Deter unwanted visitors and keep people and property safer with our well-built, robust gates that look the business and do their job.
Whether you have a large or small site, a school/college campus or a farm, you’ll get a complete, high-quality service from us for the entire gate life cycle:
Speak to an expert about your automated gate options, without any obligation.
You can have any of our styles customised to your precise requirements. Even if you know exactly what type of gate you’re looking for, the chances are that you’ll benefit from our expertise in automation, entry/exit solutions, and up-to-date knowledge of regulations. That’s why a no-obligation site survey is all part of the service – especially as you’ll only be able to buy a gate from us if we believe it’s right for your premises and your needs. You’ll also receive a complete concept drawing of your entrance/site once a 40% deposit’s been paid, to help everyone picture the gate in situ.
The security that our gates offer your premises comes from many different aspects of the planning, design, fabrication and installation. That’s why ‘cheaper’ can be a false economy. Choose our gates for an excellent level of security and protection, brought about by exacting standards at every stage. We can design them with your security needs in mind and to complement the work of any security personnel you have by advising on the best form of entry and exit solutions.
“The office staff always provided an efficient service and you totally fitted with our slightly messed up schedule. I’ve already recommended you to someone else.”
B. Caney, Bayford, Hertford
A combination of what you want, our expertise to know how it will work for your premises and drawings from our CGI expert will make sure your chosen design is customised to your site and is achievable and on budget.
Once you’ve agreed the design, we’ll start creating it at our Hertfordshire site. Fabricators and craftspeople will take the raw materials and create the high-quality customised gate you’re looking for. Then they’ll send it for powder coating. (This can include zinc thermal undercoating, as an optional extra, to further extend the life of the gates.)
We’re not a small ‘fit it and disappear’ business. We’re long established and here to provide the backup of a servicing, maintenance and repair service from our in-house team. So you’ll always have the reassurance of someone to call on.
Speak to an expert about your automated gate options, without any obligation.
Here are the gate options we offer you, depending on your premises and needs:
The chances are that, like most of our commercial customers, you’re looking for metal gates. Ours are made from durable 3mm thick metal, which has less chance of rusting. It’s worth asking the question because some companies only use 1.5mm, which can erode and quickly rust. The gates are fabricated at our own Hertfordshire site to our usual exacting standards. You can extend the life of your gates even more by taking advantage of zinc thermal undercoating (there’s an extra cost for this).
However, you may prefer to have gates made from other materials.
This is the most usual gate style if you have unrestricted space for opening, although there are limitations to the opening width we can use. We can normally install up to 6m, if the gates aren’t too heavy. If you need a bigger opening width, we’ll use sliding gates or cantilever gates as listed below.
Most commercial swing gates are controlled by heavy-duty hydraulic rams which in most cases can only open to 90 degrees. If you need a wider opening, for example, for a site where HGVs run in on an angle, we could provide a sliding or cantilever gate. We’ll help you with understanding what’s going to work best in getting a great security solution at your premises.
If there isn’t room inside your grounds for a swing gate, a sliding gate may be your best option as it requires less room in front of it and behind. Our sliding gate systems allow for different levels of usage and entrances of different widths. We’ll fit your sliding gates using RSJ rails, as they’ll cope better with occasional heavier vehicles crossing over it. Where HGVs are constantly arriving/leaving the site, a cantilever gate is a necessary solution, which will avoid the rail being affected by the constant traffic.
With sliding gates, the driveway needs to be level, as does the run-back area for the gate, although we can usually cater for this by way of retaining any soil in the area, or by fabricating stilts onto the RSJ to prop it up if the ground falls away.
As we don’t have to install a rail across your entrance, these gates come into their own if:
As we don’t have to install a rail across your entrance, these gates come into their own if:
Choose from our standard handcrafted range or have one of our designs modified to suit your requirements – all with reliability, durability and style.
Here are some of your other options with our gates:
“We are very pleased with our new gate and Richard the installer is an excellent tradesman and extremely hard working and all round a really nice guy to have around. Well done and thank you to everyone concerned at Autogates.”
Nick Farrer, Cambridge
Choosing the right system to work for your premises is a vital part of the process. Our experience enables us to suggest high-quality automation products that work efficiently and help you get the most out of your investment and take account of your location.
This depends on a variety of factors, including the size and weight of your gates and the conditions in your location – many long narrow driveways turn into wind tunnels when it gets breezy. Sliding or cantilever gates have the automation housed above ground. To comply with the current HSE and DHF regulations, our motors are generally 24 volt and either hydraulic or electro-mechanical.
We’re very particular about the automation we use. (This will usually be above ground at your commercial premises.) Over the years, we’ve built strong business relationships with companies we trust to provide reliable products, a fast service and the longevity you’d expect from a reputable company.
Below, you’ll find more details about all of those.
An electro-mechanical motor uses a worm drive to power the movement of the gates. These motors lend more weight to gates and therefore are well suited to premises in windy locations. Backed up with our two-year guarantee when serviced by us. Please note: Electric gates should be left in the open position during high winds.
However, the sensitivity of some electro-mechanical systems when pushing against a particularly high wind may cause them to judge that they’re hitting an obstacle, causing the gate to retract incorrectly. The system is metal on metal, so must be kept lubricated to ensure continued smooth operation – regular maintenance by us will take care of this.
Hydraulic rams are powerful and aren’t generally affected by adverse weather conditions, making them a good all-round choice. The operating units are self-contained, so the aesthetic appearance is neat and uncluttered. Once again, it’s worth remembering electric gates should be left in the open position during high winds.
They can be a little more expensive than other options, but with regular maintenance, backed up with an AutoGate Services guarantee, a hydraulic ram system will give years of reliable service.
Sliding gates are moved via a 24v motor (230v in some cases) that sits on the ground, which has a gear wheel that is connected to racking – positioned on the bottom rail of the gate – by a protruding cog.
At AutoGate Services, we pride ourselves on identifying the right gates with the right automation. That gives them a long life and makes them easier to maintain.
These range from simple remote-control fobs through to GSM wireless intercoms, colour video intercoms, or PC-based entry systems that enable you to restrict access to individual areas.
There are a number of factors that will probably influence your decision about the entry and exit solutions you have, and we’ll run through these with you when we visit. Here are some questions that will help in the decision.
When you meet a member of our team, they’ll be happy to explain these to you further and discuss what’s suitable for your requirements, but here’s a summary of your options:
We can install keypads for both entry and exit. They’re particularly useful when many users need to gain access to the property. A code releases the gate(s), and this can be changed if, for example, a member of staff leaves. They’re also useful when you want to go out without taking a fob with you –
you can let yourself out and back in.
These are increasingly popular choices for access control at many business premises. They work to open or close the gate by a fob being held close to or against the reader.
There’s a specific system that’s set up so that when you present the card, it registers on a computer, meaning office-based personnel can monitor who is in or out of the building for fire safety or security purposes.
This is the simplest method of entry/exit – a small hand-held fob that opens your automated gate at the touch of a button. Your new AutoGate Services gate system comes with two radio transmitters as standard and it can also be set up so that you close the gate via this device (instead of the gate doing so automatically).
There are two main types: wireless and hardwired intercoms of which both can be either audio or video. Our most popular entry system is the wireless GSM intercom which, rather than having an internal handset, rings your landline or mobile phone when a visitor arrives and stores staff numbers on a SIM card in order that they can gain access via their mobile phones too. That means no fobs (of which you may need many and, more importantly, no chance of staff losing them) and so long as you have a mobile signal, you/a designated person will receive the call from the visitor at your gates, even when no one’s available in the office.
Visitors simply press a button on the device at the gate and wait for someone to answer and let them in. The GSM wireless intercoms are extremely popular as they’re very versatile and convenient to use from your mobile phone. We can advise you on whether these are suitable for your property.
Hardwired intercoms generate a call from the intercom caller station at the gate to a handset (usually positioned in your/an office). A team member can speak to the caller and grant access by pressing a button on the handset. These intercoms are available with/without a keypad.
Select hardwired intercoms (require a cable to be laid from the gate to your office and a handset or a colour monitor installed).
Just press the button and the gates will open. (For even better security, it can be set up to be disabled during certain hours via a timer). A push button can be invaluable when you want to allow people to come and go from a site on foot without having to take a radio transmitter.
It’s also an ideal choice to enable trusted people – perhaps with deliveries or refuse collection – to gain entry during set hours without disturbing you.
Here’s how they work in essence: when something magnetic such as a bike, a car or a horse’s shoe passes over the loop, a signal is generated for the gate to open automatically. We can also install a timer with loops to disable them overnight as an extra safety feature. The sensitivity can be turned up or down, which means that, for example, it can be set so it won’t register to open when a horse’s hooves go near the gate.
Loops require a little preparation, as we have to cut a shallow slot in the driveway surface and insert a cable. However, they’re proving a popular choice as an entry or exit option that enables a gate to open for a vehicle without requiring the driver to alert you via an intercom.
We can install a fireman’s switch at the gate to allow the Emergency Services to gain access in the event of an incident. It works from a specific key held by a nominated key holder, while the Emergency Services will have their own key on board. Alternatively, should you be unfortunate enough to have a fire and the gates are closed, the Fire Brigade – in particular – would have no alternative but to force the gates open to gain access.
We fit photocells (infra-red beams that, when broken, prevent the gates from operating) as a standard safety feature. For extra reassurance, we fit two sets – one to stop the gates closing if anything is between them, plus a secondary set to pick up any vehicles queuing to use them.
“Autogate really are an amazing company. The customer service is outstanding. I had an automatic drive gate installed that is so lovely I opted to match it with a pedestrian gate as seen in the picture. The staff can’t do enough for you. The guys who fitted both my gates went above and beyond to ensure I was happy and that is very much appreciated with a significant purchase. Even after sales service is second to none. If you want an electric gate then Autogate will deliver.”
Isabella Phillips, Steeple Morden
It’s worth remembering that your new, or existing automated gate(s) is in reality a machine, that potentially can cause significant damage/serious harm if not installed correctly, or regularly maintained. Stringent regulations are in place and all electric gate installations must conform to the Health and Safety Executive Machinery Directive/DHF Code of Practice, which is updated from time to time.
Metal gates are generally crafted by us in a way that’s considered to be ‘safe by design’ and all our gates are installed in the manner most conducive to assisting in the prevention of hazards (such as crushing at the hinge points or trapping of a person/child’s limb), which is the main consideration of the HSE. We recognise that not all companies are as meticulous about safety as we are and if you require us to attend to repair your existing gate(s), we will carry out a survey of your installation, prior to undertaking any work, and if upgrades are necessary, we’ll provide you with a written report/quotation of the additional requirements, so that you can enjoy peace of mind that you fully meet the directives/code of practice.
As the responsible provider, we must make sure that the gate system is safe (whether we installed it or not) and takes the current HSE regulations into account and adheres to them. Our installations are fully demonstrated when we hand over to you and are accompanied by instructions for use and maintenance, along with a Declaration of Conformity, and are CE marked as required.
All motors fitted by us comply with British Safety Standards and the current HSE and DHF regulations; our motors are generally 24 volts and either hydraulic or electro-mechanical. 230v motors are no longer compliant due to them not having a built-in ‘stop/back off’ facility and are rarely used as they require additional safety devices to be applied to achieve meeting current regulations – this also makes them significantly more expensive.
Please also note that once an automated gate is installed, it becomes: the owner’s, property manager’s, or landlord’s responsibility – under various pieces of Health and Safety legislation – to ensure that their system is regularly maintained to keep it operating safely. If your gate were to cause injury, you could be held liable.
Rest assured, our team members have been through a rigorous training programme that teaches all the legislative and standards-related information to protect both your legal interests and the safety of those who may encounter your gates.
Our gates and installations conform to the ‘umbrella’ standard shown here and are all CE marked to BS EN13241-1. We’re fully paid-up members of the DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) who liaise with the HSE to ensure that any alterations to the regulations get passed on to us.
Your gates will be covered by our comprehensive guarantee. Read more about it here.
Make your premises more secure, create a traffic management system, keep out unwanted visitors or provide greater peace of mind for commercial tenants with our customised gates, designed and fabricated by the hands of our skilled craftspeople at our Hertfordshire base – exactly to the measurements of your site. We also provide you with a CGI of what the new gates will look like in situ just as soon as your deposit is received.
We understand the importance of security and safe operation for you as a commercial organisation. Our extensive expertise has already proved itself to help a wide range of public and private sector clients. With AutoGate Services, you’ll have high-quality advice and a choice of solutions to fit a range of budgets, swing spaces, difficult terrains and traffic needs.
Speak to an expert about your automated gate options, without any obligation.
Protecting pupils, guarding against unwanted visitors, meeting OFSTED requirements and keeping parents off the premises at drop off/pick up times
We work with many schools to enhance security or overcome the nuisance of unauthorised people parking in the grounds or, worse still, being on-site when they shouldn’t be. Then there are practical issues like our gates enabling colleagues to let a delivery in without leaving the office.
Unfortunately, when a system doesn’t operate properly, people may find a workaround, and sometimes this can challenge the necessary health and safety practices. With us, you can be sure of getting a solution that’s legal, safe, well thought out and works for all.
“We have found AutoGate to be very efficient. Having a service contract has meant that we avoid expensive bills later and would recommend them to other schools as a provider.”
Miss V Powell, School Business Manager, Houghton Regis Academy
Whether you’re looking for new gates or a risk assessment of your current ones, we’re here to help.
You’ll get a complete solution from us, one that thinks of everything from planning through to installation and aftercare, so you can make your decision with confidence. Everyone who visits your school or college from AutoGate Services has a DBS certificate.
We can help you to select the gates, railings, and/or automatic electric bollards and automatic electric barriers you need to help you keep pupils safe. With our comprehensive range of entry access options, you can control whom you allow on-site, and when. Our gates have built-in safety features such as rubber edges and infrared photo beams, so, for example, when they’re operating, they can sense the presence of even a small child, or they can back off as soon as the rubber edge touches a person.
All our gates are force tested to meet the current legislation on the force of gates.
We understand that one of your key aims will be to meet the HSE directive for the installation and maintenance of electrically powered gates. Rest assured, we can advise you on/quote for the necessary safety features to make your existing gates fully compliant, or we can provide an estimate for complete installation or replacement.
We have an in-depth understanding of your challenges and gate requirements.
Speak to an expert about your electric school gates, without any obligation.
99% of our farming customers report the presence of gates is a major deterrent and has helped eliminate unwanted visits, so reducing theft.
Have you ever found someone in your yard without a legitimate reason for being there? We know from our own farming background and from talking to our customers that the problem of thieves taking machinery or livestock from farms is a growing one.
“The overall service received was excellent. The installation team were outstanding. Very knowledgeable and efficient and the work was carried out to the highest standard. I would have no hesitation in recommending AutoGate Services to others.”
Mr O’Brien, Newmarket, Suffolk
As well as being a huge deterrent, we understand how an electric gate also has a number of other advantages on a farm.
Our team offer you a complete service, from a free site survey to the handcrafting/fabrication of a made-to-measure gate to installing it. We’ll help you with every aspect of your project.
Our own management team come from a farming background. We understand how to account for the issues that might affect your installation – like high winds if you’re in an exposed spot, or the risk of flooding. Our experienced installation teams are very much aware of how easily animals can be spooked by machinery and other new objects. That’s why we aim to complete your installation with minimal distress and disturbance and as swiftly as possible.
If it suits you better, we can install manually operated farm or field gates and which we’ll hang so that, should you decide to automate them in the future, this will be possible.
On this page, you’ll see our range of popular farm and equestrian gates – which probably aren’t as expensive as you may think. Contact us to arrange a free site visit, without any obligation.
“From start to finish all staff were very helpful, knowledgeable & always ready to answer various questions, of which I had many. What a great company – definitely recommend.”
Bury Meadows, Rickmansworth
Speak to an expert about your electric farm gates, without any obligation.
When you’re looking to guard against unauthorised vehicle entry, with low visual impact on your environment, consider the flexibility of automated rising bollards.
Easy to operate, rising bollards provide a neat alternative for preventing vehicles from going where you don’t want them. The modern bollard systems we can offer you – both manual and fully automated – have safety at their heart. They provide flexible solutions to traffic and parking management, security and more in both commercial and residential settings and in town centres. They’re an economical choice too. We only use automatic rising bollards from leading manufacturers and back them up with our own expertise and meticulous approach to installation and maintenance.
Our FREE site survey and quotation service will provide you with specific advice on your site and your requirements. If you’d like more information on automated rising bollards, please contact us for more details.
Speak to an expert about your rising bollards, without any obligation.
If knowing who’s on your premises and keeping out vehicles which shouldn’t be there is your key concern, a rising barrier from AutoGate Services helps put you in control.
Is your main priority traffic movement or control? Whether you need a solution for busy commercial premises, car parks, apartment blocks, hospitals, high-security sites or other locations, talk to us about how we can help you.
You can have rising barriers for either light usage or busy car parks. They’re particularly useful for restricting access, and can be fitted with a timer that will automatically open and close them at times set by you. They’re economical too – a barrier will cost less than a gate and still allow you to control traffic, while offering a level of security that may be just what you need.
Choose from a range of practical solutions that provide real benefits and practicality in a commercial setting. These include:
Rising barriers offer a very cost-efficient option. However, if security is your main priority, you may want to consider bollards or gates, depending on your need. We’re happy to advise you on your choices.
Another benefit of choosing AutoGate Services is the expertise we have in-house to help you at every stage from supply to installation and aftercare. So get in touch if you’re not sure whether rising barriers are suitable for your premises, and chat it through with our experts.
Not all gate installers have the expertise and know-how to supply and install rising barriers. We do, so you can talk to us with the complete confidence you need for your installation.
Speak to an expert about your rising barriers, without any obligation.
