What is a Bifolding Gate & Why Should Installers Recommend Them?

If you’ve ever wrestled a swing gate into a tight driveway or tried to make a sliding system work on uneven ground, you’ll know that not every access solution fits every site.

When space is tight, access needs to be fast, and the install needs to go in smooth, bifolding gates are the answer.

They’re not fancy for the sake of it. They’re the practical, efficient choice for installers who need something quick to fit, easy to configure, and tough enough to last. Whether you’re quoting for a new site or retrofitting an existing entrance, bifolding gates can help you get the job done faster and keep your clients happy longer.

So, what are they, and why should they be your go-to?

First up – what is a bifolding gate?

Think of a bifolding gate like a concertina. Instead of sliding sideways or swinging out, it folds neatly in on itself. That means no big runback, no wasted space, no extra clearance needed. Just quick, clean access control that works in places other gates can’t.

Sometimes they’re called speed gates or bi-folds, but they’re all the same thing. 

We build single and double bifold gate systems at Parking Facilities, all manufactured right here in the UK. So whatever site you’re working on, there’s a setup to suit.

Why are installers across the UK choosing bifolding gates?

Because they’re practical, they make your life easier on site, and they help you deliver a solution that works first time, without you needing to spend hours on adjustments.

Speed that cuts the hold-ups

In high-traffic environments – think logistics centres, school car parks, or emergency depots – access speed isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s essential. Bifolding gates move fast, and because they fold inward, they don’t block vehicles or pedestrians while they do it.

That speed doesn’t just keep things flowing. It also makes the site more secure. The quicker a gate closes, the less chance there is of tailgating or unauthorised access. Even the UK’s National Protective Security Authority backs fast gate movement as a safety measure.

No more fighting for space

We’ve all been there. You turn up on site and there’s barely room for your van, let alone a full-sized swing gate. Or the entrance sits on a slope, so a sliding gate’s off the cards too.

This is where bifolding gates earn their keep. Their compact footprint makes them ideal for tight urban entrances, short driveways, and awkward layouts. They don’t need wide arcs or long tracks, just enough space to fold, and they’re good to go.

They’re built to last

Just because they move fast doesn’t mean they’re flimsy. PF bifolding gates are built to take a beating. Made in our UK factory by engineers who know their stuff, they’re fully compliant with national safety standards and more than up to the job on busy, high-use sites.

We can add anti-climb toppings, fit vehicle detection systems, and integrate everything from keypads and fobs to full ANPR systems. And if you’re working on a high-risk site, we also manufacture other types of gates tested to LPS 1175 standards for serious protection.

Every gate is made to order. We build it around your exact site layout, pre-assemble it in-house, and run full testing before it leaves the factory. That means fewer delays, less on-site tinkering, and installs that go up cleanly and quickly. 

Where do bifolding gates work best?

They’re versatile enough for most sites, but they’re especially useful in places where space is limited, access is frequent, and reliability is critical. We’re talking commercial estates with constant traffic, car parks, and public sector sites that can’t afford gate failures.

They’re a particularly strong choice for emergency services depots, where every delay matters. 

Schools and colleges also benefit from the speed and safeguarding features, while infrastructure sites like council yards or urban depots often choose bifolds because of their compact footprint and consistent reliability.

If you’ve got an upcoming job and you’re not sure what gates will be best for you, give us a shout – we’re happy to help advise. 

Why choose Parking Facilities’ bifolding gates?

We shan’t take up any more of your time after this. Here’s why our bifolding gates are considered the best in the business:

  • Unmatched price – You will not find a higher quality product for a better price.
  • Rapid lead times – Our lead times are the best in the market – guarantee your gates are ready in time for your job. 
  • Made in Britain – Every gate is made in Britain by a team with over 30 years’ experience in access control.
  • Custom builds – We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Everything is tailored to the way your site operates.
  • Pre-assembled – Gates arrive pre-assembled and pre-tested, cutting your time on site.
  • Technical support – Our technical support team are on call whenever you need us. 

At the end of the day, you’ve got a job to do. We’re here to make that job as easy as possible. 

Whether you’re installing bifolding gates, automatic barriers, turnstiles, or anything in between, we’re the most reliable supplier you can choose. 

If you’d like to learn a little more about Parking Facilities, you can do so here

If you’ve got any questions, or if you’d just like to chat to a member of our team, you can get in touch with us today. 

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