Preventative anti-terrorism measure launches in Bath

A consultation on the Traffic Regulation Orders needed to progress a scheme in Bath as a preventative anti-terrorism measure has been launched.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s proposed city centre security scheme aims to install hostile vehicle mitigation measures as a protective method to reduce risks associated with vehicle borne threats posed by terrorists and criminals, whilst maintaining access to the city centre for residents, businesses and blue badge holders.

The proposals, which include vehicle access restrictions on streets defined as crowded places in and around Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, were initially based on a counter-terrorism security survey on Bath city centre in September 2016 which identified the areas as being vulnerable to a potential hostile vehicle attack.

Avon & Somerset Police recommended in 2020 that a Traffic Regulation Order for anti-terrorism purposes should be put in place as part of preventative measures. A consultation on the proposals is running until 14 October.

Kevin Guy, Council Leader, said: “Before we can progress with the city centre security scheme to prevent vehicle attacks as agreed at Cabinet on July 20, we have to follow a legal process to put TROs and TROs for anti-terrorism purposes into place. I’d like to emphasise that there will be no loss of blue badge spaces as a result of the orders.

“Once the orders have been agreed, we are keen to consult further with disability and community groups on how it will be best for people to arrive at the gates, what street seating is needed and where, and the best design that meets accessibility needs as well as protecting the public.”