Flow Plates Buying and User Guide
Traffic flow plates are designed to maintain one-way traffic movement in areas such as private car parks and industrial estates. They are commonly used to prevent vehicles from entering through exits or exiting via entrances, thereby enhancing safety and security, reducing vehicle speeds, and deterring unauthorised access.
This guide provides everything you need to know before purchasing flow plates. We’ll cover key considerations, the types available, installation tips, and complementary products to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Flow Plates and How Do They Work?
Traffic flow plates are built to slow vehicle speeds and allow vehicles to pass over them in one direction.
Both Heavy-duty Flow Plate and The Ramp People's Flow Plates for Small Vehicles feature a hinged metal plate that tilts downward, enabling vehicles to safely drive over them when travelling in the correct direction. If a vehicle attempts to pass in the wrong direction, the plate remains upright, acting as a physical deterrent and alerting drivers that they are going the wrong way.
Directional flow plates with teeth operate similarly but, instead of a hinged plate, include five teeth on springs that serve as an additional deterrent. When approached from the correct direction, the teeth retract into the plate.
All flow plates are manufactured from durable steel and feature a chequered anti-slip surface for optimal traction. Their surface-mounted design makes them easy to install on both tarmac and concrete surfaces.
Things to consider when looking for flow plates
For areas with HGVs, heavy-duty flow plates are more recommended due to their enhanced durability.
Obtain permission from the landowner prior to installation. For private roads, consult other residents.
Vehicles should drive over flow plates in a straight line. Avoid installing them on bends or by junctions.
Flow plates are not recommended for pedestrian areas. In such cases, consider using speed ramps instead.
Assess the road width and consider your preferred layout, view the installation guide below for suggested layouts.
The hinged flow plates include a locking bolt, allowing you to temporarily permit two-way traffic.
Types of Flow Plates
- Promotes one-way traffic flow and speed reduction for enhanced road safety
- Heavy-duty 30,000 kg load capacity — suitable for vehicles from cars to HGVs
- Supplied with fixings for ease of installation
- Integrated locking bolt allows temporary two-way traffic when required.
- Durable steel construction for long-lasting performance
- Promotes one-way traffic flow and speed reduction for enhanced road safety
- 1,000kg capacity per axle, designed for cars and light vehicles
- Supplied with fixings for ease of installation
- Integrated locking bolt allows temporary two-way traffic when required.
- Durable steel construction for long-lasting performance
- Promotes one-way traffic flow and speed reduction for enhanced road safety
- Heavy duty 15,000kg capacity — suitable for vehicles from cars to HGVs
- Includes fixings for ease of installation
- Reflective red cat’s eyes provide high visibility in all weathers
- Modular design - configure to your preferred layout
Heavy Duty Flow Plates
- Promotes one-way traffic flow and speed reduction for enhanced road safety
- Heavy-duty 30,000 kg load capacity — suitable for vehicles from cars to HGVs
- Supplied with fixings for ease of installation
- Integrated locking bolt allows temporary two-way traffic when required.
- Durable steel construction for long-lasting performance
Flow Plates for Small Vehicles
- Promotes one-way traffic flow and speed reduction for enhanced road safety
- 1,000kg capacity per axle, designed for cars and light vehicles
- Supplied with fixings for ease of installation
- Integrated locking bolt allows temporary two-way traffic when required.
- Durable steel construction for long-lasting performance
Directional Flow Plates
- Promotes one-way traffic flow and speed reduction for enhanced road safety
- Heavy duty 15,000kg capacity — suitable for vehicles from cars to HGVs
- Includes fixings for ease of installation
- Reflective red cat’s eyes provide high visibility in all weathers
- Modular design - configure to your preferred layout
Flow Plates Installation Guide
- The flow plates are surface mounted and are provided with pre-drilled holes, fixings suitable for tarmac and concrete, and a drill bit for ease of installation. The fixing is an M10 x 120mm. The SDS drill bit has a diameter of 14mm, a drill length of 150mm, and a total length of 276mm.
- Installation is typically straightforward and can be carried out by a confident DIYer or handyman. Always secure permission from the landowner prior to installing. Note, the flow plates are not designed to be installed on gravel roads or block paving.
- Warning signs and speed bumps should be used in conjunction with the flow plates for optimum safety and for the longevity of the flow plates.
- It is important vehicles drive slowly (maximum speed 5mph) over the flow plates in a straight line. We advise not to install flow plates on or close to bends and junctions to prevent the need to turn on the plates.
- You can configure flow plates in various layouts depending on your site requirements. Refer to the installation layout guide for ideas and best practices.
- Before fitting the flow plates, ensure the road surface is flat, clean, and dry. Mark out where you plan to drill and fit the ramps. Drill holes where required; the holes should be 120mm–140mm deep. Ensure the holes are free from dust and debris, insert the fixings, and secure the flow plates in place. We recommend using hand tools to prevent damage to the fixings.
Maintenance Instructions
- Flow plates should regularly be check for signs of damage and wear. If any damage is observed we recommend contacting the manufacturer for guidance.
- Depending on usage, units should be serviced twice a year. During servicing the plates should be cleaned to remove excess dirt or debris from building up in the mechanisms and springs.
- We recommend checking all fixings remain tight and that there is no movement in the plate.
- For Directional Flow Plates, if the teeth become worn or damaged replacement teeth can be installed.
Complementary Traffic Calming Products
- 5mph and 10mph speed ramps to slow vehicles
- Modular kits to cover your required road width
- Black and yellow with reflectors for high visibility
- Provided with fixings for ease of installation
- Alerts road users to speed bumps and flow plates
- Wall-mounted and post-mounted solutions available
- BS EN 12899 compliant
- Reflective surface for high visibility
- Temporarily restrict vehicle access
- Telescopic, folding and removable solutions
- Heavy-duty steel construction for durability
- Weather and rust-resistant for long-term outdoor use
Speed Bumps
- 5mph and 10mph speed ramps to slow vehicles
- Modular kits to cover your required road width
- Black and yellow with reflectors for high visibility
- Provided with fixings for ease of installation
Speed Bump Warning Signs
- Safely overcome doorways and thresholds
- Lightweight and portable designs
- Extensive range of solutions for a variety of heights
- Designs available which protect the doorframe
- Adjustable and folding bridge ramp options
Parking Bollards & Security Posts
- Temporarily restrict vehicle access
- Telescopic, folding and removable solutions
- Heavy-duty steel construction for durability
- Weather and rust-resistant for long-term outdoor use
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