The site had existing demarcation fencing in place between railway tracks and a yard, but it couldn’t withstand force and was easily able to be breached. Therefore, the risk of a road vehicle obstructing tracks – accidentally or intentionally – was high.
Ensuring this type of risk is mitigated was made Network Rail’s responsibility in the Department for Transport’s whitepaper, ‘Managing accidental rail obstructions by road vehicles’. The project would entail securing the section of railway with a professional road vehicle incursion solution.
Being a UK railway station, the site also classified as Critical National Infrastructure, qualifying it as a potential terrorism target. And as a crowded public place, the site also demanded perimeter security that satisfied the findings of a vehicle dynamic assessment.
As a crowded place, centre of transport infrastructure and a component of Critical National Infrastructure, Network Rail sites must be secured to the highest standards without disrupting everyday operations or delaying the flow of pedestrian or locomotive traffic.
Network Rail also wanted to explore an alternative to the established Vehicle Restraint System barrier in order to increase efficiencies. HS Security needed to deliver a novel solution that worked harder to minimise disruption for Network Rail, while maintaining the highest safety standards and reliability.
Network Rail required perimeter fencing and shallow foundation bollards from HS Security in order to mitigate the risk of vehicle incursion, and increase platform security. Achieving these improvements would ensure that Network Rail can meet its objective of improving experience, safety and operational efficiency.
StronGuard™RCS – an exceptionally robust, impact tested and aesthetically pleasing perimeter fencing system – was provided as perimeter demarcation which challenged the typical fencing system.
Cost effective and able to be quickly installed on the original fencing boundary, StronGuard™RCS provided a single solution for both trespass and road vehicle incursions. It delivered an impact-certified perimeter line with minimal installation disruption or additional construction.
Meanwhile, shallow foundation, impact-tested bollards were chosen to enhance security on the station concourse. Built with efficient installation in mind, a full concourse was secured in convenient stages, with the ground reinstated outside of service hours. And at just 112mm deep, the need for costly, disruption to underground tunnels, service networks and cables was avoided – essential for Critical National Infrastructure and public transit.
HS Security was tasked to ensure that all security solutions were aesthetically appropriate too. Unobtrusive bollards maintained an open feel and allowed the public to transact safely through the concourse without feeling confined.
Network Rail also worked with HS Security to develop a trademark bollard – brushed stainless steel with a domed top and thick black banding. The design has a multifunctional purpose of controlling pedestrian flow, aiding the visually impaired and preventing packages or bags from being abandoned on top of bollards.
HS Security members were commended for their diligent approach to the project and considerable personal effort. By challenging the original design, HS Security were able to realise a significant time and cost saving for the project, along with having a very happy client.
