If you manage an office, school, leisure centre or public building, you may be weighing up how to control who enters. Turnstiles and speed lanes both provide this, but they feel very different and suit different jobs. Here is how to compare them.
Tripod and waist-high turnstiles
A tripod turnstile has three rotating arms that allow one person at a time to pass after presenting a valid credential. They are robust, low cost and well suited to outdoor sites, car parks, sports grounds and plant entrances.
- Pros: hard-wearing, simple, affordable and unambiguous. One person per credential.
- Cons: not very welcoming, awkward with bags or buggies, and usually need a wider accessible gate alongside.
Full height turnstiles
Floor-to-ceiling rotating arms provide the highest level of physical security. They are used for perimeters and sensitive sites, such as utilities, depots and industrial yards.
- Pros: very hard to climb or jump, strong tailgating prevention.
- Cons: slower throughput, industrial appearance and generally unsuited to a smart reception.
Speed lanes (speed gates)
A speed lane is a pair of slim pedestals with glass or acrylic wings that open and close quickly for an authorised person. They use sensors to detect when someone is passing and to spot misuse.
- Pros: quick, quiet, smart and well suited to offices and public buildings. Higher throughput for busy reception areas.
- Cons: more costly, and security depends on sensors, so they work best with a receptionist or security officer nearby.
How to choose
- Where is it? Outdoor and industrial settings favour tripods or full height units. Reception areas favour speed lanes.
- How many people at peak? Peak flow at shift change or the start of the school day should size the number of lanes, not the average.
- What is the risk? The higher the risk, the stronger the barrier and the more important supervision becomes.
- Who needs to get through? Wheelchairs, prams, luggage and deliveries need a wide lane or a separate gate.
- How does it link to the rest of the building? Turnstiles work with your access control system, fire alarm and CCTV.
Think about fire safety from day one
Entry control must never trap people in an emergency. The way a turnstile or speed lane releases when the fire alarm sounds, and what happens in a power failure, are design decisions. We cover this in our guide to tailgating and fire safety.
Costs
Price depends on the type, finish, number of lanes, width and the work needed for power, cabling and integration. Ask for the units, installation, access control links and annual maintenance to be itemised so you can compare like for like.
We supply and install a range of entry control products across London and the Home Counties. See our turnstiles and speed lanes page or call 01296 614440.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more secure, a turnstile or a speed lane?
Full height turnstiles give the strongest physical barrier. Speed lanes are designed for flow and appearance and rely on sensors and an alarm to detect misuse, so they work best with some supervision.
Are speed lanes accessible for wheelchair users?
Most manufacturers offer wider lanes for wheelchair users, prams and luggage. These are usually installed beside the standard lanes and should be specified from the start.
What does a turnstile cost?
Prices vary a great deal with type, finish, number of lanes and installation. A quote should itemise the units, power and cabling, the access control integration and maintenance.