Where’s the protection? Brits demand smarter security

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Two thirds of Brits want the government to invest in smart city measures to improve the safety and security of where they live, new research has found.

The study by ATG Access, which looks into the problems that could be solved through the adoption of smart city concepts, found that 66% of people think that pedestrians would be better protected following the implementation of smart city measures.

In particular, 39% of people said they would like to see smart barrier solutions, which respond in real time, implemented. These work by isolating affected areas when an incident, like a terror-related attack, has taken place or by shutting down areas of a town or city if there is intelligence to suggest an incident is about to occur.

And nearly a quarter (24%) of Brits would be willing to fund these smart barriers through their tax contributions.

63% of people would also like to see smart improvements to their local road systems to allow the emergency services to reach incidents faster.

Similarly more traditional security measures are still sought, with 48% wanting to see more security officials deployed to their area and 47% keen for more security cameras to be installed.

The research also found that an overwhelming 46% of Brits don’t always feel safe where they live, highlighting the need for better security measures.

Conducted as part of ATG’s ‘Smart cities: Turning the dream into a reality’ report, the study explores consumer attitudes and perceptions towards smart cities and ways to overcome current barriers to adoption in the UK.

Gavin Hepburn, Managing Director at ATG Access said: “The rise in terror attacks and violent crime within the UK has naturally led to an accompanying demand from the UK public for measures which can help to better protect them.

“While traditional security measures are still sought, we are seeing a rise in demand for smart city solutions that use real time data to respond instantly.

“Should a security issue occur in a smart city, there are numerous ways responsive smart barriers and traffic light control can minimise the associated chaos and disruption and allow better access for the emergency services.

“But while these benefits are clear, more investment is needed before we start really seeing smart cities becoming a reality.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.atgaccess.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ATG_SmartCitiesNov18.pdf

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