Security barriers installed in preparation for festival season
High security barriers have been installed in the centre of Edinburgh ahead of this year’s summer festivals to prevent terrorists from driving vehicles into pedestrians. The measures, which are to remain in place indefinitely, are designed to prevent a Westminster Bridge-style attack.
Anti-terrorism barriers being built to protect Edinburgh are to remain in place indefinitely.
Work has started installing six heavy duty structures designed to prevent a Westminster Bridge-style attack during the summer festivals.
But an insider confirmed measures to stop a vehicle ploughing into visitors and tourists will remain for future events like Hogmanay while the security threat persists.
Meanwhile, police heralded an initial deployment during the summer festivals as a crucial step in keeping visitors safe.
“The whole point is to make sure with what’s happened internationally and nationally, our response isn’t the same old, same old,” said Superindendent Lesley Clark.
Security advisers see the barriers as an effective counter-terrorism measure given events in Nice, Berlin and London.
“We’ve seen continued use of vehicles as a viable weapon of attack,” added Supt Clark.
“We got together a recommendation to maximise the safety of the public and we’re grateful to the Home Office for accepting it and working with the local authority.”
Six barriers will be built in all - three at staggered points on the Royal Mile, and another three in Johnston Terrace, The Lawnmarket and Mound Place.
The bill to buy, transport and install the barriers is thought to run into hundreds of thousands of pounds and will be picked up by the UK government.
Large crowds are expected at this year’s 70th anniversary festival celebrations.
Supt Clark said the barriers were central to efforts in providing a “safe and secure environment” for visitors to the city.
The barriers will be only operated during events, like the Tattoo, which need a traffic restriction order, with full access at other times.
“The barriers won’t be down all the time,” said Supt Clark. “They’re part of a coordinated plan.”
Police stress there is no current specific intelligence to suggest that this year’s events are at risk from a terrorist attack.
But the threat to the UK from “internationally inspired terrorism” remains at “severe” – the second highest rating and meaning an attack is “highly likely.”
In March, 52-year-old Khalid Masood drove a car into pedestrians on the Westminster Bridge pavement, killing four and injuring more than 50.
It followed similar attacks in Nice and Berlin and prompted a review of security arrangements for this year’s Edinburgh events that attract over four million people.
That review led to the police and city council submitting a request for the deployment of the National Barrier Asset (NBA) in the city centre.
The NBA consists of high security gates, portals and barriers that can be temporarily deployed to prevent cars, vans and lorries being driven at crowds.
Owned by the Home Office, its deployment around the UK is coordinated by Sussex Police with their installation contractor H2S2.
It is understood the unique all-year round nature of Edinburgh’s attractions are likely to see the measures kept in place.
Police expect it to help to help protect visitors to events at the castle and the High Street from a vehicle attacks.