The control system comprises a number of conductors through which interference of the barrier is detected. The system also includes an interference detection mechanism which is responsive to animal, vehicle or human contact of at least one of the conductors. The system also includes a warning delivery mechanism to disincentivise continued contact and a control mechanism to regulate the delivery of the warnings. The interference detection mechanism determines the nature and duration of the interference from contact with the conductors and triggers a response via the control mechanism to deliver a warning against continued interference. The conductor is attached or connected to a boom arm of a barrier, which may be pivoted about a horizontal axis. The warning may be in the form of an audio, light or electric shock. The system includes a shock voltage delivery means associated with shock voltage accumulators to generate a stored charge. Shock voltage delivery is initiated after it is determined by the interference detection mechanism that the barrier or boom is being touched by an animal or human to deliver a first level of shock voltage.