Automobile crash: What’s safety like at Downing Street?

Downing Street is likely one of the most closely protected locations within the UK.

Barriers have been first used to forestall entry to the street in 1920 and have been periodically eliminated and reintroduced for the subsequent 69 years relying on the perceived menace degree.

However, since 1989 a safety checkpoint marked by massive black gates at both finish of Downing Street has been in place, launched amid fears of assaults by the IRA.

Following an IRA mortar assault in 1991, safety was additional tightened.

The road is consistently patrolled by armed police from the diplomatic safety group.

There can also be normally no less than one police officer stationed outdoors the door of Number 10.

To get by the gates, folks have needed to present a cross to one of many officers.

There are additionally in depth safety units and cameras on the road.

Despite the in depth safety, protests outdoors the gates are nonetheless allowed, as it’s considered as an essential a part of the UK’s democracy.

Read extra:
Man arrested after automobile hits Downing Street gates

However, full particulars of the safety measures in place round Downing Street and Number 10 haven’t been made public for safety causes.

In response to a Freedom of Information request relating to safety round Downing Street, the Metropolitan Police stated: “To disclose details of the number of officers deployed, particularly in relation to a specific site or at a specific time, would provide details of policing tactics and resources used in relation to security and protection operations.

“This would enable these with a legal or extremist intent to achieve an operational benefit over the MPS and subsequently undermine the safeguarding of National Security and compromise our legislation enforcement features.”