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What Are Turnstiles Used For?

Turnstiles are a staple part of everyday life, routinely found in sports stadiums, office buildings, stations, schools, and many other locations. The main function of turnstiles is to help control the flow of pedestrian traffic. As well as being functional, they also play an integral part of the security of public places. In this blog post we are going to take a look at what turnstiles are, where they are located, and how installing turnstiles can benefit your organisation. We will also consider the ways in which they can be used in conjunction with other forms of security. 

What Are Turnstiles?

Turnstiles are mechanical or electrical devices that are used at entrances to venues in a bid to control pedestrian entry and exit. Most turnstiles have horizontal arms that rotate, which are generally spaced to allow single person entry into a designated area. They control pedestrians in what is effectively a one way system, that stops anyone getting into a venue without permission or payment, while adding an extra layer of security.

There are several types of turnstiles, including:

Full-Height Turnstiles

Quite often seen at sporting venues, full height turnstiles are as the name suggests designed to fully enclose anyone entering or exiting a venue. They resemble revolving doors, that have mechanical rotating barriers, and lock after each entrant. They are designed to restrict entry to one person at a time, and given that they prevent anyone from jumping over or ducking under them, they add a significant layer of security to a venue. 

Half-Height Turnstiles

These are probably the most commonly used turnstiles, usually a single rotating bar at waist height. Half-height turnstiles are typically used in lower security areas such as bus and train stations, schools, gyms and other public buildings. Places that require some form of access control but without the need for a high level of security. 

Optical Turnstiles

The AI of the turnstile world, optical turnstiles make use of sensors, instead of a physical barrier. They provide an aesthetically pleasing solution, where security is required, but an open welcoming atmosphere is essential. They are commonly used in the corporate world, and at higher end venues.

Where Are Turnstiles Typically Found? 

Anywhere is the answer! Turnstiles provide an affordable effective solution for all manner of venues such as:

  • Public Transport Systems: Subway stations, train terminals, and bus stations often use turnstiles to control access to platforms and ensure that passengers have purchased tickets.
  • Sports Arenas and Stadiums: To manage large crowds and ensure ticket validation, stadium turnstiles are installed at entrances to control the flow of spectators.
  • Amusement Parks: Turnstiles help monitor the number of visitors entering an amusement park, ensure ticket validation, and prevent unauthorised entry.
  • Corporate Buildings: Offices particularly those housed in larger corporate buildings use turnstiles to allow access to employees and visitors, whilst stopping unauthorised individuals gaining access. 
  • Gyms and fitness centres: Often activated by swiping a membership card, turnstiles are a common feature in gyms, to ensure only paying members can access the facilities.

What Are the Main Uses of Turnstiles?

The use of turnstiles extends beyond controlling access in and out of an area. They can be effectively used in the following situations. 

  • Security: They provide a visual, and physical barrier to a venue or area. They can be used in conjunction with tickets, cards or biometrics to ensure only authorised access by vetted individuals.
  • Crowd Management: In locations where large groups of people need to be controlled, turnstiles regulate the flow of individuals, ensuring that entry is orderly and preventing overcrowding.
  • Revenue Control: In areas where access is based on payment, such as amusement parks or football stadiums, turnstiles ensure that only those who have paid the correct fare can pass through.
  • Data Collection: When used in conjunction with modern day technology, turnstiles can be an effective method of collecting data and levels of footfall. This can provide information to venues and facility managers to help identify times of peak usage, and adjust staffing levels and business needs accordingly.

What Other Access Control Systems Can Be Integrated into Turnstiles?

The versatility of turnstiles means they can be used in conjunction with other access control systems to help improve function and security. Some everyday examples of this are listed below. 

  • Card readers: This can provide a swift and efficient way of activating a turnstile, whilst still maintaining security. A card can be coded with authorised access allowing the user to simply swipe a card to gain entry. 
  • Biometric Systems: If a higher level of security is required, a turnstile can be integrated with a biometric method of entry. With Biometric entry the turnstile is activated via facial or fingerprint recognition. Thus ensuring only authorised individuals can gain access. 
  • RFID Technology: RFID readers can be easily added into a turnstile. This means that the turnstile effectively reads a tag that is embodied within a badge or membership card. 
  • Ticket Scanners: We see this everyday at public transport stations, particularly train stations, and event venues. The turnstiles are fitted with technology that can read QR codes or magnetic strips on tickets, which automatically activates the access system.
  • CCTV Systems: These can easily be fitted to turnstiles to help control access remotely, and provide an extra level of security. All entry and exit points can be monitored in real time, and used in conjunction with a turnstile to ensure a steady flow of pedestrian traffic. 

The Benefits of Turnstiles

The benefits of turnstiles are many and varied. They are a versatile piece of equipment, which makes them a popular choice for crowd control. Their plus points include:

  • Enhanced Security The physical barrier created by a turnstile, helps to prevent unauthorised access. The fact that they can be used in conjunction with other security methods makes for a belt and braces approach to security. 
  • Efficient Crowd Management. By restricting entry and exit to an area to one person at a time, you are able to have an efficient and manageable flow of pedestrian traffic. This is especially important at larger venues when big crowds are arriving and leaving at the same time, such as sporting events, and concerts. By slowing down the flow, it helps to promote crowd safety. 
  • Cost Effective: The fact that turnstiles can be accessed using automatic forms of entry such as cards, tickets and biometrics cuts down on the need for security personnel and staff to physically “man the gates”. This translates to a reduction in staffing costs and overheads. 
  • Scalability: Turnstiles can be installed in all shapes and sizes, and in all manner of locations. They can easily be customised and adapted to suit the particular needs of any given location. This versatility makes them the perfect solution for businesses and venues irrespective of location or size.
  • Data Analytics: Turnstiles integrated with modern access control systems can provide valuable insights into foot traffic patterns, helping businesses optimise operations and improve security.

High-Quality Access Control Systems from Security Solutions

As you can see, turnstiles can be an integral part of access control systems across many different venues and locations. They not only improve security, but also help with crowd management and operational efficiency. At Security Solutions our expert team fully understands the importance of reliable and effective access control. We pride ourselves on being able to deliver an extensive range of turnstiles that can be adapted to the specific needs of the individual customer. 

Whether you need turnstiles for a corporate building, a public transport station, or a high-security facility, we have the expertise and technology to help. Our team can provide customised solutions that integrate seamlessly with other security measures, ensuring comprehensive protection and ease of use.

To learn more about our access control solutions, including turnstiles, contact Security Solutions today. We’re here to help you enhance security, maintain, and streamline operations with our state-of-the-art systems.

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