A number of security anti-terrorist roadblocks installed outside the Senedd (the National Assembly) in Cardiff are set to be dug out and will be replaced by rising bollards, in an attempt to make the area more easily accessible, while still maintaining a high level of security.
The high security, anti-suicide bomber roadblocks were built alongside the Assembly’s Crickhowell House in 2005, months after the 7/7 tube and bus attacks in London. The heavy-duty metal barriers cost £280,000 to install and could be automatically raised to block the roadway in an emergency, a local news source has revealed.
However, the Welsh Government is no longer responsible for the security measures in the area, this role being taken over by the all-party Assembly Commission. Explaining the demolition of the tank traps and their replacement by bollards, an Assembly spokesman said: “As Wales’ principal democratic institution, the security of the Assembly’s estate is an important matter for the Commission which is responsible for the security of all those who work at or visit the Assembly.
“We keep our security measures under review to ensure that they reflect the prevailing UK security threat level and the specific business and geographical considerations that apply to the Assembly.
“We must strike an appropriate balance between maintaining an open, attractive and accessible estate with the need to have in place appropriate preventative security measures.”
Car Park Barriers & Turnstiles offers a high-end, reliable, yet quite affordable access restriction solution of this type as well, our Automatic Bollards being specifically designed to limit vehicle access to a specific location, and then be lowered rapidly when passage is authorised, typically within 2-3 seconds.
Our bollards are constructed out of concrete, stainless steel, aluminium or cast iron and are sturdy enough to be able to completely stop the majority of vehicles. Furthermore, they’re also quite resilient to atmospheric elements, and are housed inside compartments set into the road surface.
Additionally, an access control device, such as a smart card, can be combined with the automatic bollards, enabling quick and easy raising and lowering of the post. The Car Park Barriers & Turnstiles automatic bollards also sport an anti-intrusion locking system, as well as a failsafe in both retracted and extended position.
If you’d like to find out more about the reliable and affordable Automatic Bollards from Car Park Barriers & Turnstiles, our dedicated product team can answer any question you might have.