Steel-spiked road mats which could stop attackers ploughing vehicles into large crowds are to be rolled out at major events across the capital in a new anti-terror measure.
Scotland Yard said the new equipment can stop a vehicle weighing up to 17 tonnes in its tracks, “significantly reducing” the risk to crowds.
Vehicle ramming has become a major terrorist tactic in recent years, with recent massacres in Barcelona, Westminster and London Bridge caused by attackers using cars or vans as weapons.
The new nets, called “Talon” by the Met Police, have tungsten steel spikes which puncture the tyres of any vehicle. The net then becomes tangled around the front wheels of the car or van.
The new technology was used for the first time today at the Naval Association Parade in Whitehall and the Met said it will likely become “a familiar sight” at events that attract large crowds in London.
“The net can be deployed quickly by just two officers in less than one minute and can effectively stop a vehicle up to 17 tonnes,” the Met said on Sunday.
“The speed and low manpower required for deployment means that the nets can be relocated very quickly if necessary.”
Chief Inspector Nick Staley said: “This equipment undoubtedly has the potential to save lives and is just one of a number of measures being taken to provide protection to crowds attending major events in London and reassuring businesses, workers and visitors as they go about their daily lives."
Hostile vehicle mitigation barriers have already been installed on nine bridges across the capital and on a number of other sites following London’s two terror attacks earlier this year.
