Automatic Gates, Barriers & ANPR For Perimeter Security And Your Martyn's Law Preparations

One phone call for Perimeter Security that can support Lockdown alerts, evacuation and invacuation procedures.

Schools, academies and hospitality venues work with one partner who actually listens.

No more juggling providers. No more chaos. No more confusion

24/7 Support So You Can Always Reach Us

Automatic Gates and Barriers Supporting Ofsted Safeguarding Reviews and Your Martyn's Law Preparations

Multi-Site
Academy Trusts

Paxton Gold
Partners

Martyn's Law
Preparation

Gates & Barriers
Partnerships

ANPR Vehicle
Recognition

Emergency
Lockdown

24/7 Support

One Contact

Transparent
Pricing

Nationwide
Coverage

We Partner With Gate & Barrier Experts AND Handle Your Emergency System Integration

We don't manufacture Automatic Gates. We partner with specialists who deliver British Standard compliant Gates and Barriers. Crucially, many Gate contractors focus on mechanical installation, while integration with emergency procedures requires specialist expertise - which is where MAC comes in.

Because that's where projects typically fail. Gates operate perfectly but do NOT integrate properly with Access Control, ANPR or Fire Alarm systems unless planned from the start. For schools and hospitality venues preparing for Martyn’s Law, aligning perimeter security with emergency procedures is critical.

The challenge? Finding partners who understand how Gates and Barriers work with emergency procedures AND Access Control. It's part of the MAC service. And why we actually listen to your operational requirements before specifications get written.

Gates & Barriers Installation and Maintenance in the West Midlands and nationwide

One Phone Call Co-ordinates Your Gate Installation With Fire Alarm, Access Control And ANPR Integration

Our partnership runs like clockwork. Trusted gate specialists manufacture and install. MAC handles the technical integration complexity. We're Paxton Gold Partners, so your Access Control connects to your Lockdown system. Your ANPR cameras are positioned correctly. Your Fire Alarm system integrates. And we'll help with your Martyn's Law preparations too.

One phone call for everything. Survey, Barriers and Gates specification, co-ordinated installation, integrated Access Control... It's this partnership that 4 Stones Academy trust rely on across their sites.

Got a problem? Our 24/7 support team answers quickly - even at 3am. Gate or Barrier 'stuck'? It's usually the reader or ANPR issue - we can often diagnose and fix that remotely. Genuine mechanical failure? We coordinate with our Gate experts promptly.

It's an easier life for everyone when your one partner handles everything.

One point of contact for Fire, Security and Electrical

Let's talk... Call us now: 0121 271 0149

Or fill out the form to send us your enquiry. We'll get back to you ASAP!

Why you'll love working with MAC:

MAC Ethos: Honest partnerships that earn your trust
MAC Service: Technical excellence on tap
MAC Network: One contact, nationwide cover
Professional: Accredited & accountable

Automatic Gates and Barriers: British Standards, Martyn's Law and Emergency Integration

British Standard BS EN 12453 governs Automatic Gate safety requirements, with force-limiting devices protecting people during emergencies. BS EN 12445 validates Gate Safety testing. Fire Alarms can be linked to release gates safely during evacuation.

Martyn's Law introduces new emergency terrorism prevention procedures. Gates and ANPR systems can support your wider evacuation, invacuation and Lockdown procedures when configured to do so.

MAC's Paxton Gold Partnership and NSI Gold approval mean we’re qualified to integrate gates with Access Control and Fire Alarm systems correctly. We've coordinated this for The Four Stones and Leigh Academy Trusts where Ofsted compliance isn't optional!

Clear documentation and correct integration supports reliable emergency procedures.

Fire & Security approvals, qualifications, memberships & partnerships

Understanding Gate Types for Emergency Integration

Sliding Gates

Space-Efficient Perimeter Security for Educational Sites

Sliding Gates suit schools with limited driveway space. The Gate panel slides parallel to the fence line, perfect for sites where vehicle queuing space is tight. Academy trusts prefer Sliding Gates for high-frequency traffic – staff arrivals, deliveries, parent drop-offs.

Sliding Gates can be integrated with Paxton Access Control to support Lockdown procedures as part of your wider emergency plan. Fire Alarms can be linked to release Gates to a safe position during evacuation. ANPR cameras can be positioned to support authorised vehicle recognition and emergency override.

The Four Stones Multi Academy Trust relies on this approach across multiple sites.

Swing Gates

Traditional for Hotels and Hospitality Venues

Swing Gates suit hospitality venues where visual appeal matters alongside security. Hotels, country clubs and pub chains prefer Swing Gates because they look welcoming while maintaining automatic operation and ANPR vehicle recognition.

Under Martyn’s Law, hospitality venues review how their emergency procedures, e.g. invacuation are supported. Swing Gates can be integrated to assist with controlled entry during external threats. We integrate with Fire Alarm systems so evacuation routes remain accessible. Paxton Access Control connects to Gate motors, allowing reception staff remote release during emergencies.

Remote diagnostics means we can usually release stuck Gates often avoiding the need for out-of-hours callouts.

Four Stones Gateway Trust - Worcestershire and Shropshire

From the moment they started, their team has been professional, attentive and responsive to our needs.
They always go above and beyond to ensure that everything is handled smoothly. I couldn’t be more satisfied with their work

David Cox, Premises Manager

The Four Stones Multi Academy Trust

Barrier Arms

Fast-Acting Access for Car Parks and Delivery Areas

Barrier arms provide rapid vehicle Access Control for car parks, delivery yards and service entrances. They operate faster than Sliding or Swing Gates. Schools use Barrier arms for staff car parks. Hospitality venues use them for guest parking and delivery access.

Barrier arms can be configured to release during Fire Alarm activation to support evacuation. During Lockdown procedures, they can drop quickly to restrict perimeter access, while allowing authorised emergency override.

We position ANPR cameras above Barriers for optimal plate capture. Paxton integration triggers automatic release for authorised vehicles. Remote diagnostics fix most issues without site visits.

ANPR Integration

Automatic Vehicle Recognition That Actually Works

ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) transforms manual gate operation into seamless vehicle access. We position cameras at the right height and angle for reliable plate capture and work with our Gate/Barrier partners from the survey stage.

ANPR systems log vehicle movements during Lockdown procedures. Fire Alarm integration maintains emergency service override – they enter immediately regardless of vehicle registration. Schools use ANPR to restrict unauthorised vehicles during the school run. Drop-off and pick-up.

We manage most ANPR maintenance remotely. Camera alignment off? We adjust from our office. Updates for new vehicles? Completed remotely within a few minutes.

How We Deliver Automatic Gate & Barrier Systems

Most automatic gate and barrier projects fall apart during integration, not installation. We coordinate everything from survey through commissioning to ensure your gates and barriers work alongside your emergency procedures.

Step 1: Survey Your Site And Understand Emergency Procedures

We don't quote from photos. Site surveys identify gate positioning, Access Control requirements, ANPR camera locations, and how everything integrates with fire alarm systems. Understanding your emergency procedures, including Martyn’s Law preparations, informs the technical design; e.g. evacuation routes, lockdown requirements, invacuation protocols.

For academy trusts, we coordinate surveys across multiple sites to ensure consistent approach. For hospitality venues, we survey during operational hours to understand traffic patterns and customer access requirements.

Step 2: Design Integration Before Specifying Gates

We plan integration first so Access Control, ANPR and Fire Alarms work together as intended. Correct positioning supports British Standard safety requirements and enables emergency override where configured.

Step 3: Coordinate With Our Gate Specialist Partners

We partner with specialists who manufacture British Standard compliant gates and barriers. They handle mechanical engineering. We handle integration complexity. One phone call coordinates everything – you don't manage multiple contractors.

Our partnership model works because responsibilities are clear. Gate specialists manufacture and install motors, tracks, and safety devices. MAC installs Access Control, ANPR cameras, and Fire Alarm integration. Both partners attend commissioning to verify complete system operation.

Step 4: Install Access Control And Position ANPR Correctly

As Paxton Gold Partners, we install Access Control that integrates properly. Card readers, keypads, and intercoms integrate with Gate motors. Remote release capability allows office staff to control Gates during emergencies.

Reliable ANPR depends heavily on camera positioning, so we plan this during installation rather than leave it as an afterthought.

Step 5: Integrate Fire Alarm Systems For Failsafe Behaviour

Fire alarm systems can be linked to release gates to a safe position during evacuation, in line with good practice and manufacturer requirements. Gates can support invacuation procedures by restricting access, while allowing authorised emergency override where configured.

This integration helps prevent operational failures. Staff shouldn't manually release Gates during fire procedures – automatic systems activate instantly. Emergency services need guaranteed access regardless of gate position. We test these scenarios during commissioning.

Step 6: Commission Complete System And Test Emergency Procedures

Commissioning isn't just testing gate motors. During commissioning, we test how Access Control, ANPR, Fire Alarm outputs and lockdown procedures operate together.

For academy trusts, commissioning includes staff training on emergency procedures. For hospitality venues, we demonstrate remote release capability for reception teams. Documentation includes as-built drawings showing Access Control wiring, ANPR camera positioning, and fire alarm integration.

Step 7: Remote Support When Issues Occur

Many issues can be diagnosed and resolved remotely, often quickly – usually within minutes.

Genuine mechanical failure? We coordinate with gate specialists immediately. 24/7 support means you can always reach us - even at 3am. For multi-site academy trusts and hospitality chains, this remote capability helps minimise operational disruption across your entire estate.

I want tailored Fire Protection with the personal touch

3 Reasons Our Clients Stay With Us Year After Year

Fire & Security Partnerships that earn your trust

Honest Partnership That Keeps Pricing Fair

"If I could take £100 off the job, I've charged you £100 too much" - honest pricing is one reason customers leave multi-nationals for us.

We're transparent, family-oriented and actually listen to solve your Fire & Security problems.

One commercial client was quoted nearly £1,000 by a large national for work we'd charge £150 for. They've been with us 3 years and counting.

Sleep soundly: Transparent costs with no surprises, honest equipment recommendations, genuine partnerships that last

Technical Excellence At Your Fingertips

100+ Amber Taverns venues trust us with 3am emergencies because we're setup to respond rapidly.

Where service levels can slip with other providers, our multi-layer call-handling system: office phones → mobiles → virtual PA — means we're available, day and night.

Our engineers are multi-skilled and hold FIA Level 3 qualifications. And, where it’s technically possible, all your sites get remote access so issues can be diagnosed quickly.

Drastically reduced risk of: Missed emergency response, under-qualified engineers or standards slipping over time

Nationwide Fire & Security reach and accountable

Nationwide Coverage with One Point of Contact

When CMT Group asked "Can you deal with Essex, Somerset, Wigan, Scotland?" we said "Of course".

One phone call for our MAC Network of trusted partners,. Same quality work and the same call-out charge... nationwide.

For nationwide pub chains, academy trusts and commercial sites you avoid the usual admin chaos

True accountability: Multiple sites, one contact. We'll hold our hands up and fix any mistakes

Responsive support when you need it - contact us

Businesses and multi-site organisations who value reliable commercial partnerships

Commercial Security Systems Stourbridge West Midlands

Isn’t it time your Fire & Security setup made life simpler?

When you’re responsible for several busy locations - whether schools, hospitality venues or commercial premises - Fire & Security can quickly become more complicated than it should be. Different systems, different contractors and different standards all competing for your attention.

Issues take longer to resolve. Communication becomes fragmented. And the more sites you manage, the harder it becomes to keep everything operating consistently.

That’s where a single, accountable partner makes all the difference - one team co-ordinating your Fire & Security across every site, so things run smoothly instead of slowing you down.

System takeovers without the hassle

Transitions are designed to be smooth and avoid downtime wherever possible. We survey your current systems, test compatibility with your existing equipment and explain every recommendation clearly.

Where remote access is possible, your life becomes much easier - with many issues diagnosed and resolved quickly without a callout, saving you time and minimising disruption.

If upgrades are needed, we’ll explain exactly why - and quote fairly every step of the way.

We switched to MAC security a few years ago and have never looked back.

All engineers are friendly and professional and deliver work of the highest standard... they give us a personal touch with every contact. Holly in the office is so helpful and efficient and MAC have sorted any issue out promptly and effectively and remotely where possible which is so convenient

Zahir and Naseem Ahmed

Finally, uncomplicated Fire & Security support

When you call, you get a real person who listens, understands the issue and takes responsibility for getting it sorted.

Our fixed-price Maintenance contracts stay fixed for the agreed term. MAC is BAFE SP203-1 accredited, NSI NACOSS Gold approved and our engineers are FIA Level 3 qualified. This is the kind of support that removes hassle, not creates it.

We’re proactive too - identifying and fixing smaller issues before they grow into something that could interrupt your operations. And if something isn’t right, we take ownership and put it right quickly. No excuses. Just accountability.

Ask us how much time, money and aggravation you'll save?

Clients stay with MAC year after year because working with us simply feels easier. Straight answers. Clear expectations. One team that genuinely cares about keeping your systems operating properly across every site.

Isn’t it time you removed Fire & Security from your to-do list - and put it into the hands of a team that takes ownership?

Call us to arrange a site survey.

Find out how MAC can help

Automatic Gates & ANPR Barriers: Questions Academy Trusts And Hospitality Venues Actually Ask

How much do Automatic Gates cost for schools and hospitality venues?
Do Automatic Gates need to release during Fire Alarm activation?
Can ANPR systems recognise vehicles during emergency procedures?
How do Automatic Gates support Martyn's Law compliance?
Why partner with Gate specialists instead of direct installation?
Can Gates be released remotely during emergencies?
What happens if ANPR cameras fail or readers stop working?

Automatic Gates in Stourbridge, West Midlands

How much do Automatic Gates cost for schools and hospitality venues?

Typical installations range from £6,000–£8,000 for basic systems, with ANPR-integrated solutions usually £15,000–£20,000+. Multi-site deployments often achieve cost efficiencies through consistent specifications.

Hospitality venues often specify Swing Gates for aesthetic appeal, increasing costs compared to Sliding Gates. ANPR vehicle recognition adds £3,000 to £8,000 depending on camera position complexity and database requirements.

We provide transparent pricing . Quote includes Gate installation, Access Control, ANPR integration and Fire Alarm connection. Expect no nasty surprises down the line.

Do Automatic Gates need to release during Fire Alarm activation?

Gates are normally configured to release to a safe position when the Fire Alarm activates, ensuring evacuation routes remain accessible.

This configuration helps prevent evacuation delays. Emergency services can be provided with override access where the site design includes this capability.

We test the Fire Alarm integration during commissioning to confirm the system responds as designed. Documentation includes wiring diagrams showing how Gates interface with the Fire Alarm system to support your evacuation procedures.

Can ANPR systems recognise vehicles during emergency procedures?

Yes, ANPR systems maintain vehicle recognition during emergency procedures with proper integration. For evacuation scenarios, fire alarm override ensures all gates release regardless of vehicle recognition status. For lockdown procedures, ANPR logs all vehicle movements while maintaining emergency service override capability.

Academy trusts use ANPR to restrict unauthorised vehicles during normal operations while ensuring evacuation procedures work correctly. Hospitality venues use ANPR for guest Access Control while maintaining Fire Alarm integration.

Positioning matters significantly. Cameras must capture plates from correct height and angle for reliable recognition. Most failed ANPR systems come from poor positioning during installation – we co-ordinate camera placement with gate installation to avoid retrofitting.

Automatic Gates and Barriers Installations

How do Automatic Gates support Martyn's Law compliance?

Martyn’s Law (Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025) introduces new requirements for emergency preparedness. Automatic Gates can support your wider procedures for evacuation, invacuation and Lockdown when configured appropriately, helping you implement your overall plan.

Comprehensive system documentation supports your Responsible Person in demonstrating how Gates integrate with your emergency procedures

For Ofsted safeguarding reviews, schools often need clear evidence of how perimeter security supports emergency procedures. We document how your gates integrate with Access Control, Lockdown alerts and Fire Alarm systems.

For hospitality venues, licensing authorities often review venue safety procedures. Fire Alarm integration helps support safe evacuation behaviour, and ANPR systems can assist with vehicle monitoring as part of your wider emergency plans.

Why partner with Gate specialists instead of direct installation?

Our Gate experts excel at mechanical engineering – motors, tracks, safety devices, British Standard compliance for physical infrastructure. MAC excels at emergency system integration – access control, ANPR, Fire Alarms, Lockdown procedures. Combining both capabilities provides a complete installation.

Common issues occur when Gates aren’t co-ordinated with Access Control or ANPR positioning. While your Fire Alarm integration may be overlooked until commissioning reveals problems.

Our coordinated approach helps avoid these issues. One phone call brings together Gate manufacture, installation and emergency system integration, reducing friction between contractors.

We're here to make your life easy.

Can Gates be released remotely during emergencies?

With the right Access Control integration, systems such as Paxton can enable authorised staff to release Gates remotely during emergencies. Where network connectivity allows, your head office staff can be given remote-release capability for multiple sites.

Remote release can allow office or reception staff to manage perimeter access during emergency procedures, depending on how the system is configured.

Remote diagnostics help keep gates and barriers running smoothly. Many issues relate to readers, ANPR cameras lose alignment or network connectivity, which we can often diagnose and resolve remotely, usually within minutes. Even at 3am.

What happens if ANPR cameras fail or readers stop working?

We can diagnose and fix many issues remotely – typically within minutes of your call.

For multi-site academy trusts and hospitality chains, remote diagnostics help minimise operational disruption across your entire estate. We can access Gate control systems off-site to verify reader status, adjust ANPR settings and resolve many network issues without a visit.

If mechanical repairs are needed, we co-ordinate with our Gate specialists promptly.

Professional help with your Martyn's Law preparation

Quality Fire & Security equipment we work with day in, day out!

Because your Fire Protection doesn't end with alarms...

fire alarm maintenance requirements west midlands

Supporting your Fire Strategy with services that help you meet your legal duties and maintain a safe, compliant building.

I want a professional Fire Alarm installation

Automatic Gates & ANPR Barriers At A Glance

Designed For Integration - gate specialists handle mechanical engineering while MAC coordinates emergency system integration

Paxton Gold Partners For Access Control - proven expertise connecting gates to lockdown procedures and remote release capability where appropriate

British Standards - BS EN 12453, BS EN 12445, through trusted manufacturing partners with fire alarm integration aligned to best practice

Martyn's Law Emergency Procedure Support - gates can support evacuation, invacuation and lockdown procedures as part of your Martyn’s Law preparations

ANPR - cameras positioned correctly during gate installation, not retrofitted after commissioning failures

Fire Alarm Integration For Failsafe Behaviour - Fire Alarm outputs can be linked to release gates safely during evacuation

24/7 Support - most issues diagnosed and fixed remotely within minutes - even at 3am

Consistent Service - coordinated service and specifications across academy trusts and hospitality venues nationwide

Survey And Planning - your emergency procedures determine specifications before gate manufacture begins

Transparent Pricing - fixed pricing for the length of your contract; no hidden charges or maintenance fee increases

One phone call coordinates gate installation with emergency system integration. Academy trusts managing Ofsted safeguarding and hospitality venues implementing Martyn's Law procedures... How good is it to work with one partner who actually listens?

Contact MAC For Automatic Gates That Your Support Emergency Procedures

Nationwide Cover, From Stourbridge to Scotland

business security fabrication engineer in stourbridge

MAC Network Serves Every Location

The MAC Network supports commercial premises, school estates, MATs, hospitality groups and multi-site portfolios across the UK. It gives you one joined-up approach at every location - with consistent engineering standards, clear documentation and one team supporting everything from our Stourbridge HQ.

We work with a small network of long-standing partners, ensuring dependable scheduling, clear communication and well-organised support wherever your sites are based.

If an issue can’t be resolved remotely, we arrange the nearest qualified engineer. You can expect the same call-out charge whether you're around the corner or up in Scotland.

Multi-site organisations — from national hospitality groups to education estates to commercial portfolios — rely on the MAC Network to keep their Fire & Security systems running smoothly across all their locations.

Serving Clients Across the UK

Earning your trust and building a Fire & Security partnership that lasts the test of time!

Responsive: Experienced engineers on call whenever you need us. 100+ pubs nationwide rely on our 3am response

Accredited: BAFE and NSI Gold approved.Experienced engineers just a call away

Honest and transparent: We don't lock out panels, so you’re not tied in. Instead, we make it easy if you ever choose to leave

Committed: We won't promise the world and let you down. We deliver what we say we will

Accountable: If there's an issue we hold our hands up and put it right. Fast

Remote diagnostics: When technically feasible, we dial in, diagnose and fix most issues while you sleep. So your staff can go home

Consistency: Multiple sites, one contact handles everything. Same quality. Same price, from Stourbridge to Scotland

Predictable pricing: Fees fixed across the length of your Maintenance contract, no more "price creep"

Reliable: Sorting out the issues that build up when systems haven’t been maintained properly

Build lasting partnerships: Because we exist to make your Fire and Security simple and painless

Tell me more. How can MAC help us?

No fuss - just straightforward support.

We wanted a new intruder alarm on our store premises

Hayley organised the installation at a date and time to suit, the install team arrived and... the work was completed before 10.30am and that included the clean up

I have no hesitation in recommending Mac Security Systems for a monitored alarm, they are an excellent, affordable and quality family run business

Steve Jones

Business Owner

I have been a customer of MAC Security since the start way back in 2014 and still am as they are my family.

The attention to detail and the equipment provided is second to none, the team are polite, efficient and knowledgeable and the service plans reasonable and thoroughly recommended.

Don't go anywhere else!

Kate Boswell

One Call. Everything Sorted. Nationwide.

Send us your contact details and a brief overview of what help you need. One of our experienced team members will get back to you ASAP

Call MAC now

Phone us: 0121 271 0149

Email: info@macsecuritysystems.co.uk

Holly in Office. MAC Security Systems limited