Slagboom

Slagboom, meaning “barrier arm” in Dutch, refers to a barrier used to regulate vehicle access at controlled points. In English, the device is often called a boom barrier or barrier gate. Slagbomen are common at parking facilities, toll plazas, industrial sites, borders, and other restricted areas, where they help prevent unauthorized entry while allowing authorized traffic to pass.

A slagboom comprises a long arm (the boom) mounted on a pivot or axle, driven by an electric motor or hydraulic actuator. The arm can be raised to admit a vehicle or lowered to block passage. The barrier is connected to an access-control system and may work with ticket dispensers, card readers, license-plate recognition cameras, intercoms, or remote controls. Detection sensors and loop inductors help coordinate opening and closing to maintain smooth traffic flow.

Safety and reliability are central. Modern slagbomen include photocells or pressure-sensitive edges to detect obstructions, audible or visual warnings, and fail-safe modes that default to an open position in power or control faults.

Proper installation requires sufficient clearance, weather-resistant construction, and regular maintenance to prevent jams.

Variants include rising barriers for general use, cantilever or hinged arms for space-limited sites, and models with integrated towers for access control. They are widely used at parking facilities, industrial complexes, tolling points, and restricted entrances to enhance security and traffic management.