Cops reveal steel-spiked ‘super stinger’ road mats to stop terrorists using vehicles in attacks
Dragnets are capable of stopping a 17-tonne lorry in its tracks 'significantly reducing' risk to crowds
STEEL-spiked road mats were today unveiled by cops that could stop attackers ploughing vehicles into massive crowds in an attempt to thwart terror attacks.
The new equipment is capable of stopping a 17 tonne van in its tracks - “significantly reducing” the risk to crowds.
Scotland Yard said the mats would be rolled out at major events as vehicle ramming terror attacks become more frequent.
Recent massacres in Barcelona, Westminster and London Bridge were caused by attackers using cars or vans as weapons.
The new nets, called “Talon” by the Met Police, use tungsten steel spikes that puncture the tyres of any vehicles.
The net, which takes two minutes to unfurl, then becomes tangled around the front wheels of the vehicle bringing it to a stop.
It 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.
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."
A Met spokesman said: "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 speed and low manpower required for deployment means that the nets can be relocated very quickly if necessary.”
It comes after metal barriers were installed on London's key bridges to prevent vehicles mounting the pavement and hitting pedestrians.
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