Cyclists complain Blackfriars Bridge security barriers causing 'chaos' in wake of London attack

The security barriers on Blackfriars Bridge
@TomEaston/Twitter

Cyclists have complained of “chaos” after barriers were installed on Blackfriars Bridge to protect pedestrians from car ramming following two London terror attacks.

The congestion caused by the barriers was described as “dangerous” on social media as campaigners spoke of “serious safety concerns” amid increased security measures across the capital.

Fences have already been erected on Westminster Bridge, where a terror attack in March left five people dead, as well as on Waterloo and Lambeth bridges.

And on Thursday morning commuters were pictured crossing Blackfriars Bridge, which is on the route of Cycle Superhighway 6, with the sturdy-looking new structures in place.

A spokesman for London Cycling Campaign spoke of the “real safety risk” as he said cyclists were being forced into “often quite fast traffic” as a result of the barriers.

He told the Standard: “These barriers had to go up very fast indeed. We hope that something can be done to modify or change them to provide security and not make things worse for cyclists.”

A photo on social media taken on Thursday morning showed a throng of cyclists moving close together as they crossed the bridge.

The LCC group said in a statement: “London Cycling Campaign is fully supportive of the Met, TfL and the boroughs involved in taking urgent steps to provide extra protection for Londoners and visitors to our city.

"It is also important that we do not allow this attack to impede people going about their business, including being able to cycle safely around the city.

“We will be talking to all relevant bodies about how measures, such as the new barriers on the bridges, can provide the extra security needed as well as allow people, especially London’s large number of cycling commuters, to continue to cycle safely with minimal disruption.”

It came as the Met Police said they were reviewing the security of all 33 bridges in London.

They said in a statement: “Since the night of Sunday, June 4 we have had protective barriers installed at Westminster Bridge.

“We are in the process of having barriers installed on Waterloo Bridge and Lambeth Bridge to maintain security at these venues.

“We recognise the public is anxious about security following the terrorist attacks in London, and we want to reassure them that we are taking precautions to make the capital a safe place for people to live, work and visit.”

Barriers have already been introduced on Westminster Bridge
Alex Lentati

A spokesman added that the bridges are “designed specifically for hostile vehicle mitigation” and are being considered at locations across London.

He added the force would not be commenting further at this time.

Police, TfL, and council officials have faced serious questions over why barriers were not installed immediately after the terror attack in Westminster.

Khalid Masood killed four pedestrians and injured about 50 others on March 22 as he ploughed into people in a grey Hyundai while they walked on Westminster Bridge.

On Saturday night, London saw another vehicle-knife attack that left seven dead and 21 in critical conditions after a white van swerved down the wrong side of London Bridge, mowing down terrified pedestrians before the three attackers began stabbing passersby.

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