BUSY TOURIST BRIDGE STILL ‘UNGUARDED’
A BUSY bridge next to the MI6 HQ still has no barriers to protect pedestrians. Vauxhall Bridge, used by thousands of tourists and commuters every day, is still unprotected more than a week after the atrocities on nearby London Bridge.
Concrete and steel barriers were erected on London, Lambeth, Waterloo and Westminster bridges in the aftermath of the attack.
But Vauxhall Bridge – which neighbours the headquarters of MI6’s spy chiefs, right – still has no traffic calming measures installed.
Only a cycle lane and low kerb separate pedestrians from traffic. A Met Police spokesman refused to comment on whether they would be installing any barriers on the busy bridge.
Last Saturday’s outrage was the second time this year terrorists have been able to target vulnerable people on bridges in the capital. It came less than three months after Khalid Masood mowed down dozens of people on Westminster Bridge.
Sick Khalid killed four and injured more than 50 before he was shot dead on March 22. Barriers were later installed outside Buckingham Palace. It emerged last week that officials turned down proposals to erect barriers on London’s bridges just hours before the latest terror attack.
Mayor Sadiq Khan ruled out plans for barricades which could have protected pedestrians on London Bridge from a vehicle attack. On Friday, just 24 hours before the outrage, officials said there were “no current plans” to install barriers or bollards.
A spokesman for the City of London
Corporation said at the time: “There are currently no plans for the provision of barriers or bollards to be deployed at London Bridge.” The Met Police said security on 33 bridges was reviewed after the attacks. It added: “We recognise the public is anxious about security following the terrorist attacks in London, and we want to reassure them that we are taking precautions to make the capital a safe place for people to live, work and visit. “The barriers are intended to increase security on what are some of London’s busiest bridges. They are designed specifically for hostile vehicle mitigation and are a national asset used around the UK. We are considering the use of barriers and other security measures at locations across London.”