Our industry leading partners
Secure and Streamline Entry with Turnstiles & Speed Gates
Turnstiles and speed gates offer a reliable and efficient solution for controlling pedestrian access to commercial premises, offices, gyms, transport hubs, and secure facilities. These systems not only enhance security by allowing entry to authorised individuals only, but also help manage foot traffic, reduce tailgating, and support time and attendance tracking. Whether you require tripod turnstiles, full-height barriers, or sleek optical speed gates, MES Systems provides tailored solutions that integrate seamlessly with access control systems. Designed for both aesthetics and function, our installations ensure controlled, safe, and convenient entry points that protect your premises while maintaining user flow.
Ideal for:
Corporate offices • Education • Warehousing • Leisure facilities • Healthcare • Multi-tenant buildings • Reception areas • Staff entrances
What are turnstiles and speed gates?
Turnstiles and speed gates are entrance control systems used to manage access to buildings and restricted areas, helping to improve security, reduce tailgating and create a smoother flow of staff and visitors.
Turnstiles are usually the better choice for sites that need stronger physical security and durability, such as warehouses, schools, stadiums and perimeter entrances, while speed gates are often preferred for offices, receptions and premium commercial spaces where appearance, faster throughput and a more seamless user experience are important.
The right solution depends on your environment, traffic levels and security needs. Both turnstiles and speed gates can be integrated with security systems, including access control, biometrics, intercoms, CCTV and fire alarms. Features such as accessible lanes, indoor or outdoor suitability, and fail-safe or fail-secure operation can also be tailored to the site, allowing MES Systems to recommend the most effective solution for each building.
| Feature | Turnstiles | Speed Gates |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Industrial sites, schools, stadiums, perimeter entrances | Offices, receptions, corporate HQs, premium commercial spaces |
| Security level | Strong physical security and deterrence | Controlled access with a lighter physical barrier |
| Appearance | Functional and robust | Modern, sleek and professional |
| Throughput | Controlled and steady | Faster and smoother user flow |
| Common formats | Tripod, waist-height, full-height | Sliding or swinging glass barriers |
| Environment | Suitable for indoor or outdoor use depending on the system | Most commonly used indoors or in covered reception areas |
| Integrations | Access control, biometrics, visitor management, fire alarms | Access control, biometrics, visitor management, fire alarms |
| Cost | Often lower upfront cost | Typically higher upfront cost |
| Ideal choice when | Physical security and durability are the priority | Appearance, user experience and fast throughput are the priority |
Case Studies
-
The Belfry
-
Instarmac
-
Higham Lane School
Recent CAME Speed Gate Installation
Installation Process
MES Systems provides a complete turnstile and speed gate installation service, from site survey and system design through to installation, testing and ongoing support. We assess your layout, access requirements and traffic flow to recommend the most suitable solution, then install and configure it to work with your wider security systems, including access control and visitor management.
After installation, we carry out testing, commissioning and handover, with maintenance and support available to keep your system operating reliably. For more information on our process, view our 3-stage roadmap.
Help & Advice
What is the difference between a turnstile and a speed gate?
What is the difference between a turnstile and a speed gate?
Turnstiles are a durable and robust entrance control option that provides a higher level of physical security. Full-height turnstiles are especially secure and are often a lower-cost solution for industrial sites, perimeter access, and other high-security areas. Tripod turnstiles use rotating metal arms to control entry and are a practical choice for many commercial environments.
In contrast, Speed gates use sliding or swinging glass barriers to provide controlled access. With a more modern, sleek appearance, they are better suited to higher-end, customer-facing, or corporate office environments where presentation and user experience are important. Though the initial cost is typically higher than turnstiles, Speed gates also allow faster throughput, making them ideal for offices, receptions, and premium commercial spaces.
Where are speed gates most commonly used?
Where are speed gates most commonly used?
Speed gates are often installed in office receptions, corporate buildings and leisure facilities. They are ideal for commercial buildings where security, appearance and efficient throughput are all important.
Can turnstiles and speed gates integrate with access control systems?
Can turnstiles and speed gates integrate with access control systems?
Yes. MES Systems can integrate turnstiles and speed gates with cards, fobs, PIN entry, biometrics, QR codes, visitor management systems and other access control platforms.
How do I choose the right system for my building or site?
How do I choose the right system for my building or site?
The best option depends on a range of factors, including your site layout, aesthetics, traffic levels, security requirements and integration requirements. We recommend starting with a site survey so we can advise on the most suitable solution.
Need Finance?
We also work with Focus Finance to offer financing options to our customers.
Popular Departments
-
Sectors We Help
Why Choose MES Systems
-
24/7 Police or Brigade Response
We can offer automatic police or fire brigade response for added peace of mind.
-
Outstanding Customer Feedback
5 Star Google reviews show our commitment to customer satisfaction.
-
We Look After Our People
We directly employ local people and we continually invest in them and their health & well-being.
-
SSAIB Certified
We are approved by the SSAIB, so you can rest assured that you are working with a reputable company.
-
Health & Safety Accreditation
We have CHAS accreditation which shows our commitment to safe working practices.
-
We Do Our Bit for Our Community and The Planet
We support local charities, community groups and events and do all we can to protect our planet for future generations.
