Across schools, colleges and universities, student safety is a growing concern. Campuses must balance security with ease of movement for thousands of students, staff, and visitors each day. Traditional security guards and manual ID checks are no longer enough, and this is where effective access control technology comes in.
Modern campus access control solutions are now integrating speedlanes, speedgates, and turnstiles to deliver both safety and efficiency.
Here at EA, we’re helping education sites across the UK with entrance security, supplying and installing advanced systems designed specifically for education environments. In this blog, we’ll look at how speedlanes and speedgates are supporting safer access for campuses.
Why campus security needs smarter access control
Educational institutions face unique challenges. Open layouts and multiple entrances make it difficult to monitor who is entering and leaving. Without reliable campus security, unauthorised visitors can gain access, which means valuable resources may be at risk and student well-being could be compromised – none of which are desirable outcomes.
Smart access control using speedlanes and turnstiles solves these problems by:
- Making sure only authorised individuals can access certain areas.
- Creating a safer learning environment.
- Supporting university and college policies for attendance and safeguarding.
Why are speedlanes and turnstiles in education security?
Speedlanes and turnstiles are physical barriers that manage access at entry points. They typically require a swipe card, fob or mobile credential to allow passage.
- Speedlanes (sometimes called campus speedlanes or high-performance security speed lane) are sleek, modern barriers that provide fast and smooth entry. They’re ideal for busy university entrance security points where large numbers of people move at once.
- Turnstiles offer a more robust solution for areas that need tighter control, such as libraries, sports facilities or research centres. You can consider waist-height tripod turnstiles, full-height turnstiles, or you can opt for glass panel turnstiles for a professional vibe.
- Speedgates combine speed with security, offering a higher barrier for campuses that want added reassurance. There’s options for glass speed gates, compact speed gates for tight spaces or swing lane speed gates.
Together, these systems form a complete campus access control strategy that balances efficiency with safety. Choosing the right system depends on your site and requirements, speak to our team to discuss the best option for you.
Benefits of speedlanes and turnstiles for campus entrance security
Boosted education security
Only authorised students, staff and approved visitors can pass through. This reduces the chance of intruders entering sensitive areas.
Attendance tracking
Integrated with student ID cards or apps, speedgates and campus speedlanes can automatically log attendance. This saves staff time and provides accurate records.
Streamlined flow of people
During peak hours, such as morning arrivals or class changes, speedlanes prevent bottlenecks. They keep movement smooth and reduce the risk of overcrowding at entrances.
Protection of campus resources
With controlled entry, universities can protect valuable equipment, IT suites and labs. This also minimises misuse of facilities.
Solutions for campus access control
We supply a wide range of speedlanes, speedgates, and turnstiles that can be tailored to different education settings. Options include:
- Compact speedlanes for smaller entrances.
- Wide accessible lanes to offer inclusivity for wheelchair users.
- High-security speedgates for areas requiring stricter control.
- Integrated smart access control systems compatible with cards, fobs or mobile devices.
Our years of expertise means each campus gets a system designed to fit their ideal layout, traffic flow, and specific education security needs.
Case study: EA Group summer installation for campus security
In summer 2025, our team completed a major project in readiness for student return. Speedlanes and turnstiles were installed across a university campus to strengthen entrance security.
The system included multiple campus speedgates and accessible lanes, making sure both staff and students could move quickly and safely. By linking the speedlanes to the university’s existing ID system, the solution also provided automated attendance tracking.
The result was a safer, smarter and more efficient campus access control system, ready for the busy academic year ahead.
Planning a campus speedlane or speedgate installation: what you need to know
Successful installations start with careful planning. Here’s some key steps we recommend to campuses of all sizes:
- Identifying main entrances and secondary access points.
- Choosing between speedlanes, turnstiles or speedgates depending on traffic and security needs.
- Making sure accessibility with wide-lane options.
- Integrating with existing ID or smart app systems.
Here at EA, we offer on-site assessments to help universities and colleges design the right solution for their environment. Speak to us about an on-site visit.
Maintenance tips for campus speedlanes and turnstiles
To keep your campus access control systems reliable and effective:
- Regularly service speedlanes and speedgates to prevent downtime.
- Train staff to manage access control efficiently.
- Keep entry points clean and free from obstructions.
- Update credentials regularly to maintain strong security.
Following these measures promotes long-term reliability and continued student safety.
Cost and ROI of campus access control solutions
It’s true that advanced campus access control requires an upfront investment, but the benefits outweigh the cost:
- Safer campuses with fewer intrusions.
- Streamlined student entry and improved attendance tracking.
- Reduced demand on manual security staff.
- Protection of valuable university resources.
The long-term savings in efficiency, security, and safeguarding make speedlanes and turnstiles a smart choice for forward-thinking institutions.
Get smarter access and a safer campus today
Outdated security solutions are no longer adequately servicing the security and efficiency needs of modern campuses. By installing campus speedlanes, turnstiles, and speedgates, universities and colleges can improve student safety, streamline access, and strengthen entrance security – all in one swoop.
We’ve delivered tailored campus access control solutions to sites up and down the UK, so we understand the unique requirements for educational environments. To find out how we can improve your campus security, contact us today.
