A RAFT of permanent anti-terror measures have been approved for York city centre after councillors heard terrorist groups are turning their attention on “soft targets” outside London.
A counter terrorism specialist told councillors at a recent meeting that nationally there is a 90 per cent chance the next UK attack would involve a vehicle used as a weapon and a 70 per cent chance of a bomb inside a vehicle.
Many cities and towns now are installing hostile vehicle mitigation measures, the meeting heard.
Shaun Tunstall, counter terrorism security advisor,said: “Having had some difficulty carrying out attacks in London, they (terrorists) are now turning towards softer targets throughout the country.”
In York, the decision means parts of the city centre will be closed to traffic, except emergency services, from 10.30am to 5pm, fixed bollards will be installed at the end of Parliament Street along with moving bollards in the city centre and at York Racecourse
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