Annex C Update 6/11/2024 from Counter Terrorism Security Advisor

I want to make it clear that we would advise on ‘no access’ for either Blue Badge Holders, and any traders.

This has always been our advice from day 1 and I said as much in a recent conversation with James Gilchrist.

If however the council decides that they want to allow some ‘limited’ access for ‘specific’ vehicles then I would like to see some stringent access control measures with a protocol for the staff who are fully briefed to limit the risk as much as is possible which includes checks on ID at the entry point, a briefing to those allowed access about car key security, not allowing anyone else access to the vehicle whilst it is in the controlled area, securing the vehicle when it is parked up, park only in a designated area, and under no circumstances leaving the keys in the vehicle when it is unattended.

Those controlling the access barriers must not allow any ‘tailgating’ of vehicles, and ensure that only one vehicle is allowed in at any time.

If there are any doubts about the authenticity of either a vehicle or driver then they should be turned away and not allowed access. Managers of these staff members also need to fully understand what is expected including the CCTV operators.

I guess restricting the timing as to when such vehicles can enter does reduce the risk slightly, I would imagine that the Xmas market is still very busy between 5pm & 7pm therefore the control measures must be robustly enforced if this proposal is agreed to.

Furthermore, the council must accept that there is an increased risks to safety and security of the controlled area resulting from their decision.

We must guard against ‘mission creep’ with regards to the scheme and access.