The growing scale of public events has underscored the need for enhanced safety measures, says Shawn Lowry, Sales Manager at ANNT Bollards.

Portability

Major incidents at public gatherings, such as vehicular attacks and crowd-related accidents, highlight the vulnerabilities present in large, open spaces.

To address these challenges, there has been a significant shift toward the development and deployment of portable crash-rated solutions designed to protect both people and assets wherever crowds gather.

Portable crash-rated barriers and bollards represent a critical evolution in security infrastructure, offering the flexibility and mobility needed to adapt to various environments and event types.

This article explores the emerging trends, benefits, real-world applications, challenges and future directions of these innovative security solutions.

Benefits of portable crash-rated solutions

Flexibility and mobility

One of the most significant advantages of portable crash-rated solutions is their flexibility.

Unlike fixed barriers, portable solutions can be easily relocated and reconfigured to meet the specific needs of different events and spaces.

This adaptability is particularly beneficial for events that require temporary security setups, such as festivals, concerts and political rallies.

In the past, cities and event organizers would typically use large industrial vehicles such as dump trucks, draining local resources and putting pressure on staffing.

Case studies have shown that this flexibility has allowed event organizers to efficiently manage security across various locations and event types.

Quick deployment and removal

The ability to quickly deploy and remove security barriers is crucial in emergency situations and for temporary events.

Portable crash-rated solutions are designed for rapid setup and teardown, minimizing the time required to secure an area.

This feature is especially important in scenarios where quick action is needed to protect attendees and infrastructure.

For example, during sudden threats or changes in event logistics, portable barriers can be swiftly positioned or repositioned to enhance security.

Emergency access

Portable crash-rated solutions offer a unique advantage by providing high levels of security while allowing easy access for emergency vehicles.

These blockers can be arranged in various configurations such as narrow streets, inner cities or bike paths, ensuring they meet specific protection requirements without obstructing visibility.

Additionally, the design enables the creation of defined passage points or sluice arrangements that authorized vehicles, including emergency and rescue services, can pass through swiftly.

This adaptability ensures robust protection against unauthorized vehicle entry while maintaining critical access routes for emergency responders.

Cost-effectiveness

While the initial investment in portable crash-rated barriers might be higher than traditional fixed barriers, the long-term benefits and cost savings are substantial.

Portable solutions are reusable and versatile, allowing them to be deployed across multiple events and locations.

Additionally, these products do not require any civil work.

This reusability and minimal footprint translates into significant cost savings over time, as there is no need to purchase and install new barriers for each event.

Furthermore, the reduced manpower and equipment required for installation and removal contribute to overall cost-effectiveness.

Real-world applications and case studies

Major sporting events

Major sporting events, such as the Olympics, World Cup and marathons, attract large crowds and present significant security challenges.

Portable crash-rated barriers have been successfully deployed to protect stadiums, fan zones and associated areas.

For instance, at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, portable barriers were used to secure entry points and control crowd flow, ensuring the safety of spectators and participants.

Public festivals and concerts

Public festivals and concerts often involve large, dynamic crowds in open spaces, making them vulnerable to various security threats.

Portable crash-rated solutions have been employed at events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Glastonbury Festival to create secure perimeters and manage crowd movements.

These barriers have proven effective in mitigating risks and enhancing the overall safety of attendees.

Urban areas and tourist attractions

In busy urban centers and tourist attractions, maintaining security without disrupting the aesthetic and functional aspects of the environment is a challenge.

In cities like New York, portable crash-rated solutions and barriers are crucial because embedded products simply aren’t an option due to the underground subway systems and city infrastructure.

These portable barriers provide a flexible and effective way to protect pedestrians, buildings and key areas without needing to excavate.

They can be quickly set up and moved around as needed, which is perfect for a busy and ever-changing cityscape.

Plus, they offer high security to prevent vehicle attacks and accidents, making them essential for urban safety where traditional embedded barriers won’t work.

Political and high-profile events

Political rallies, summits and high-profile gatherings often require heightened security measures due to the presence of VIPs and potential threats.

Portable crash-rated solutions and barriers have been utilized at events like the G7 Summit and presidential inaugurations to safeguard participants and manage crowd access.

The ability to quickly adjust security perimeters has been crucial in responding to changing security needs and ensuring the safety of all attendees.

Challenges and considerations

Balancing security and accessibility

One of the primary challenges in deploying portable crash-rated solutions is balancing security with accessibility.

Ensuring that security measures do not impede the flow and experience of event attendees is essential.

Barriers must be strategically placed to protect vulnerable areas while allowing for smooth pedestrian and vehicular movement.

Achieving this balance requires careful planning and coordination with event organizers and security personnel.

Regulatory and compliance issues

Compliance with local and international safety standards is another critical consideration.

Portable crash-rated solutions and barriers must meet rigorous testing and certification requirements to ensure their effectiveness.

Event organizers and security professionals must stay informed about relevant regulations and standards to ensure that the barriers used are compliant and provide the necessary level of protection.

It is of paramount importance to ensure that any crash-rated products being utilized are crash-certified.

This means they have been physically tested to ensure they meet the industry standard M30 and M50 ratings.

Training and awareness

Effective deployment and management of portable crash-rated barriers require proper training and awareness among security personnel.

Training programs should be implemented to equip staff with the knowledge and skills needed to operate, maintain and quickly deploy the barriers.

Additionally, ongoing maintenance and operational readiness are vital to ensure the barriers perform as intended during critical situations.

Future directions and innovations

Next-generation materials and technologies

The future of portable crash-rated solutions lies in the continued advancement of materials and technologies.

Innovations in materials science, such as the development of ultra-lightweight yet highly durable composites, will further enhance the portability and effectiveness of these barriers.

Additionally, advancements in smart technologies, including AI-driven analytics and predictive capabilities, will improve real-time threat detection and response.

Enhanced integration with urban infrastructure

Future portable barriers are expected to integrate seamlessly with urban infrastructure, blending security measures with the aesthetic and functional elements of public spaces.

This integration will involve designing barriers that complement the architectural features of their surroundings while providing robust protection.

Cities will benefit from security solutions that enhance both safety and the visual appeal of public areas.

Conclusion

Portable crash-rated solutions represent a significant innovation in the field of public safety, providing the flexibility and effectiveness needed to protect major events and public spaces.

Advancements in materials, design and technology have made these barriers indispensable tools for event organizers and security professionals.

As the demand for robust and adaptable security measures continues to grow, the ongoing development and adoption of portable crash-rated solutions will be essential in ensuring the safety of people and assets in dynamic and diverse environments.

By embracing these innovative solutions, stakeholders can create secure and welcoming spaces for public gatherings, fostering a sense of safety and confidence among attendees.

The future of public safety lies in the continued evolution of portable crash-rated barriers, driven by a commitment to innovation and excellence in security.

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