After the recent terrorist attacks in Nice, France and Berlin, where vehicles were used as weapons against mass pedestrians, temporary vehicle barriers were erected in New Orleans’ French Quarter to restrict vehicle access to Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras. The barriers were placed along cross streets intersecting Bourbon, so that vehicles had no access to the celebrations. The barriers were raised each day at 5pm from February 22 to 28 and lowered at 5am, or earlier, depending on the crowds. New Orleans plans to continue use of the portable barriers during special events. The products used were from Delta Scientific, the US manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control barriers.
Aaron Miller, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and preparedness, said that the three barriers were towed into location just before the NBA All-Star game. Miller said that, in certain situations, the portable barriers are more efficient than current measures. Instead of police officers using patrol cars to close streets, the barriers free officers to take care of other police matters. Miller also said that the city intends to buy more portable barriers to block other French Quarter intersections. Ultimately, many of the moveable barriers will be replaced by permanent installations.
Greg Hamm, pictured, Delta Scientific vice president of marketing and sales said: “Unfortunately, obtaining extra vehicle protection has now become a focal point since an intoxicated driver injured at least 28 people while smashing into the Krewe of Endymion parade, the largest at Mardi Gras, at one of the yet unprotected intersections this past Saturday, the 25th. We must remember that just as a terrorist can use a vehicle as a weapon to harm many people quickly as in Jerusalem and attempted at Ohio State, the same results can be caused by an errant driver as happened at a Farmer’s Market in Santa Monica, California.”
A self-contained MP5000 can be towed into position to control vehicle access within 15 minutes, Delta says. No excavation or sub-surface preparation is required. Once positioned, the mobile barricades will unpack themselves by using hydraulics to raise and lower the barriers off their wheels. DC-powered pumps will then raise or lower the barriers. These mobile deployable vehicle crash barriers carry a K8 rating (M40 ASTM rating), stopping 7.5 ton (6400 Kg) vehicles traveling 40 mph (64 kph).
