A new crowd protection solution with the potential to transform the way we enter large-gathering events and venues has just been launched.
Crowdgate is an innovative health protective and weapons detection solution specially designed to mitigate risks to eventgoer health and safety in major-event settings in the COVID era.
Crowdgate was developed by Manchester-based crowd protection experts Crowdguard, in response to recent rises in terrorist and aggressive, anti-social behaviour as well as the very real threat of a COVID-spreading (or superspreading) incident.
A solution which may help to turn the tide for UK venues beleaguered by lockdowns and their residual effects, Crowdgate aims to get the events industry in motion again – safely, smoothly and cost-effectively.
With pre-event health screening, Crowdgate’s bespoke, platform-based Application Programming Interface (API) asks attendees to answer health-related questions before allowing them to download their unique QR entry code. On-site, Crowdgate bio-cabins are equipped with mask dispenser, hand sanitiser dispenser with fully customisable LED screen, as well as automatic temperature-checking and facial recognition cameras. Upon completing these steps, attendees register their QR code via Crowdgate’s integrated reader, passing through a turnstile and finally, through a metal detector.
Crowdguard director Deborah Ainscough comments: “It’s crucial to our national economy and the jobs of thousands of individuals in the events industry that venues are able to access solutions which enable them to operate safely and efficiently. Crowdgate has been developed as a proactive means of protecting event attendees from the spread of COVID-19 and from weapons attacks. Because eventgoers must complete each step before proceeding to the next part of the process, Crowdgate ensures that every attendee is properly screened in an automated, controlled and contactless environment.”
A game-changing innovation
Developed in liaison with leading professionals from across diverse fields of event and crisis management, public health, crowd control and counter-terrorism, Crowdgate augments the company’s current offering, which includes its flagship product, Surface Guard Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) barrier.
Surface Guard, Crowdguard’s crash-tested IWA14 pedestrian permeable barrier, was named Physical Security Product of the Year at the Counter Terror Awards 2019 and is used in cities across the UK in the protection of crowds and pedestrianisation of city streets.
Leveraging a national geographic framework, in-house fleet of heavy lifting vehicles and highly skilled and experienced technicians, Crowdguard works with sister company Ainscough Industrial Services to ensure rapid deployment and installation, for a fast and efficient service and faultless integrity.
Deborah adds, “We are committed to providing a one-stop shop for venue and event management teams, which is why we’ve partnered with Crowd Dynamics, who work closely with us to deliver effective crowd movement, modelling, planning and management. Insights from our partners inform each bespoke Crowdguard product configuration, so that our offering and the protection provided to eventgoers represent truly comprehensive and effective solutions. This, combined with in-house deployment, installation and removal, means that the service is hassle-free and cost-effective, and we understand these two qualities are really essential for players in the events industry given the current conditions.”
Crowdgate: designed for flexibility
A fully scalable containerised health protective and weapons detection solution, Crowdgate’s surface-mounted design allows for temporary or semi-permanent use, and is ideal for events lasting a single evening or several months.
With rapid deployment, Crowdgate can be installed in diverse settings including stadia, sports grounds, exhibition centres, conference suites, outdoor marketplaces, fairgrounds, racecourses, public gardens, private estates and more.
It allows venues to satisfy new, stricter regulatory requirements related to the forthcoming ‘Martyn’s Law’, under which venues will be responsible for incident response plans and exercises, increased training and airport-style security measures. It is also a cost-effective solution, as it allows stewards to look after guests with specific needs on a case-by-case basis, as others smoothly gain entrance to the venue. As a result, fewer on-site personnel are needed to carry out screening and checks, reducing staffing and training costs.
Used together with Crowdguard’s Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) barriers, the equipment allows venues and event management teams to exercise an appropriate duty of care and operate with confidence that significant risks for crowded spaces have been mitigated, including the use of a vehicle as a weapon of attack, delivery of vehicle-borne IED, offensive weapons and in the COVID era, the threat of spreading infection.
Crowdguard products allow event attendees and staff to enjoy and work at the venue with peace of mind, in full confidence that their health and safety are being well looked after. https://youtu.be/xYYADEzFOhw
