Yearbook 2020
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obust but unobtrusive technologies should be designed into public spaces right from the outset, says leading New Zealand public spaces security and technology supplier, HTS Group. “We’ve passed the days where security technologies need to stick out like a sore thumb. Nowadays, they can blend in effortlessly with the surrounding space, and yet still have the strength to stop trucks weighing several tonnes and travelling at speed,” says Noel Maharaj, HTS Group Managing Director and licensed New Zealand Security Consultant. “New Zealand has seen terrible events in recent years, where a deranged individual has taken control of a vehicle and sought to cause maximum damage to people and property in public areas,” said Maharaj. “Simple and effective technologies like bollards, street furniture, barriers and gates can protect public areas, without impacting on the aesthetics or functionality of the space. In some cases, they can even add new functionality and features to the area – such as seats or flower beds,” he says. “It’s important to consider when a public space is going to be utilised to its full potential. Times like New Year’s Eve or special events are a good example of this. Are all possible vehicle entry points secured? Could someone drive a car or truck through and access a highly populated space?” “Enquiries for safety and security technologies have trebled worldwide in recent years, as companies, governments and organisations are becoming more aware of security risks evident globally, and how to miti36
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Planning for terrorist and vehicle attacks on public spaces Major events with large crowds draw attention to the risks of having public open spaces unprotected by security and safety technologies to prevent vehicle attacks gate against them.” Public space risk mitigation technologies Ranging from standard bollards and street furniture, right through to advanced speed gates with integrated controls, different technologies are designed to protect public and private spaces from unauthorised personnel that may intend to cause harm. Selecting the right equipment is vital to mitigate against threats. The right equipment, targeted to a particular area and application, can help prevent or minimise casualties and injuries that result from
malicious activities. Security technologies that blend in with architectural layouts – such as planters, seats and bollards – provide an elegant, secure and functional solution. Street Furniture, which ensures pedestrian safety without discouraging movement through the area. Bollards, which are a cost-effective, versatile and easily installed security measure to protect crowded spaces and businesses situated near roads. They can be ground- or surface-mounted and static or automatic, depending on the application and what type of vehicles they are
preventing. HTS Group Ltd and Ezi Security have a wide range of security bollards designed to provide heavy-duty maximum security against ram raids and other hostile vehicle situations, while maintaining aesthetic separation for pedestrian safety. The latest and most advanced Safetyflex bollards only require an installation depth of 200mm for the same crash rating as comparative products requiring a far deeper installation, which makes them simpler and faster to install. Horizontal Lifting Barriers, which are one of the
