Sliding vehicle gates

Sliding vehicle gates control vehicle entry where space is tight beside the opening. The leaf slides on a track or cantilevers over the driveway, with automation and access control. A rated sliding gate keeps its impact rating only when the track, posts, foundations and automation are part of the tested system.

• PAS 68 and LPS 1175Impact and forced entry ratings
• Tracked and cantileverTwo sliding arrangements
• Automated with access controlIntegrated with site systems
• Tested in placeRating covers the foundations

What is a sliding vehicle gate

A sliding vehicle gate is a gate whose leaf moves sideways to open, rather than swinging. It suits wide vehicle entrances where a swing leaf would need too much room to arc. Sliding gates are a core part of a perimeter and HVM scheme at the points where vehicles must pass the barrier line under control.

Two arrangements exist. Tracked gates run on a ground track set into the driveway. Cantilever gates hang from rollers on a support frame and need no ground track, which suits sloping ground or sites where a track would collect debris. Both can be automated and both can carry ratings. Our security gates page covers the wider gate range, and the vehicle impact ratings guide explains the test.

Choosing the right rating for sliding vehicle gates

Rate the gate for the threats at that entrance, and choose the arrangement from the ground conditions. The table below separates the two decisions.

How sliding vehicle gates work

The leaf runs on rollers along a ground track, or hangs from a cantilever frame, driven by a motor. Safety devices stop or reverse the leaf if a person or vehicle is in its path. Access control decides who may open it: card readers, intercoms, keypads or automatic number plate recognition, coordinated with the site’s security systems.

Power and drainage are planned before the civil work. A tracked gate needs a level run with drainage so the track stays clear, and a cantilever gate needs a firm base for its support frame. Every automated gate includes a manual release so the entrance can be worked by hand during a power failure.

Check the ground before choosing tracked. A tracked gate needs a level, firm run for its track. On sloping or soft ground, a cantilever leaf is usually the better choice.

Combining sliding gates with other ratings

Pedestrians should not share the vehicle leaf. Turnstiles or a separate rated pedestrian gate give staff and visitors their own controlled route. Gatehouses and control rooms take security doors rated to LPS 1175, and protected entrances can use blast resistant doors where the threat assessment calls for blast protection.

Where sliding vehicle gates are used

Data centres use sliding gates at compound entrances with steady delivery traffic. Utilities and energy sites gate depots and treatment works. Government and defence estates control secure zones, and transport hubs separate service yards from public areas.

What affects the cost and lead time of sliding vehicle gates

The clear opening width sets the leaf size and the steelwork scope. Ground works for the track or the cantilever frame, the motor and safety package, and integration with access control each add scope. Long approach roads may need the gate set back with queuing space, which adds civil work. Finish to a site colour and work in constrained compounds add time. No prices are given here because every entrance differs.

How to specify sliding vehicle gates

1. Measure the opening. Confirm clear width, levels and side space.
2. Choose tracked or cantilever. Decide from the ground conditions.
3. Set the ratings. Name the PAS 68 and LPS 1175 ratings required.
4. Sort power and drainage early. Fix the supplies before civil work starts.
5. Integrate access control. Coordinate readers and systems with the site.
6. Ask for test evidence. Get documentation that names each standard and rating.

Sliding vehicle gate FAQs