Bollards are sturdy, vertical posts designed to guide traffic and provide safety. They are typically installed in areas where vehicles and pedestrians coexist, such as parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways to buildings. Originally made from cast iron or steel, bollards have evolved to include a range of materials like concrete, stainless steel, and even flexible plastics. Their primary function is to prevent vehicles from entering restricted areas, but they also serve aesthetic purposes in modern urban design, often doubling as decorative elements.