Electric Gates & Automatic Gate Systems in London

At ELM Engineering UK, we design, fabricate and install electric gates for homes, businesses and industrial sites across London. Every gate is made to measure in our own workshop, so it fits your entrance, matches your property and works reliably for years. Whether you need a sleek electric sliding gate for a tight driveway, a classic electric swing gate for a period home, or a heavy-duty security gate for a commercial yard, we handle the full job from survey and design to fabrication, automation and installation.

Electric gates do more than look good. They keep vehicles and intruders out, give you safe, hands-free access, and add real value to your property. Because we fabricate in-house, you deal with one team for the gate, the steelwork, the automation and the finish, with no middlemen and no mismatched parts.

Why Choose Electric Gates?

A well-built electric gate gives you security, convenience and kerb appeal in one installation. Key benefits include:

• Better security: A solid, automated gate is a strong first barrier against theft and unwanted visitors.
• Convenience: Open and close the gate from your car with a remote, keypad, intercom or smartphone app, without getting out in the rain.
• Safety for children and pets: The gate stays closed by default, keeping driveways and yards secure.
• Controlled access for businesses: Manage staff, delivery and visitor access with keypads, proximity fobs, video intercoms and access control systems.
• Added property value: Quality gates improve the look of your home or premises and are an attractive feature for buyers and tenants.

Electric Sliding Gates

Electric sliding gates are the best choice when space is limited or your driveway slopes upwards. Instead of swinging into the drive, the gate slides sideways along the boundary, so it needs no clearance in front or behind. This makes sliding gates ideal for London properties with short driveways, entrances close to the pavement, or sites where parked cars would block a swing gate.

We build two main types of sliding gate:

• Tracked sliding gates: The gate runs on wheels along a ground track. This is a strong, cost-effective option for most residential and commercial driveways.
• Cantilever sliding gates: The gate is supported by rollers at one side and never touches the ground across the opening. This avoids problems with debris, ice or uneven ground, and is a popular choice for industrial yards and wider commercial entrances.

Each sliding gate is fitted with a matched motor sized to the gate’s weight and daily use. For commercial and industrial sites we specify heavy-duty motors designed for high-frequency operation. Safety edges, photocells and obstacle detection are fitted as standard, so the gate stops or reverses if anything is in its path.

Electric Swing Gates

Electric swing gates are the traditional choice for driveways, period homes and properties with plenty of space. They open inwards (or outwards, where the site allows) on hinges, and can be single-leaf or double-leaf depending on the width of your entrance.

Swing gates work best on level driveways with enough room for the gates to open fully. We automate them using either:

• Above-ground ram (arm) motors: Mounted on the gate and post. These are reliable, easy to service and suit most domestic gates.
• Underground motors: Hidden below the gate in a buried housing. These keep the look of the gate completely clean, which is ideal for listed buildings, period properties and premium homes.

We can build swing gates in a wide range of styles, including traditional wrought-iron designs, modern flat-top or horizontal-slat steel gates, and solid privacy gates. Finials, scrolls, house names and custom patterns can all be added.

Gate Automation & Access Control

The automation system is what makes an electric gate safe and easy to use. We supply and install complete gate automation packages, including:

• Remote controls and key fobs
• Keypads and proximity readers
• Audio and video intercoms
• Smartphone and GSM app control
• Automatic closing timers
• Safety photocells, safety edges and warning lights
• Battery backup so the gate still works during a power cut

We can also automate many existing manual gates, as long as the gate and posts are in good condition and strong enough to take a motor. Our team will check your current gate and tell you honestly whether automation is practical or whether a new gate is the better option.

Powered gates in the UK must meet the safety requirements of BS EN 12453 and be installed in line with the Machinery Directive. We fit the right safety devices for your site and test every gate before handover, so you can use it with confidence.

If you already have an electric gate that needs fixing or servicing, see our gate automation installation and maintenance service.

Gate Materials & Finishes

All our gates are fabricated in-house from quality materials chosen for strength and long life:

• Mild steel: Strong, versatile and ideal for most residential and commercial gates.
• Galvanised steel: Hot-dip galvanising protects the steel from rust and is recommended for gates exposed to London weather.
• Aluminium: Lightweight and low-maintenance, ideal for large sliding gates where lower weight puts less strain on the motor.
• Timber-infill and mixed designs: Steel frames combined with timber or composite cladding for a softer, modern look.

Gates can be powder coated in a wide range of RAL colours, with matt, satin or gloss finishes. Powder coating gives a tough, even finish that resists chips, fading and corrosion.

Gate Installation London

We provide complete electric gate installation across London. Our installation process is simple:

1. Site survey: We visit your property, measure the entrance, check ground levels, power supply and access, and talk through your needs.
2. Design and quote: We recommend the best gate type, style and automation for your site and give you a clear, written quotation.
3. Fabrication: Your gate is made to measure in our workshop, then galvanised and powder coated as required.
4. Groundwork and installation: Our team installs posts, tracks or foundations, fits the gate and automation, and runs the cabling.
5. Testing and handover: We test all safety features, set up your remotes and access devices, and show you how everything works.

We install electric gates for:

• Private homes and driveways
• Housing developments and blocks of flats
• Offices, shops and commercial premises
• Warehouses, yards and industrial units
• Schools, car parks and public buildings

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do electric gates cost in London?
The price depends on the gate size, material, design, type of opening (sliding or swing), motor and access control, and the groundwork needed. A simple automated swing gate costs much less than a large cantilever sliding gate with a video intercom. We give a fixed, written quote after a site survey. For a detailed breakdown, read our electric gates cost guide.

Do I need planning permission for electric gates?
In England, you usually do not need planning permission if the gate is no more than 1 metre high next to a road used by vehicles (or the footpath of that road), or no more than 2 metres high elsewhere. You may need permission if your property is a listed building, is in a conservation area, or has had permitted development rights removed. We always recommend checking with your local council before work starts.

Are electric gates safe?
Yes, when they are designed and installed correctly. We fit safety devices such as photocells, safety edges and obstacle detection, and set the gate force and speed to meet BS EN 12453. Every gate is tested before handover.

Should I choose a sliding gate or a swing gate?
Choose a sliding gate if your driveway is short, slopes upwards, or has limited space for the gate to open. Choose a swing gate if you have a level drive with enough room and want a traditional look. We will advise on the best option during the site survey.

Can you automate my existing gate?
Often, yes. If your current gate and posts are solid and in good condition, we can fit a motor and safety kit. If the gate is too heavy, damaged or poorly hung, we will tell you and recommend the safest option.

What happens to my electric gate during a power cut?
Most systems can be fitted with battery backup so the gate keeps working for a set number of cycles. All our gates also have a manual release, so you can open them by hand if needed.

How long does electric gate installation take?
Once your gate is fabricated, most residential installations are completed in one to three days. Larger commercial gates and sites that need more groundwork can take longer. We confirm the timeline in your quote.

Do electric gates need regular maintenance?
Yes. We recommend servicing at least once a year for domestic gates and more often for busy commercial gates. Regular servicing keeps the gate safe, reliable and running smoothly.

Get a Free Quote for Electric Gates in London

Looking for a reliable team for electric gates in London? ELM Engineering UK designs, fabricates and installs sliding gates, swing gates and complete gate automation systems for homes and businesses. Contact us today to book a site survey and get your free, no-obligation quote.