21 November 2017 - Security Buyer Magazine

New ATG Access security innovation protects thousands from potential terror attack at the Lord Mayor’s show

The popular Lord Mayor’s show in London became the latest event to receive the highest levels of protection against a vehicle attack. With over 7,000 people taking part in the inaugural parade, and over 50,000 visitors to the event, an innovative road block system was deployed to safeguard against a possible security breach. Cutting edge security innovation, Surface Guard, developed by the world’s leading designer of road blocker, bollard and vehicle barrier systems, ATG Access was installed on Waterloo Bridge to protect the people at the event on 11 November 2017. The system was deployed extremely quickly, in just an hour and a half, to secure both ends of the bridge, meaning that road closures required prior to and during the event were kept to a minimum. Once the event finished at 6pm, the solution was removed just as quickly, so that the roads and bridge could be reopened that same evening. As the system does not need anchoring to the ground, no damage was caused to the road, central reservation or pavements when the system was removed. Surface Guard, which has been specifically designed in response to the surge of vehicle ramming attacks across Europe, has been tested in accordance with the IWA 14 crash test standard. It is capable of withstanding an attack from a 2,500kg vehicle travelling at 48 kph (30mph). Its modular design also makes it quick to install, as well as lightweight and compact ensuring easy storage. The solution has been designed to complement existing street furniture items and adapt to changes in surface levels and road cambers. It also allows pedestrians to flow freely in and out of designated areas. Once in place, wheelchair users, visitors with prams and mobility scooters were all able to pass through the new system with ease. Glenn Cooper, CEO of ATG Access, said: “The need for increased security at temporary events has been heightened after the recent surge in vehicle attacks across Europe. It is now more crucial than ever that people feel secure and protected when visting public events, but solutions used must cause minimal disruption to daily life to prevent creating a ‘fortress mentality’. “Our innovative Surface Guard System was deployed to protect over 50,000 people on the Waterloo bridge at this high profile and historic event. We were able to deploy and secure the whole bridge extremely quickly, and because of the flexible configuration and modular shape of Surface Guard, it meant that obstacles on the bridge weren’t an issue to manoeuvre around. “We firmly believe that this solution will prevent against further vehicle attacks, and will make safeguarding the public at temporary events easier and more robust for organisers.” For more information, please visit: www.atgaccess.com

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ActionAid inspires Women in Security

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) was proud to welcome Javeria Ayaz Malik, Actionaid’s International Security Advisor, as keynote speaker at this year’s Women in Security Awards Event in London, recognising the outstanding contribution of women working in security. Originally from Pakistan, Javeria is a security expert who lives and works in Johannesburg, South Africa. In her role she coordinates the organisation’s safety and security policy and establishes external relationships with global security networks. Javeria also advises ActionAid’s leadership on appropriate security management strategies aimed at reducing the safety and security risks staff may face in the course of their duties. Responsible for overseeing the security management skills of hundreds of staff in more than 40 countries via a network of security focal persons, Javeria drew upon her personal experiences inspiring the audience with her knowledge and relating it to the daily challenges faced by many UK security professionals. Working mainly with communities living in poverty, women’s groups, social movements and human rights defenders Javeria highlighted that contrary to common perception, women at grassroots level take a lead role in security management. Developing a deep contextual understanding, crisis management and knowledge management are universal themes in today’s environment. Javeria’s address resonated with many in the audience who operate in highly challenging environments such as Sodexo’s finalist Susan Markou, a security officer within healthcare responsible for assessing risk and managing volatile situations on a daily basis. As a certified and experienced security trainer, Javeria’s training curriculums and methodologies include specific modules particularly aimed at enhancing protection strategies for human rights’ defenders. In the case of female human rights’ defenders working in challenging environments around the world, this is particularly pertinent. Javeria Ayaz Malik said: “Given the diverse geographical areas in which we operate, different cultures, political environments and the very nature of our work, the security challenges ActionAid faces are highly complex. However the fundamental challenges we all face as security professionals are significant and growing. “It was fantastic to be part of the Women in Security Awards and to witness first-hand this celebration of talented women within the UK security industry who have demonstrated such outstanding commitment to safeguarding our communities.”