When organisations think about perimeter security, the focus usually falls on vehicle entrances. Gates, barriers and ANPR systems are often carefully planned and monitored. Yet pedestrian access points frequently receive far less attention, despite often being the easiest way onto a site.
On many commercial and industrial sites, staff and visitors enter through simple side gates or poorly controlled access points. In reality, these locations can be far easier to bypass than vehicle entrances. Tailgating, shared credentials and unsecured pedestrian gates can all allow unauthorised individuals to enter a site without being noticed.
This issue is particularly relevant for environments such as logistics hubs, warehouses, schools and critical infrastructure facilities across the UK. With large numbers of employees, contractors and visitors moving through these sites every day, even a small gap in pedestrian access control can undermine an otherwise well-secured perimeter.
Modern pedestrian access control systems address this challenge by regulating how individuals enter and exit a site. By combining physical barriers with authentication technologies such as card readers or biometric access systems, organisations can ensure that only authorised users are able to pass through the perimeter.
For higher-risk environments, many organisations also install security rated (SR) pedestrian gates, which are independently tested to resist forced entry and provide a stronger level of perimeter protection. Solutions such as our TYTAN range are designed specifically for sites that require controlled pedestrian access alongside physical security.
What is a pedestrian access control system?
A pedestrian access control system is designed to manage and monitor how individuals enter and exit a secured site. Unlike traditional pedestrian gates, which may simply swing open or remain unlocked, these systems regulate access using a combination of physical barriers and authentication technology.
In most environments, the system is connected to an access management platform that determines who is authorised to enter. When a user presents valid credentials, such as an access card or mobile credential, the system releases the barrier and allows entry.
Pedestrian access control systems come in a range of formats, depending on the needs of the site. Turnstiles are one of the most common solutions, designed to allow only one person through at a time and significantly reduce the risk of tailgating. Speed gates offer a faster, more streamlined option, making them well suited to office buildings, corporate headquarters and education campuses where both security and aesthetics matter.
Access-controlled pedestrian gates are also widely used, particularly alongside vehicle entrances, helping organisations maintain a consistent and secure perimeter design while managing both vehicles and foot traffic effectively.
The core components of a typical pedestrian access control system are outlined below.
| Component | Purpose |
| Pedestrian turnstiles | Restrict entry to one authorised person at a time |
| Pedestrian gates (ped gates) | Provide wider controlled access for wheelchairs, bicycles and higher throughput, often installed alongside turnstiles |
| Speed gates | Provide controlled access in higher throughput environments |
| Card readers or biometric systems | Authenticate authorised staff or visitors |
| Intercom systems | Allow communication with security or reception |
| Access management software | Monitor and manage permissions |
Why pedestrian access points are a major security risk
Pedestrian entrances are often seen as the easiest way onto a site, and for that reason, they are frequently targeted. Unlike vehicle entrances, which tend to be highly visible and closely monitored, pedestrian gates are often positioned away from reception areas or main access points, where oversight can be more limited.
One of the most common vulnerabilities is tailgating, where an unauthorised individual simply follows an authorised user through a gate. In other cases, employees or contractors may share access credentials, allowing people to enter the site without proper authorisation. Unmonitored side entrances or poorly secured pedestrian gates can also create weak points in an otherwise well-protected perimeter.
For organisations managing large facilities such as warehouses, commercial estates or education campuses, these weaknesses can quickly translate into real operational and security risks. Unauthorised access can increase the chances of theft, vandalism and safety incidents, while also making it harder to maintain control over who is present on site.
Pedestrian access control systems help close these gaps by enforcing controlled entry and creating a clear, auditable record of access activity. Each user must authenticate themselves before entry is granted, and access logs allow security teams to monitor movement across the site perimeter.
When combined with vehicle access control and surveillance systems, pedestrian access control becomes an essential part of a broader, fully connected perimeter security strategy.
Understanding security rated perimeter systems (LPS 1175)
For sites with higher security requirements, it is often necessary to install systems that have been independently tested to resist forced entry.
In the UK, the most widely recognised certification for physical security products is LPS 1175, developed by the Loss Prevention Certification Board.
LPS 1175 testing evaluates how well security products can withstand attack using defined tools and techniques. Products that successfully complete testing are awarded a Security Rating (SR), which indicates the level of resistance achieved.
Security ratings allow architects, security consultants and facilities managers to select systems that match the risk profile of the site. Higher ratings indicate stronger resistance against more advanced attack methods.
The following table summarises the common ratings used for perimeter security gates.
| Security Rating | Level of Protection | Typical Applications |
| SR1 (A1) | Protection against opportunistic attacks using basic tools | Low risk commercial sites |
| SR2 (B3) | Protection against more determined attacks using additional tools | Warehouses, business parks and industrial estates |
| SR3 (C5) | Protection against sustained attacks using heavier tools | Infrastructure sites and high value storage facilities |
At PFL, we manufacture the TYTAN SR range of security gates and turnstiles, including the TYTAN SR1 (A1), TYTAN SR2 (B3) and TYTAN SR3 (C5) models. Each type is designed to deliver a different level of protection, allowing organisations to select the most appropriate solution for their specific site requirements.
It’s important that pedestrian access points are secured to the same standard as vehicle entrances. Installing a high-security vehicle gate while leaving pedestrian access uncontrolled can create a weak point that compromises the entire perimeter.
Integrating pedestrian access with vehicle security gates
Effective perimeter protection rarely relies on a single security measure. The most secure sites take a layered approach, combining multiple systems that work together to control both vehicle and pedestrian access.
Vehicle entrances are typically protected by security gates that regulate how cars, vans and HGVs enter a site. However, controlling vehicle access alone is not enough. Pedestrian access control systems play an equally important role by ensuring that anyone entering on foot is properly authenticated.
When these systems are designed as part of a unified security strategy, they create a much stronger and more resilient perimeter. For example, a warehouse facility might use a TYTAN SR2 (B3) security gate to manage vehicle access while installing TYTAN SR Smart Turnstiles nearby to control staff and contractor entry.
To strengthen this further, pedestrian access systems can be integrated with authentication technologies such as card readers, PIN entry or biometric identification. At PFL, we work in partnership with Arana Security to deliver advanced access control and biometric solutions, enabling organisations to combine robust physical barriers with reliable identity verification.
This layered approach allows organisations to maintain visibility and control over how both vehicles and people move through the site. Access control systems can log entry events, CCTV can monitor activity at key points and security teams can respond quickly if unusual behaviour is detected.
The table below illustrates how different components contribute to an integrated perimeter security system.
| Security Layer | Role |
| Security gates | Control and secure vehicle access points |
| Pedestrian turnstiles | Regulate individual entry and prevent tailgating |
| Pedestrian gates (ped gates) | Provide wider controlled access for wheelchairs, bicycles and higher throughput, often installed alongside turnstiles |
| CCTV systems | Monitor perimeter activity |
| Security rated fencing | Provide physical boundary protection |
Types of pedestrian access control systems
Pedestrian access control systems are available in several formats depending on the level of security required, the volume of users and the layout of the site. Selecting the right system ensures that access remains efficient while still maintaining a strong perimeter.
Pedestrian turnstiles
Turnstiles are one of the most effective ways to control individual entry. By allowing only one person to pass at a time, they prevent tailgating and ensure that every individual entering the site has been properly authenticated.
There are several types of turnstile systems, including tripod turnstiles and full height turnstiles. Full height designs are commonly used in industrial environments because they provide a higher level of physical security and cannot easily be climbed or bypassed.
For higher security applications, systems such as TYTAN SR Smart Turnstiles offer a security rated pedestrian access solution that can integrate with wider perimeter systems and access control technology.
Turnstiles are often installed alongside dedicated pedestrian gates (also known as ped gates) to provide a complete access solution. While turnstiles manage controlled, single-person entry, ped gates allow for wider access where required. This combination is particularly useful on sites that need to accommodate bicycles, wheelchair users or higher volumes of pedestrian traffic.
Speed gates
Speed gates are often used in corporate buildings, education facilities and other environments where aesthetics and user experience are important. They provide faster controlled entry while maintaining integration with card readers, biometric systems or mobile credentials.
Although they are commonly associated with office environments, speed gates can still form part of a wider perimeter access control system when integrated with building security platforms.
Controlled pedestrian gates
In some environments, access controlled pedestrian gates are installed alongside vehicle entrances. These gates typically integrate with the same authentication systems used for site access and allow staff to enter the site without needing to use the main vehicle entrance.
Controlled pedestrian gates are frequently installed near security gates such as the TYTAN SR1 (A1) ensuring that both pedestrian and vehicle access points are managed within the same perimeter design.
The TYTAN range of pedestrian gates is designed to work alongside turnstile solutions, offering flexibility for different site requirements. These systems are often specified together to create a cohesive and fully accessible perimeter.
The TYTAN SR range includes three main types of pedestrian gate:
- Manual Pedestrian Swing Gate
- Semi-Automatic Pedestrian Swing Gate
- Fully Automatic Pedestrian Swing Gate
Each option provides a different level of automation and control, allowing sites to balance security, accessibility and user convenience depending on their specific operational needs.
Where pedestrian access control systems are most effective
Pedestrian access control systems can be implemented across a wide range of environments. Their role is particularly important where sites have multiple staff members, contractors or visitors entering the premises each day.
Logistics and warehousing
Warehouses and distribution centres often operate large workforces and experience frequent deliveries throughout the day. Implementing pedestrian turnstiles or access controlled gates ensures that only authorised staff can enter operational areas.
This approach is particularly valuable when combined with vehicle security solutions such as the TYTAN SR2 (B3) security gate, which controls HGV and vehicle access while pedestrian systems manage staff entry.
Schools and education sites
Education environments must balance accessibility with safeguarding responsibilities. Pedestrian access control systems can help ensure that pupils, staff and authorised visitors are able to enter the site while preventing unauthorised access during school hours.
Infrastructure and utilities
Infrastructure sites such as energy facilities, water treatment plants and data centres often require higher levels of perimeter protection. In these environments, pedestrian access systems are frequently installed alongside security rated gates such as the TYTAN SR3 (C5) security gate, to ensure the entire perimeter meets the required security level.
Commercial offices
Corporate offices and commercial developments also benefit from controlled pedestrian access. Speed gates or turnstiles can regulate entry while maintaining a professional and welcoming environment for employees and visitors.
Why certification and engineering expertise matter
Not all access control systems offer the same level of protection. While many products may appear secure, only systems that have been independently tested and properly engineered can deliver reliable, long-term performance.
Security certifications provide reassurance that a system has been tested against recognised attack methods. Standards such as LPS 1175 ensure that products claiming to be security rated have been independently verified.
However, certification alone is not enough. Pedestrian access systems must also be correctly integrated with access control software, authentication devices and safety features. Poorly configured systems can create operational bottlenecks or leave gaps in site security. At PFL, we work closely with architects, contractors and facilities managers to design integrated perimeter security solutions.
