King’s Parade anti-terror barrier will finally become operational

The anti-terror barrier on King’s Parade will become operational from 9.30am tomorrow (Thursday, January 16).

The temporary barrier, which is located just north of the junction with Bene’t Street, had been due to close on Monday, and then on Wednesday.

But Cambridge City Council confirmed the revised date today following further work on barrier signage.

Additional new security measures at the other end of King’s Parade near Great St Mary’s Church will also become operational at the same time.

Concerns have been raised about the design, functionality, and look of the barrier, which cycling group Camcycle creates a pinch point for riders.

The barrier, installed by Cambridge City Council assisted by Greater Cambridge Partnership funding, is made up of a three-metre-wide swing gate with pairs of ballasted security barges (large weighted supports) on either side and a 1.2m gap on the King’s College side for cyclists.

Camcycle say the 1.2m gap is enough for one cyclist to pass through but not for two coming in opposite directions.

The decision to install the barrier follows detailed police advice that recommended steps be taken to protect the large numbers of pedestrians who use King’s Parade throughout the year.

Police forces across the country are offering very similar advice to councils, particularly in tourist cities including Canterbury, Windsor, York and Edinburgh, about high profile locations, given the continued national UK terror threat level, which remains substantial.

The temporary barrier, which is of an approved standard design recommended by the police, will initially be in place for up to 18 months and was installed at the earliest opportunity following consultation and approval.

The council will monitor its impact and will also develop plans for a more permanent solution. The local authority has said it will consult with local people on the options, taking into account both operational issues and its objective of a security arrangement more consistent with the historic surroundings, as well as taking further security advice.

The barrier will be closed between 9.30am and 7pm each day. Vehicle deliveries to and from premises will need to be made outside of these times or from other loading facilities nearby.

Alternative disabled car parking space has been added on Trumpington Street and at the nearby Grand Arcade (which are free to use for the first three hours), where the council’s Shopmobility scheme operates.

Anyone using the existing disabled or loading bays along King’s Parade overnight after 7pm, or early the next morning, will need to leave by 9.30am the next morning to avoid receiving a parking ticket.

Cllr Lewis Herbert, leader of the city council, said: “The UK terror threat level remains substantial and that is why we have taken police advice on the need for appropriate measures to protect people. Our first obligation is to protect the public and to follow the clear and detailed security advice we have been given. It would be irresponsible of us not to do so.

“Installing the above ground national standard barrier was also unavoidable in the time available. We know that some people, including cyclists, may feel inconvenienced, but this is an essential interim solution while we develop and then consult, and review security advice ahead of potential permanent measures.

“We will work closely with businesses, organisations and colleges on King’s Parade and with city residents to ensure that a long-term solution is something that honours its surroundings and that people in Cambridge can therefore be proud of, and in the meantime do all we can to protect the safety of all who live, work or visit here.”

Anyone who witnesses any suspicious behaviour or activity should report it to police, in confidence via www.gov.uk/ACT or 0800 789 321.

Read more:

Is this combination lock on Cambridge’s anti-terror barrier really high security?

Cambridge groups protest King’s Parade anti-terror barrier

Date set for new anti-terror barrier in King’s Parade

Famous Cambridge street section to be closed to traffic to counter terror threat

‘Rethink terror roadblock plan for King’s Parade’