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Derby City Centre To See Anti-Vehicle Balustrade Fencing Installed?

Permanent anti-vehicle balustrade fencing could soon be seen in Derby city centre, with the county’s police and crime commissioner saying that reinforced bollards should be installed in popular places to prevent vehicles from mounting pavements.

According to the Derby Telegraph, Hardyal Dhindsa believes that additional security measures are required near clubs, pubs and restaurants in places like Wardwick, Iron Gate, St James’s Street and The Strand.

“We need strong, reinforced barriers or bollards in busy areas which can be used during peak times or special events. I read in the news that London Bridge used to have anti-vehicle barriers but they were removed because they were unsightly. But safety should always come first and that’s my approach for Derbyshire,” he explained.

Mr Dhindsa went on to say that he will be working alongside the city council and Derbyshire police to see how these anti-terror devices could be installed – but it could see bollards put in place along pavements, while barriers could be added across roads and be removed at certain times of day.

It would certainly be worth looking at London and what has been done since the attack at Borough Market, however, as some of the steps taken have drawn criticism from some quarters.

The London Evening Standard recently reported cyclists had lodged complaints about the new measures, saying they made it less safe for bikers and actually represented a crush risk. It’d be worth taking the time to see what those who live in and around Derby city centre have to say about security measures and the impact they might have.