Is the Rise of Pedestrianisation in City Centres a Security Risk?

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20 October 2020

Almost half of urban design professionals believe that the rise of pedestrianisation in town centres is making public spaces more vulnerable to attack.

A survey of leading architects, planners and specifiers by ATG Access has revealed that many are concerned about the potential security risks of widespread pedestrianisation.

Without the appropriate security solutions in place, large numbers of pedestrians gathered in a confined area greatly increases the threat of vehicle-as-a-weapon attacks.

Temporary pedestrianisation of key locations has become more common recently, with local authorities needing to find ways to encourage greater footfall in city centres.

“It is clear that in some cases security could have been sacrificed for social distancing and designers are seriously concerned that security has become an afterthought.”

–Iain Moran

Director, ATG Access

Security an “Afterthought” in Pedestrianisation Drive, Warn Architects

Buildings and spaces in town centres have had to be somewhat reimagined in light of COVID-19, the necessary social distancing and the new rule of six. Data from Living Streets shows that, on streets where the pedestrian experience has been improved, footfall increases by 20-35 per cent.  

Whilst increased pedestrianisation offers an effective means of increasing outdoor seating capacity for struggling bars and restaurants, some are concerned about the potential security risks.  

In response to this increased security threat, nearly a third (30 per cent) of those surveyed said that investing in temporary security measures that can be installed and removed as needed will be essential to ensure the ongoing safety of civilians.

Iain Moran, director at ATG Access, commented: “While pedestrianisation offers real benefits for businesses and consumers at this difficult time, we must ensure that the right security solutions are in place to avoid putting people in unnecessary danger.

“It is clear that in some cases security could have been sacrificed for social distancing and designers are seriously concerned that security has become an afterthought.

“Temporary, surface-mounted security barriers offer a flexible, comprehensive security solution that can easily be adapted without the need for any construction work, making them invaluable in the current situation."

Futureproofing our Cities

The research also found that many urban design professionals believe there is now a clear need for public spaces that can be easily adapted to respond to our changing needs, including security measures that can be replaced or upgraded whenever necessary. According to 43 per cent of those surveyed, this will be the key to futureproofing our cities going forward.

However, historically this has proved a challenge, with 32 per cent suggesting that retrofitting security solutions into existing developments is one of the biggest design challenges they face.

Iain Moran, director at ATG Access, added: “The pandemic has really brought to light the volatile nature of our relationship with our urban environments, with both the needs of the public and the security risks they face subject to change with very little warning.”

“When it comes to redesigning public spaces, it can prove difficult to retrofit security solutions without causing disruption to the surrounding area. Previously, impact-tested security products have required deep foundations, which means a lengthy, obtrusive installation process.

“Fortunately, security technology has improved dramatically in recent years, and there are now many options available that can overcome these challenges. In addition to temporary products, permanent shallow mount bollards can now require a foundation depth of just 112mm, and as a result are far quicker to install with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.”

Picture: a photograph of Frith Street, Soho, London, showing a pedestrianised area where people are dining at tables in the street

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 20 October 2020

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