Mark Borto, CEO, Barrier1 Systems delves into the crucial role of vehicle barriers to ensure crowd safety.

Crowd safety

One need only look at recent incidents in Greensboro, NC, and Rochester, NY, to be reminded that safeguarding crowds from vehicle ramming events is critical.

Whether they be intentional or accidental, vehicle ramming events must be prevented at temporary events and mitigating these incidents requires an understanding of the various types of protective barriers and how each one can protect crowds in specific applications.

“The use of vehicles to deliberately hit, injure and kill pedestrians dates back to the mid-twentieth century, but their incidence has increased globally in the last decade as extremist groups have propagated ideas for ‘lone wolf’ attacks… Vehicle-ramming attacks have increased in the last decade, with at least 62 attacks in cities including London, New York and Berlin, killing over 240 people and injuring more than 1000,” a 2022 National Institute of Health article reports.

Security at the perimeter

Non-permanent events with dense crowds, such as street festivals, outdoor concerts, campaign rallies and sporting events, can leverage mobile vehicle barriers to effectively establish perimeter protection.

These barriers safeguard activities from vehicular intrusion while maintaining the atmosphere of community gatherings.

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) says that “Vehicle ramming mitigation strategy cannot be one-size-fits-all.

It must be tailored to the specific physical constraints and functional demands of a given location.”

As crowds of attendees flock to gatherings during the busy spring and summer seasons where people are more likely to be outdoors, it’s paramount for event organizers and officials to identify the pivotal role that anti-ram vehicle barriers play in safeguarding against potential injuries and fatalities.

Selecting the right vehicle barrier solution

What should one look for in an appropriate barrier to protect lives and maintain safety? Crash-rated barriers provide certified solutions that are specifically designed to stop the impact of moving vehicles.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F2656 crash rating considers three factors when issuing its rating: the type of vehicle, speed of the vehicle and vehicle penetration measured after the test completion.

This comprehensive physical testing means crash-rated barriers are designed and tested to ensure complete protection of lives and assets when an incident occurs.

Crash ratings are definitely a critical selection criterion, but it’s important to note that not all types of vehicle barrier systems are ATSM crash rated.

Some barriers are Publicly Available Specification (PAS) certified, which is the UK’s standard and recognized security industry standard for HVM (hostile vehicle mitigation) equipment.

Other classifications of vehicle barriers such as mobile wedges and cables have yet to be tested for either form of certification but offer alternative means of providing robust physical barriers to mitigate ramming incidents.

Selecting the proper vehicle barrier for various contexts emerges as a cornerstone of effective security protocols.

The market offers a solid lineup of options, from mobile wedge barriers, to cable systems and retractable bollards.

Let’s explore how each type of barrier can best mitigate the impact of vehicle ramming events.

Wedge barriers and mobile wedge barriers stand as dynamic defenders of event perimeters, capable of quickly thwarting unauthorized vehicular access.

Their design facilitates quick deployment and adjustment, often by a single technician, making these solutions adaptable to the unique layouts at diverse venues.

These barriers offer a formidable first line of defense, ensuring that potential threats are kept at bay while allowing attendees to move freely and safely within event spaces.

Mobile wedge barriers are also towable for quick positioning and easy relocation.

In other instances, modular temporary barriers provide flexible protection for events of varying scales and locations.

These versatile barriers can be easily transported and strategically placed to create secure zones within event venues.

They offer organizers the ability to customize security measures according to specific event requirements.

Their temporary nature ensures minimal disruption to event logistics while maximizing crowd safety, making them an invaluable asset for ensuring smooth and secure event operations.

When seeking a seamless blend of security and accessibility, retractable bollards bring event organizers a robust way to maintain control over vehicular access without impeding pedestrian flow.

These barriers can be raised or lowered as needed, often deploying in seconds, providing a flexible solution for managing vehicle traffic during events.

Whether it’s controlling entry points at music festivals or securing VIP areas at corporate gatherings, retractable bollards offer a discreet yet effective means of modifying event safety while ensuring attendees’ convenience.

Available with either hydraulic or electric operation and up to an M50/P2 rating (withstanding a 15,000lb vehicle at 50mph), retractable bollards provide dependable and consistent utilization.

These robust vehicle ramming prevention solutions are well-suited for installation at municipal locations where public events are typically staged like town squares or on traditional parade routes.

When seeking an effective way to protect pedestrians at street festivals, farmers’ markets and street closures, cable barriers are another excellent solution.

These barriers feature a unique, innovative design consisting of several steel cables stretched between posts.

These barriers are easy to connect and disconnect, providing a simple installation with minimal maintenance required.

Their quick repair process ensures minimal disruption to traffic flow following an incident.

Cable barriers offer easy connection and disconnection, requiring minimal maintenance.

Their versatility and efficiency make them valuable assets in ensuring road safety and minimizing the impact of accidents.

Vehicle barriers thwart terrorism

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) makes it clear – vehicle ramming incidents and the use of vehicles in terrorist attacks are very real threats.

“In designing and applying measures to mitigate against the risk of vehicle ramming attacks, it is important to balance the security requirements with the operational and functional needs associated with the typical user of the facility or venue.”

The DHS reinforces that “a mitigation strategy cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach,” so one must consider the best crash-rated barrier for the scenario at hand.

Vehicle barriers provide a multifaceted and robust approach to enhancing event safety and perimeter protection across a diverse range of temporary and permanent venues.

The diverse range of vehicle barrier form factors now available allows users to select and deploy the most appropriate anti-ramming solution that best meets the requirements and budget for each specific application.

By incorporating vehicle barriers into a comprehensive security strategy, municipalities, business owners and civic event planners can help better ensure that gatherings remain occasions for celebration and enjoyment, free from the threat of intentional and accidental vehicle ramming incidents.

About the author

Mark Borto is currently the Chief Executive Officer at BARRIER1 SYSTEMS, bringing over two decades of executive leadership experience from previous VP, President and CEO roles at dormakaba Americas, Boon Edam USA and Royal Boon Edam International B.V. 

Mark earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Distribution & Marketing at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1985.

With a robust skill set that includes manufacturing, product development, contract negotiation, field operations management, new business development, sales management and more, Mark contributes valuable insights to the industry.

This article was originally published in the May edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.