What Is a Road Blocker?

A road blocker (also known as a tyre killer or spike barrier) is a security system featuring steel spikes designed to control vehicle passage in a single direction. When authorized vehicles pass, the spikes retract into the ground, causing no damage to the vehicle's tyres. However, if an unauthorized vehicle attempts to enter from the wrong direction or pass without permission, the spikes puncture the tyres, bringing the vehicle to a halt within a few meters.

Road blockers are widely used at military facilities, government buildings, airports, embassies, police headquarters, and parking lots requiring high security. They form a complementary security layer alongside boom barriers and bollards.

Difference Between Electromechanical and Mechanical Road Blockers

Road blockers are categorized into two main groups based on their drive mechanism:

Electromechanical Road Blockers (ETK)

Powered by a motor, the spikes operate independently based on commands received from an access control system. They can be used for both one-way and two-way traffic applications. They integrate seamlessly with card readers, license plate recognition systems, or remote controls. The KRC ETK-FM and ETK-SM series fall into this category.

Key advantages of electromechanical models include:

• Active control — spikes raise/lower based on system commands
• Bi-directional access management
• Integration with all access control systems
• Ideal for high-security zones

Mechanical Road Blockers (MTK)

They do not require an electrical connection. When an authorized vehicle drives over the unit, the vehicle's weight pushes the spikes down; once the vehicle has passed, the spikes automatically rise back up due to a weight-balancing mechanism. The KRC MTK-FM and MTK-SM series feature this design.

Key features of the mechanical models:

• Unaffected by power outages
• Low maintenance costs
• Quick and easy installation
• Optional locking mechanism allows for passage in the opposite direction

Installation Types: Flush-Mount and Surface-Mount

Both types of road blockers (ETK and MTK) offer two installation options:

FM (Flush-Mount)

Installed by embedding the unit into the ground. The surface of the blocker aligns with the level of the asphalt or concrete ground. It is the preferred model for aesthetic reasons. It requires concrete excavation and infrastructure work. It is an ideal solution for permanent locations such as airports and government institutions.

SM (Surface-Mount)

Mounted directly onto the surface without any ground excavation. Its housing, which is anchored to concrete or asphalt, is compact and lightweight. It is an excellent choice for areas requiring temporary installation, rental facilities, or historical sites. The KRC ETK-SM and MTK-SM models represent the surface-mount type.

Usage Areas

Road blockers have a wide range of applications. Common areas of application include:

• Military facilities and barracks: Primary barrier against unauthorized vehicle entry
• Government buildings and law enforcement agencies: Secure, 24/7 access control
• Embassies and consulates: High diplomatic security standards
• Airports and port facilities: Part of the landside security perimeter
• Energy and industrial facilities: Critical infrastructure protection
• Parking lots: Prevention of unauthorized exit against the flow of traffic
• Shopping malls and pedestrian zones: Vehicle entry direction control

KRC ETK and MTK Series

KRC Barrier offers electromechanical and mechanical road blocker solutions designed using domestic engineering at its Ankara manufacturing facility.

KRC ETK Series — Electromechanical Road Blocker

Two installation options are available: ETK-FM (flush-mounted) and ETK-SM (surface-mounted). The 10 mm ST52 steel spikes undergo anti-corrosion treatment. The standard 4-meter unit width can be extended to between 2 and 6 meters. There are 10 spikes per meter; spike heights are 82 mm for the flush-mounted type and 60 mm for the surface-mounted type.

KRC MTK Series — Mechanical Road Blocker

The MTK-FM and MTK-SM models can be extended as needed thanks to their 1-meter modular unit structure. They consist of 10 mm ST52 steel spikes and a top cover plate. An optional locking mechanism locks all spikes in the lowered position, allowing for temporary passage in the opposite direction—a practical solution, especially in emergencies.

How to Choose the Right Road Blocker?

When selecting a road blocker, you should consider the following criteria:

1. Is active control required? If you need to raise or lower the system remotely or automatically, opt for an electromechanical (ETK) model.
2. Is there an electrical infrastructure? If there is no power supply or if independent operation during power outages is required, a mechanical (MTK) model is the safer choice.
3. InstalIs the installation permanent or temporary? Choose FM (flush-mount) for a permanent, aesthetic installation, or SM (surface-mount) for a temporary or excavation-free setup.
4. What is the passage width? The ETK comes in a standard 4m width, while the MTK features a 1m modular design that adapts to any width.
5. Is integration required? Opt for the ETK series if integration with license plate recognition, card readers, or a central management system is necessary.

Maintenance and Safety

Road blockers are relatively low-maintenance systems. Periodic maintenance should include the following checks:

• Inspection of wear and corrosion on the spike surfaces
• Lubrication of moving parts (ETK models)
• Tightness of the anchor bolts securing the steel housing to the ground
• Electrical connections and the control board (ETK models)

Maintenance is recommended every 6 months for ETK models, or every 3 months for high-traffic locations. MTK mechanical models minimize maintenance requirements.