Terror barriers trial at stations

Anti-terrorism barriers blocking car access to railway stations are to be tested at two sites in London.

The three-foot high concrete blocks will go up at the main entrances to the concourses at Victoria and Waterloo. The three-month trial will stop vehicles from driving into the station but is designed to limit its impact on passengers and day-to-day operations.

"The potential role for such barriers is obvious," said Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander. The minister said the trial was designed to show any effects on passenger flow as well as station operations and businesses inside the concourses.

"It is important that we test any potential measure within authentic environments so that we can see just how they can contribute towards keeping a safe and efficient network," said the minister.

The trials are the latest in a series of tests undertaken this year to assess the effectiveness of security measures on the rail and Tube network. Voluntary screening of passengers has been taking place at Paddington Station in west London and Canary Wharf Tube station in east London.

Robin Gisby, of Network Rail, said: "Security at railway stations is a high priority for Network Rail and for passengers."

Concrete blocks were placed around the Houses of Parliament in 2003 to counter any potential threat.

SOURCE: BBC