Safety barriers were ruled out the night before bridge attack
NEW barriers have been erected on London bridges to prevent attacks after it emerged that the Mayor of London refused to install them in the run-up to Saturday’s terror attack.
Just 24 hours before Saturday night’s incident, officials ruled out plans for barriers which could have protected pedestrians on London Bridge from a vehicle attack.
In a response to concerns that pedestrians walking over London Bridge could be vulnerable from attacks, they said on Friday that there were “no current plans” to install barriers or bollards.
But following the attack the structures have now been introduced to stop traffic from mounting the pavement on Westminster, Lambeth and Waterloo bridges. Now some cycling enthusiasts have claimed the barriers would be unsafe for cyclists because they have reduced the width of cycle lanes.
Campaigners said the reinforced fences, which have been set up in cycle lanes to shield crowds walking on bridges, were a “crush risk” and showed a “total lack of consideration” for the welfare of cyclists.
Mark Treasure, a transport blogger and cyclist, said the fences left “anyone cycling totally unprotected” and suggested that they should be between the cycle lane and the road instead.
Security at London’s 33 bridges was reviewed after the terrorist incidents on Westminster Bridge and London Bridge, the force said in a statement.
It said: “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. We will not be discussing this further at this time.”