TURNSTILES

If you have ever been to an amusement park, subway station or sports arena you will have probably used a turnstile. Whilst today, turnstiles are used to control

pedestrians into a premises their original purpose was to allow people to pass from field to field, while

keeping their livestock penned in.

The Origins of TurnstilesClarence Saunders is credited with being the first person to

use turnstiles to control people when he introduced the system to the world's first supermarket. The idea caught on as

a method for limiting and controlling entry and exit ways.

The first recording of turnstiles being first used at a UK sporting venue was at the original Hampden Park stadium in

Glasgow. They were also installed in 1915 at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, in order to help control the summer crowds.

What Are the Different Types of Turnstile Gates?

Swing Gates - used for either single direction or multidirectional access, which allows both entrance and exit through the same gate. Not as secure as other designs but can still be used to successfully restrict entry to areas.Drop Arm - Have three arms, which turn as the user enters. Normally operated using a coin, ticket or card such as seen in the entry ways to subways or public toilets. It is relatively easy for people to jump over or under them so may not be as secure as other methods.Full Height Turnstiles - Act like a revolving door and impossible for someone to jump over. They are a popular choice in football stadia and other sporting arenas. Can be integrated with access control systems.

The Benefits of Turnstile Gates

Turnstiles have a range of benefits:• They slow down the rate of entry/crowding which in turn increases

safety.• The provide a way of screening before entering e.g. in airports or

courts.• Turnstiles can ensure revenue is not lost when used with payment

systems.

Turnstiles