Leicester installs security bollards across city centre

ATG Access has installed a network of security bollards across Leicester city centre under a contract with Leicester City Council, covering parts of the city's pedestrian zone.

The scheme includes locations in the Old Town, Market Square, Cultural Quarter and major shopping streets within Leicester's Pedestrian Preference Zone. It is intended to control vehicle access in some of the city's busiest public areas.

ATG Access handled the design, systems integration, installation, project management and electrical commissioning. The bollards are linked through control software to Leicester's multi-functional control room, giving the council oversight of vehicle movements across the city centre.

The project also had to account for the constraints of Leicester's historic streets. Shallow foundation technology was used to limit excavation where archaeological considerations and underground cellar structures created installation challenges.

The bollards use a modular design that allows individual units to be serviced or replaced without removing the whole system, reducing disruption and road closures during maintenance work.

The latest work extends a relationship between the supplier and Leicester City Council that spans more than 15 years. It forms part of the council's broader plan to maintain pedestrian-friendly public spaces while managing access for authorised vehicles.

Lucy Ketley, Sales and Marketing director at ATG Access, said: "As cities evolve, ensuring safe public spaces has never been more important. Leicester has an ambitious vision for its future, and we're proud to have delivered a solution that protects people while supporting the city's continued growth and regeneration.

"Successful public spaces depend on getting the balance right. Security should never come at the expense of accessibility or the character of a place. This project demonstrates how intelligent protection can support wider placemaking ambitions, creating spaces that are safe, welcoming and easy to enjoy while ensuring the city continues to operate effectively.

"We're incredibly proud to have worked alongside Leicester City Council and Leicestershire Police on a project that will help support the city's future for many years to come."

The council described the installation as a major city-centre project. It said the bollards were needed at key points to manage access to the pedestrian zone and prevent misuse of the system.

Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport at Leicester City Council, said: "Installing automatic bollards at key locations across the city centre was essential to control vehicle access into Leicester's busy pedestrian zone. This has been a major project to help us prevent abuse of the system while providing an amazing environment for shopping and leisure activities where people can feel safe."

The installation reflects a wider trend among UK local authorities to introduce integrated access control systems that enhance public safety while supporting the day-to-day operation of busy city centres.

For ATG Access, the Leicester project reinforces its long-standing role in delivering security infrastructure designed to balance protection, accessibility and urban regeneration objectives.