, red and white or red and yellow.
- Directions and one-way routes: arrow tape on posts, gates and signs.
Where to Put It
- Bollards: one or two bands near the top, at the height headlights reach.
- Columns and pillars: bands at bumper and eye height around the full circumference, so they show from every direction.
- Kerbs, ramps and loading bay edges: strips along the edge that vehicles might clip.
- Entrances and exits: gate posts, barrier housings and height bars.
Round Bollards and Curved Surfaces
Acrylic prismatic tape is stiff, which is what makes it so durable outdoors, but it works best on flat or gently curved surfaces. On large-diameter bollards it wraps well. On narrow posts and tight curves, a flexible glass bead reflective tape follows the shape more easily.
Private Sites and Public Roads
These tapes are for general visibility marking on private property such as car parks, yards, driveways, warehouses and industrial sites. They are not certified road sign materials and not Chapter 8 compliant, so they shouldn't be used where certified materials are specified on public highways.
Applying Tape to Bollards
- Clean off dirt, algae and old adhesive, then degrease and let the surface dry fully.
- Apply in dry weather and avoid very cold days where you can.
- Start the band at the back of the bollard so the join faces away from traffic.
- Press firmly from the middle outwards and overlap the ends slightly.
See our step-by-step application guide for surface prep and cold weather tips.
FAQs
Which colour is brightest?
Hi-vis yellow and white are our brightest prismatic tapes, both measuring over 490 cd/(lx·m²) when new.
Can I use it on a metal or plastic bollard?
Yes, on a clean, dry, sound surface. Remove loose paint and rust first.
Can I use it on the public road?
Not where certified materials are required. These tapes are for private sites.
Can I buy it in bulk for a large site?
Yes. See our trade and wholesale page or email sales@flashbacktape.co.uk.