A turnstile is a type of stile insofar as it allows access through a boundary under certain conditions but not all. Typically, stiles are formed in fences to allow people to get from one side to the other but to keep livestock in place, of course. A turnstile’s meaning is slightly different because it has a turning element to it unlike all other types of stiles. Most turnstiles have a barrier that will rotate when it is pushed against.
Whether it functions in one direction only or not, the idea is to enforce some kind of access regulation through a gated area. For example, they will only allow one person to pass through at a time, allowing for crowd or security controls to be maintained.
Equally, they can be used to check payment has been made for the access the turnstile will afford. For example, some will need a card to be swiped, a coin to be inserted or even for a ticket to be inspected. Nowadays turnstiles can also be used to make sure someone has been given access rights by assessing who they are, usually with biometric data being read, such as with a built-in fingerprint reader.
What type of businesses use turnstiles?
The types of businesses that use turnstiles include:
- Public transport providers – Many people associate turnstiles with being able to access public transport hubs. Typically, turnstiles are used to ensure only paying customers can gain access to the transportation services on offer. They are widely used around the world for underground mass transport systems, for instance.
- Sports and other public venues – Anywhere where ticketing needs to be checked fast while controlling how quickly large numbers of people can gather in one place can make use of turnstiles. Sports stadia, music venues and the like all have this requirement.
- Airports and other security controlled locations – Because turnstiles prevent unwarranted access, they are often deployed in airports and other areas where only authorised people may pass. They are used to slow down access to things like security checking areas, for example, and can also be used to scan boarding passes and so on.
- Commercial landlords – Lots of office blocks use turnstiles in their lobbies and foyers to make sure only authorised people can gain access to the building without needing to be signed in.
- Museums, galleries and cultural venues – For both reasons of security and to check that fire limits of attendees are not exceeded, turnstiles are also common sights in museums and similar institutions.
- Any private business that needs high security standards to be maintained – Any firm that handles private data or that requires access to be controlled in some parts of its building more tightly than others can also make use of turnstiles meaning they are useful in numerous commercial settings, too.
Turnstiles
What are the benefits?
The benefits of turnstiles are:
- Augmented security – When a turnstile is in use to control who can come in and out of an area, security is necessarily improved.
- Improved crowd management – Because they only allow one person to pass through at a time, crowds can be controlled much more easily.
- Crime reduction – By only allowing authorised people through and by allowing for anyone passing through a turnstile to be stopped, albeit temporarily, theft and other crimes can be diminished.
What do you need to install a turnstile system?
What you need to install turnstiles is:
- Sufficient space – Without adequate space, it is not possible to fit a turnstile properly.
- A strong foundation – Floor-mounted turnstiles need a footing to make the robust but they can be mounted on fences and walls, too.
- Power – If things like ticket automated ticket verification or biometric scans are to be made then the turnstile will require electrical power.
Advance Access have been installing Turnstiles Access Control Systems in Ireland for over 20 years. Our turnstiles are perfect for Retailers, Manufacturing Companies, Distribution Companies, the Hospitality Industry, Banks, Government Bodies & Insurance Companies. Find out more.
