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Automated gates can make a significant difference to the overall accessibility of a property, whether for owners or visitors of a domestic residence, or staff and visitors at a commercial property. Indeed, automation can help to eliminate many of the barriers associated with traditional gates – from improving ease of entry for people with mobility challenges to reducing the impact of bad weather.
If it’s something you’re considering for your own property, you can take your pick from various features for your electric gates, such as remote controls and built-in safety mechanisms – all of which can provide a useful way to maximise the accessibility of your home or workplace, without sacrificing anything in terms of security.
Automated gates improve access for people with mobility challenges
Opening and closing a manual gate can sometimes be a difficult task for anyone with mobility challenges, whether on foot or in a car.
Automated driveway gates can save drivers from having to step out of their car, so people with mobility limitations can enter and exit their property effortlessly using remote controls, keypads, or smartphone-operated systems. This is particularly useful for wheelchair users or people who find it difficult to move in and out of a car.
By the same token, automated pedestrian gates also provide a key advantage for people on foot. Instead of dealing with heavy manual gates or awkward latches, users can rely on motion sensors, push-button entry, or access fobs. It’s a particularly useful advantage for elderly people, parents with prams, or anyone carrying shopping or luggage. In a commercial setting, pedestrian gates with automation can ensure smooth access for staff, delivery drivers, or visitors who may otherwise find manual operation difficult for whatever reason.
Customisation allows for better accessibility
No two properties are the same, and both driveway and pedestrian gates can be customised to suit different accessibility requirements. For example, driveway gates can be designed with wider openings, ensuring that large adapted transport, vans, or delivery vehicles can enter without difficulty. Adjustable opening speeds also allow users to set the gate to operate at a pace that suits their needs.
Pedestrian gates offer similar flexibility. Access control systems, for example, can be tailored to the user’s preference; some people may prefer remote fob activation, while others might rely on voice-activated or motion-detection entry.
In shared properties or workplaces, pedestrian gates can also be programmed to open at set times, ensuring that carers, service providers, or staff can enter the premises without needing to be specifically admitted each time. Motion sensors or automatic detection systems can make life even easier, prompting gates to open as soon as someone with the right authorisation approaches.
Weather conditions become less of a barrier
Bad weather can sometimes make manual gates notoriously difficult to operate. Strong winds can make them hard to control, heavy rain can be miserable, and snow or ice can make access physically demanding. And as we’ve covered, since automated driveway gates save drivers from needing to get out of their car to open a gate, that can save them from a pretty unpleasant experience. That’s especially true for people with mobility impairments, parents with children in the car, or anyone who might otherwise find it a challenge to deal with a frozen or rain-soaked gate latch.
The same can be broadly true for pedestrian gates – here, automation can also provide relief from poor weather conditions. Instead of fumbling with a wet or icy manual gate, the gate can open at the push of a button, via a motion sensor, or using an intercom-controlled entry system. This reduces the risk of slipping on wet or frozen surfaces while trying to open a stiff gate. Automated pedestrian gates also prevent wind from slamming gates shut unexpectedly, which can be particularly dangerous for older people, or anyone using mobility aids.
Those are just a couple of key examples – you may well be able to discover even more specific advantages for your own home or workplace. And if you’ve got any questions or you need any help or advice, we’re always happy to answer as many of your questions as we can here at North Valley Forge. We have more than three decades we’ve been designing, crafting, and installing custom electric gates to fit all styles. If you’re curious about our stunning range of wrought iron gates, we would love to chat! Feel free to reach out to one of our experts by calling 01282 677300. To see what we have to offer in our collections, you can also head to our website and request a brochure!
