COUNTER TERROR
A 1800 kg concrete placebo? The limitations and risks of using concrete barriers
A
s the world begins to open up and crowds return to public spaces and large events, we have gradually seen the return of one ubiquitous object: large concrete blocks or barriers arranged to protect pedestrian areas from incoming vehicles. Though
34 | August 2021 | IN SECURITY
they vary in shape, size and weight, the typical concrete barrier weighs 1,800 kilograms and is typically placed via a forklift, sitting unsecured and unanchored to the road. These concrete barriers have become a common sight in public places over the past several years, following a series of deadly attacks where
vehicles were used to ram into crowds to cause mass casualties. The deadliest incident occurred in Nice, France in July 2016 when a lone perpetrator drove a large truck into a crowded pedestrian area during holiday celebrations. The result was 86 people killed and 434 injured. This was followed by similar attacks in
