In recent years, urban security has taken on an increasingly central role in the management strategies of cities and sensitive places. The growing threat of terrorist attacks, the risk of road accidents and the need to protect high-traffic areas have led to the development of advanced automated passive safety solutions. Among these, traffic bollards, intrusion barriers and other protection systems are rapidly evolving to ensure a balance between safety, accessibility and urban design.

SICUREZZA 2025 will be a key event to discover the latest news from companies specialising in products, solutions and devices for the protection of residential areas and sensitive sites such as Arma Kontrol, Gi.Bi.Di, Meccanica Fadini, Ozak and Pilomat which, among others, have already confirmed their presence.

Automated road bollards

Road bollards are one of the most effective solutions for controlling access to pedestrian zones, sensitive areas and critical infrastructure. New trends see the use of automated retractable bollards, which can be activated remotely or via smart sensors. These devices are capable of recognising authorised vehicles thanks to advanced licence plate reading systems (LPR - Licence Plate Recognition) and RFID technologies. This allows rapid access to emergency or authorised vehicles, ensuring effective management of urban traffic and safety. A fundamental aspect of these systems is their integration with video surveillance and access control systems, which allow real-time monitoring of the situation in protected areas. Furthermore, their structure is designed to resist the most violent impacts, offering effective protection against any break-in attempts.

Anti-intrusion road barriers

Road barriers are essential tools to prevent unauthorised access, especially in sensitive areas such as embassies, airports and railway stations. The most innovative solutions include high-speed retractable barriers, capable of operating in less than two seconds to block approaching threats. These systems use advanced threat detection technologies, such as machine learning, to identify suspicious behaviour in real time. The materials used to build these barriers are highly resistant, combining special steels and high-density composites to ensure maximum protection against violent intrusion attempts.

Anti-terrorism protection systems

In recent years, vehicle attacks have become a major threat to urban security. Highly effective solutions are being developed to counteract these, such as reinforced light posts and planters that combine aesthetics and safety. These elements, in fact, not only protect public spaces from possible attacks, but also integrate perfectly into the urban furniture, without compromising the liveability of cities. Another interesting innovation are mobile barriers, which can be rapidly deployed during public events, allowing security to be modulated to meet the needs of the situation. In addition, kinetic energy structures are gaining popularity: These are barriers capable of absorbing and dissipating the impact of a moving vehicle, reducing the risk to pedestrians and surrounding infrastructure.

Automation and Artificial Intelligence

In this field too, automation is revolutionising the sector thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies. These systems allow every access to be monitored in real time and potential threats to be predicted through advanced predictive analysis. For example, modern bollards and barriers can communicate with control centres to activate automatically when needed, ensuring immediate responsiveness. Advanced sensors can detect abnormal movements and send alert signals, contributing to a smarter and more effective security system.

Sustainability and urban design

In addition to the safety aspect, another emerging trend concerns sustainability and attention to urban design. The most innovative solutions are developed to blend in with the city architecture and reduce environmental impact through the use of eco-friendly and recyclable materials, while energy-efficient, solar-powered security systems are becoming increasingly common.

Design also plays a key role: the new modular installations allow for easier installation and quick removal, better adapting to the needs of evolving cities.