Anti-Tailgating Access Control Solutions
Premier Security Ballistic & Blast Ltd manufactures robust, highly reliable security turnstiles designed for pedestrian access control in commercial buildings, transport hubs, government facilities and secure sites. Our turnstile range combines mechanical security engineering with modern access control system integration to prevent unauthorised entry, eliminate tailgating, and manage pedestrian flow in restricted access environments. Available as full height glass systems for premium aesthetics or automated industrial models for high-volume throughput applications.
Our Turnstile Solutions
Browse our range of professional access control turnstiles. Each system is engineered for specific environments, from aesthetically refined glass solutions to high-performance industrial systems.
What is a Security Turnstile?
A security turnstile is a pedestrian access control gate designed to manage and restrict passage between public and restricted areas. Unlike traditional open doorways that allow free passage, a turnstile physically controls entry by permitting only one authorised person through at a time before blocking the passageway to the next user. The rotating barrier arms create a segregated compartment that prevents multiple people from passing through together, eliminating the security vulnerability of tailgating (unauthorised access by following an authorised user through the same opening).
Turnstiles are most commonly encountered in transport hubs (underground railways, airports, coach stations), government buildings, secure facilities, corporate offices with restricted access requirements, and entertainment venues with high pedestrian volume. They serve two primary functions: they control access by preventing unauthorised passage, and they provide a method of access logging where the system records each passage event for security auditing and occupancy management.
The term "turnstile" refers to the mechanical rotation of the barrier arms. Security turnstiles are available in several designs, from the traditional industrial three-arm model to modern full height glass enclosure systems that provide the same access control function but with a more refined architectural appearance. The choice of design depends on the security requirement, the volume of pedestrian traffic, the aesthetic context of the installation, and the integration requirements with access control systems and building services.
How Turnstiles Work: The 120-Degree Rotation Explained
The most common security turnstile design rotates through 120 degrees, not a full 360-degree rotation. This is deliberate security engineering, not a limitation. Understanding the 120-degree design is essential to understanding how turnstiles provide their core security function.
Three-Arm Security Principle
A 120-degree turnstile has three barrier arms equally spaced around a circular axis. Each arm is separated by 120 degrees (360° ÷ 3 = 120°). At any given moment, there are always two arms blocking access and one arm allowing passage into the secure compartment.
Security principle: Once an authorised person enters through the open arm, the rotation mechanism moves the barrier forward by 120 degrees. The just-entered arm now blocks the exit side of the compartment, preventing a second person from following through. The person inside is trapped in the secure booth until they are individually authorised by the access control system (via key card, biometric or PIN) to proceed further.
A full 360-degree rotation would create gaps in the barrier coverage, allowing multiple people to pass through during the rotation cycle, defeating the entire anti-tailgating function. The 120-degree design eliminates this vulnerability through mechanical segregation.
Access Control Integration
The rotation of the barrier arms is controlled by an electromechanical motor driven by the access control system. When an authorised person presents their credential (key card, biometric fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN), the access control reader validates the credential and sends a signal to the turnstile motor to rotate the barrier. The rotation moves the person through the compartment and into the secure zone. Manual mechanical release is also available, allowing manual operation and emergency egress if the power supply fails.
Throughput and Pedestrian Flow
Premier Security's automated industrial turnstile is engineered for a throughput of approximately 20 pedestrians per minute in normal operation. This is the steady-state flow rate in a secure but orderly environment. Higher flows are possible with multiple units or in panic evacuation scenarios where the barriers can be mechanically released.
Types of Security Turnstiles: Full Height Glass vs Industrial
Premier Security offers two distinct turnstile systems, each designed for different environments and aesthetic requirements.
| Feature | Full Height Glass Turnstile | Automated Industrial Turnstile |
|---|---|---|
| Design Philosophy | Premium aesthetic solution; security that complements modern architecture | Robust industrial design; functional security engineering |
| Visual Appearance | Full height reinforced glass panels from floor to ceiling; sleek, transparent, modern | Steel frame construction with metal barrier arms; industrial, utilitarian |
| Material | Toughened or laminated glass panels; stainless steel frame | Heavy-duty steel construction; stainless steel rotor and hardware |
| Finish Options | Brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel, custom architectural finishes | Standard stainless steel finish; powder coat options available |
| Installation Environment | Internal or external; suitable for premium facilities, offices, leisure venues | Internal or external; suitable for high-traffic commercial, transport, industrial |
| Access Control Integration | Key card, biometric, PIN, remote access control systems | Key card, biometric, PIN, remote access control systems |
| Throughput | Efficient pedestrian flow without bottlenecks | 20 pedestrians per minute steady-state; scales with multiple units |
| Maintenance | Routine servicing required; glass panels inspected regularly | Full servicing and maintenance available; mechanical release provided |
| Cost Consideration | Premium pricing for bespoke design and glass construction | Cost-effective industrial solution; proven reliability |
Security Features of Professional Turnstile Systems
Premier Security turnstiles are engineered with multiple layers of security control to prevent unauthorised access and ensure reliable operation in high-security environments.
One-Person-Per-Entry Control
The 120-degree rotating barrier mechanism physically prevents two people from passing through together. One person at a time, every time. No manual operation possible.
Anti-Tailgating Design
The compartment is closed on three sides by the rotating barriers. A person cannot follow another through; they must present their own credential to activate a passage cycle.
Full Height Enclosure (Glass Model)
The full height glass design spans from floor to ceiling, preventing people from ducking under or climbing over the barrier.
Forced Entry Resistance
Heavy-duty structural framework and electromechanical locking prevent forced passage. Deliberate barrier tampering is physically obvious and logged by access control.
Manual Control and Emergency Egress
Mechanical unlock provision allows manual operation and emergency release in power failure scenarios, ensuring life safety compliance.
Passage Event Logging
Each turnstile passage is logged by the access control system. Full audit trail of who entered, when, and from which direction for occupancy and security tracking.
Protective Canopy (Industrial Model)
Weather protection available on automated models for external installations and weather-exposed internal locations.
Biometric and Multi-Factor Integration
Compatible with fingerprint readers, facial recognition, PIN pads, key card systems and multi-factor credential combinations for high-security applications.
Access Control System Integration
Premier Security turnstiles are designed to integrate seamlessly with modern security infrastructure. They operate as part of a comprehensive access control system rather than as standalone mechanical barriers.
Compatible Technologies
- Proximity card readers (125 kHz and 13.56 MHz frequency)
- Biometric access (fingerprint scanners, facial recognition systems)
- PIN and keypad entry systems
- Multi-factor authentication (card plus PIN, card plus biometric)
- Remote access control and monitoring platforms
- Visitor management systems and time and attendance logging
- Audio and video door entry systems
- Building management system integration
The access control reader is mounted on the turnstile entrance and communicates with the central access control controller. When an authorised user presents their credential, the system validates it against the access database and sends a signal to the turnstile motor. Unauthorised attempts are logged and can trigger alerts or restrictions. This integration capability makes turnstiles suitable for facilities ranging from high-traffic commercial environments to restricted government and military installations where every access event must be recorded and auditable.
Where Turnstiles Are Used: Industry Applications
Turnstiles are deployed in any environment where controlled pedestrian access is required and where managing one-person-per-entry is a priority. The applications range from high-volume public transport to restricted access secure facilities.
- Commercial Office Buildings
- Transport Hubs & Stations
- Government & Public Facilities
- Military Installations
- Data Centres
- Healthcare & Hospitals
- Educational Institutions
- Sports & Leisure Venues
- Banks & Financial Services
- Museums & Cultural Venues
- Hotels & Hospitality
- Private Clubs & Gyms
Typical Use Cases
Commercial offices: Turnstiles at the main lobby entrance control pedestrian flow into the building and restrict after-hours access. Access control integration allows only employees with active credentials to pass.
Transport hubs: High-volume applications where turnstiles manage the flow of passengers between ticketing areas and restricted platforms. Multiple units are deployed in parallel to accommodate passenger demand.
Government and secure facilities: Where every access event must be recorded and auditable, turnstiles provide a tamper-evident, mechanically reliable control point that physically segregates authorised from unauthorised areas.
Data centres: Where critical infrastructure is housed, turnstiles control access to machine rooms and restrict movement between different security zones within a single facility.
Why Choose Premier Security Turnstile Systems
30+ Years of Experience
Over three decades supplying high-spec security products to architects, contractors and facilities managers across the UK. Proven track record and trusted by major public and private institutions.
Bespoke Design
No off-the-shelf solutions. Every turnstile system is designed to your layout, security requirements and access control infrastructure.
In-House Manufacturing
Design and manufacture under one roof. Quality control at every stage and rapid customisation for project-specific requirements.
Complete Integration Support
We ensure compatibility with your access control system and support the entire implementation from design to commissioning.
Maintenance Services
Full servicing and maintenance available to ensure your turnstile systems remain in reliable working order throughout their operational life.
Technical Expertise
Our team understands high-security environments and delivers solutions that perform reliably under real-world operating conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Security Turnstiles
What is the difference between a 120-degree and a 360-degree turnstile?
A 120-degree turnstile rotates through one-third of a full circle (360° ÷ 3 = 120°) and has three rotating barrier arms. This design ensures that two of the three arms are always blocking passage while one allows entry. A full 360-degree rotation would create gaps in the barrier coverage, allowing multiple people to pass through without individual authorisation. The 120-degree design is a deliberate security feature that prevents tailgating and ensures one-person-per-entry control.
How many people can pass through per minute?
Premier Security's automated industrial turnstile is engineered for a throughput of approximately 20 pedestrians per minute in steady-state operation. For higher throughput requirements, multiple turnstile units are deployed in parallel. The actual throughput depends on the speed of access control credential validation and user behaviour (some users are slower to present their credentials than others).
Can turnstiles prevent tailgating completely?
Yes, provided the turnstile is correctly designed and properly maintained. The mechanical one-person-per-entry design of a 120-degree turnstile makes tailgating physically impossible. However, the security is only as reliable as the access control system that authorises passage. If an access control system fails or is compromised, the turnstile can be overridden. Regular maintenance and access control system audits are essential to maintaining the tailgating prevention function.
Are turnstiles suitable for external use?
Yes. Premier Security's turnstile systems are engineered for both internal and external use. External installations require weather protection and durable materials, which is achieved through stainless steel construction and optional protective canopy enclosures. The full height glass turnstile design can also be used externally where weather protection is integrated into the frame design.
Can turnstiles be integrated with existing access control systems?
Yes. Premier Security turnstiles are designed to integrate with a wide range of modern access control systems including key card, biometric, PIN and multi-factor systems. During the design phase, our technical team will confirm compatibility with your existing access control infrastructure and advise on any integration requirements.
What happens if the power fails?
Premier Security turnstiles are equipped with mechanical manual release provisions. In the event of a power failure, the system can be manually unlocked to allow safe egress and prevent occupants from being trapped. This is a critical safety feature and is included as standard on all models.
Can turnstiles provide an audit trail of who entered and when?
Yes. Every passage through the turnstile is logged by the access control system. The system records which credential was presented, the date and time of the passage, and which direction the person was travelling. This creates a comprehensive audit trail suitable for security investigations, occupancy tracking and compliance reporting.
What is the difference between a full height glass turnstile and an industrial turnstile?
The primary difference is aesthetic and intended environment. Full height glass turnstiles use reinforced glass panels and stainless steel construction, making them suitable for modern offices, leisure venues and premium facilities where appearance is important. Industrial automated turnstiles use heavy-duty steel construction and are suitable for high-traffic commercial, transport and industrial environments where robust engineering is the priority. The anti-tailgating security principle is identical; they differ only in design and material choice.
Full Height Glass Turnstiles: Premium Access Control Design
For facilities where aesthetic appearance is as important as security function, our full height glass turnstiles provide a refined architectural solution. They deliver the same anti-tailgating security as traditional industrial models whilst delivering a visually open, modern appearance suitable for premium office buildings, leisure facilities and high-end retail environments.
The glass turnstile page includes detailed information on customisation options, finish choices, integration capabilities and a contact form for project enquiries.
Secure Your Premises with Professional Turnstile Systems
Premier Security Ballistic & Blast Ltd manufactures robust, reliable security turnstiles for controlled access in commercial, government and transport environments. Our solutions range from premium full height glass systems to high-performance automated models, all engineered for reliable operation and seamless access control integration.
Contact our technical team to discuss your access control requirements, arrange a site assessment or request a detailed quotation.
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