Wheel Stoppers & Parking Locks in Canada
Wheel Stoppers & Parking Locks — Sizing, Fixings & Layout (Canada)
1) What do wheel stoppers and parking locks do?
Wheel stoppers (parking blocks) stop vehicles from rolling too far forward, protecting walls/corners, sprinklers, EV chargers, and pedestrian areas. Parking locks are fold-down devices that reserve a bay and physically block entry.
2) Common sizes and materials in Canada
| Size (L×W×H) | Material | Use | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1800×150×100 mm (6 ft) | Recycled Rubber | Standard outdoor lots | Flexible, durable, high grip, silent impact | Heavier to handle |
| 1220×150×100 mm (4 ft) | Recycled Rubber | Underground garages / tight bays | Compact, easy to position | Shorter stop line |
| 900–1000×150×100 mm | Rubber / TPU | Motorcycles/small vehicles | Small footprint, low trip risk | Limited applications |
| 1800×150×100 mm | HDPE/PE (plastic) | Indoor, light duty | Low cost, light weight | Brittle in cold; UV fade |
3) Installation on concrete vs asphalt
Concrete: Drill Ø 14–16 mm holes (match anchor), depth ≥ 90–110 mm. Use galvanized wedge anchors or sleeve anchors (e.g., M10–M12). Torque snug; don’t crush rubber.
Asphalt: Use asphalt spikes (rebar spikes) or chem-set sleeves with butyl/sealant. Pre-drill to avoid tearing. Where frost heave is severe, consider concrete pads at bay head.
FR/EN: Utiliser des ancrages galvanisés résistants au sel / Use galvanized salt-resistant anchors.
4) How far from the wall or curb should I place them?
For passenger vehicles, a practical starting point is to place the stopper so that the front face of the block sits roughly 0.7–0.9 m from the wall/obstruction. Adjust to fit bay length, vehicle mix (SUVs vs compacts), and local guidance. In tight underground garages, test a few stalls before rolling out site-wide.
5) Bolt specs & corrosion (winter salt)
- Hardware: M10–M12 galvanized or stainless anchors, washers under every bolt head.
- Corrosion: Road salt eats mild steel fast. Use hot-dip galvanized, stainless, or at minimum zinc-plated + sealant.
- Seal: Butyl or polyurethane sealant around holes on asphalt to reduce water ingress.
6) Accessibility & clearance tips (EN/FR)
- Keep pedestrian paths clear; avoid creating trip hazards beyond the stall envelope.
- Leave clearance in front of doors, hydrants, EV chargers, and ramps.
- FR/EN: Préserver les accès PMR et trottoirs / Maintain accessible routes and sidewalks.
7) Colour & reflectivity for low-light garages
Use high-contrast black/yellow rubber stoppers with reflective panels. In dim parking levels, add convex mirrors and reflective signage for approach visibility.
8) Maintenance and replacement checklist
- Check bolts quarterly (freeze-thaw loosens hardware).
- Replace units with torn reflectors, broken ends, or excessive movement.
- Painted lines? Re-stripe after install and after seasonal repairs.
9) When to use parking locks (manual/fold-down)
Use fold-down parking locks to reserve allocated stalls (condos, offices, paid parking). Bolt to concrete with anti-tamper hardware. In outdoor public lots, locks can be vandal targets — choose heavy-gauge steel and low-profile designs to reduce impact risk.
10) What to bundle for a complete bay setup?
- Corner & wall guards to protect pillars
- Convex mirrors for blind exits
- Reflective signs & floor markings
- Traffic cones for temporary works
- Cable protectors near EV chargers
- Safety bollards for impact zones
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This guidance is informational only and not legal advice. Parking layout, accessibility, and protection devices may be governed by your province/municipality, property standards, building/fire codes, and the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Where a standard, code, or municipal by-law specifies dimensions, clearances, or hardware, that document prevails. Consult a qualified engineer or building official for compliance on your site.
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The Biri Group is a supplier of building materials that specializes in the production and manufacture of road and traffic safety products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses.
At Biri Group, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions for road and traffic safety. Our portfolio includes a wide range of products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses. Our state-of-the-art production and manufacturing unit, Biri Industries, located in RAK, allows us to efficiently produce products to meet the demands of the market.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just our products. We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our customers and partners and providing exceptional customer service. Our team of experts is always available to assist with any questions or concerns and provide guidance on selecting the right product for your needs.
At Biri Group, we are constantly striving to improve and offer better, stronger products. We take pride in our ability to adapt to the changing market and provide innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Thank you for considering Biri Group for your traffic safety needs. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and help make your roads safer.