CITY CENTRE PROTECTION AND ACCESS CONTROL FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

In recent years, we have seen an increase in attacks on public spaces and city centers in which vehicles have been used as weapons. It is imperative that we implement effective measures to secure city centers and ensure the safety of pedestrians and buildings in urban areas. It is not just trucks that pose a threat. Sprinters and cars can also cause significant damage and endanger human lives.

Access control systems provide the solution

As a leading specialist in the automation of access control systems, Automatic Systems is uniquely positioned to address the current challenges in urban areas and at access points to critical infrastructures. We offer customized solutions that deliver results. These measures

unequivocally enhance both the sense of security and the well-being of everyone. The protected areas we create are designed for large gatherings of people, such as those found in pedestrian zones or at events.

High-security bollards are the ultimate physical barrier

High-security bollards prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian zones, as well as inner-city and critical areas. The vertically mounted barrier elements are the ideal solution for wide driveways, such as those found in parks or market squares. These bollards are designed to be both robust and unobtrusive. They blend seamlessly into the urban environment. As a physical barrier, these bollards effectively prevent potential attackers from crashing their vehicles into crowds of people and causing damage. On the other hand, pedestrians and visitors feel safe thanks to the barrier. Depending on the specific requirements profile of the location, either fixed or hydraulic bollards are used. With a certified impact load, they are used as a high-security solution and are functional again immediately after an impact.

Fixed or hydraulic bollards?

The selection of appropriate bollards is dependent on a number of factors, including the specific location, the level of protection required, and the prevailing local conditions. High-security and security products differ in terms of the height of the barrier, the foundation depth, the lifting and lowering speed, and the E.F.O. (Emergency Fast Operation), which is sometimes a requirement for high-security installations. The foundation depth is dependent on the presence of underground utilities, such as gas and water pipes, and cables that may prevent deep anchoring in the ground. Another critical consideration is the need to maintain accessibility for delivery traffic, or the potential for regular events to be held on the adjacent market square, which may require vehicles to pass through. In urban settings, a combinatio nof fixed and hydraulic bollards is often the optimal solution

     1. Fixed bollards

Fixed bollards are stationary devices with impact protection that are capable of stopping vehicles of varying weight classes and impact speeds, depending on the configuration. Fixed bollards are an optimal solution for side streets with minimal delivery traffic. It is also recommended to differentiate between car bollards and truck bollards and select the appropriate design for each. Due to their shallow installation depth, they are also suitable for use in areas with supply lines in the ground. The 55-millimeter-wide reflective strip and bollard head lighting ensure safety, especially in the evening, and prevent collisions between pedestrians and bollards.

     2. Hydraulic bollards

The retractable bollards offer a solution that combines safety and aesthetics. When extended, the bollards prevent vehicle access while allowing pedestrians to move freely. The product can be configured to withstand vehicles of different weight classes and impact speeds. When lowered, the bollards become invisible, allowing free passage for deliveries or emergency vehicles, for example. Once the vehicle has passed through, the bollards will automatically return to their raised position. The raising process is announced in advance via an acoustic signal. Another benefit is that the exit from the protected area is always accessible. The bollards are equipped with induction loops on the ground, which enable them to lower automatically as soon as a vehicle approaches from the inside. Once the vehicle has passed through, the barriers are extended once more. We offer a range of models to suit different configurations. As an additional feature, the bollards can be equipped with a traffic light that turns green as soon as they have fully retracted into the ground and turns red even before they are raised again. As an alternative, the function is displayed directly on the bollard using LEDs. The hydraulic bollards also feature a 55-millimeter-wide reflective strip and bollard head lighting, which enhances safety, particularly in low-light conditions.

Project example City of Langenfeld

The town Langenfeld in North Rhine-Westphalia has implemented high-security bollards to enhance the security of the downtown. A total of 18 hydraulic and fixed bollards are installed at the five access points to the pedestrian zone. Concurrently, plantable concrete boxes are installed to fill any remaining gaps. The M50 hydraulic bollards are capable of effectively stopping a 6.8-ton vehicle traveling at speeds of up to 80 km/h. Two M30 hydraulic bollards are also deployed to prevent the passage of a 7.5-ton truck at speeds of up to 48 km/h. The fixed bollards are designed to prevent vehicles from bypassing the barriers, and they are capable of stopping a 6.8-ton vehicle at speeds of up to 80 km/h. With a height of 1.20 meters, the bollards are also easily visible at events and in large crowds. The standard reflective strip and bollard head lighting enhance safety in low-light conditions. The bollards comply with the primary standards ASTM F2656-07 and IWA 14-1 (ISO).

Intelligent access control to prevent attacks

In addition to high-security bollards, intelligent access control is also a vital component in the early detection and prevention of potential attacks.

• License plate recognition: Automatic identification of vehicles based on their license platesAccess authorizations:
• Management of access rights for specific vehicles or time periods (delivery of retail by forwarding agents or parcel services)
• Integration with security control centers: real-time monitoring and alerting in the event of suspicious incidents

Conclusion

It is of the utmost importance to secure city centers with security bollards and intelligent access control in order to guarantee the safety of pedestrians and buildings in urban areas. The implementation of these measures can deter potential attacks and foster a sense of security among residents and visitors.

It is crucial for cities and municipalities to proactively invest in the security of their inner cities, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to safeguard against potential threats. It is only through a comprehensive security strategy that we can guarantee the safety and security of oururban spaces.