The Automatic Door Suppliers Association, of which RTR Services are a proud member, is considering the impact of potential new anti-terrorism legislation to improve venue security and urges the industry and venue owners to start planning now.
Ken Price, M.D. of ADSA says, “Earlier this year, a public consultation took place into ‘Martyn’s Law’. This draft legislation is named after Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017.
Sir Keir Starmer has committed to introducing 'Martyn's Law' under a Labour government, after a new anti-terrorism bill featured in the King's Speech this month.
During the speech, King Charles said legislation would be introduced to improve safety and security of public venues to 'keep the British public safe from terrorism'.
The 'Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill' will enact 'Martyn's Law', requiring large venues to put in place anti-terrorism measures to tackle terror threats.
With the new parliamentary sessions starting again after the elections the feedback from the official consultation is currently being analysed before a draft bill is drawn up and ascends to Parliament.
If made law, The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act would affect organisations, businesses, local and public authorities, and individuals who own or operate publicly accessible premises or events. It is likely to have a profound impact on the need for effective entrance solutions for concert halls, stadiums, shopping centres and any other venues with capacity greater than 800.”
So, what might requirements for enhanced entrance solutions mean in practical terms?
- Increased Demand for Security Technology: Entrance solutions providers would see a surge in demand for advanced security technologies. This might include biometric scanners, facial recognition systems, or automated threat detection systems to enhance the screening process while maintaining efficiency.
- Integration of Comprehensive Security Systems: Venue owners would need to invest in integrated security systems that cover all aspects of entrance control, from ticket validation to threat detection. Entrance solutions would need to seamlessly integrate with surveillance cameras, access control systems, and emergency response protocols to provide a holistic security approach.
- Adoption of Access Control Measures: Access control measures, such as turnstiles, gates, or barriers, would become more commonplace at venue entrances. These systems would help manage the flow of people while ensuring that only authorised individuals enter the premises. Integration with ticketing systems and ID verification processes would be essential for effective access control.
- Enhanced Screening Processes: Entrance solutions would need to incorporate more robust screening processes to detect potential threats, such as weapons or explosives. This might involve the deployment of metal detectors, X-ray scanners, or explosive trace detection technologies to supplement traditional bag checks and pat downs.
- Focus on User Experience: While security is paramount, venue owners would also need to prioritise the user experience to minimise disruption and maintain a positive guest experience. Entrance solutions providers will need to innovate solutions that balance security requirements with efficiency and convenience, incorporating speed lanes for pre-screened individuals to reduce wait times.
- Regulatory Compliance: Entrance solutions would need to adhere to stringent regulatory requirements mandated by ‘Martyn’s Law’. This could involve certifications for security standards, regular audits of entrance control systems, and ongoing training for staff to ensure compliance with evolving security protocols.
Ken Price continues “One of the potential ways to reduce risk would be using Powered Pedestrian Doors (PPDs) with lock down systems, in conjunction with internal powered operated entrance control equipment (POPECE) – speed lanes or turnstiles.
This only underlines the need to address all aspects of integration and smart building control and similarly, the automatic door industry must do the same in respect of the development of innovative solutions and the development of its people.”
We at RTR Services are actively researching and investigating equipment which would assist compliance with “Martyn’s Law “ and will be ready to help once the law has been passed.
